Flashman and the Cobra

Adventures of Thomas Flashman

By: Robert Brightwell

Narrated by: Henry Clore Harrison

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is the second instalment in the life story of Thomas Flashman, the uncle of the notorious Victorian rogue Harry Flashman, whose memoirs have already been published; edited by George MacDonald Fraser.

Thomas shares many of the family traits, particularly the ability to find himself reluctantly at the sharp end of many major events of his age. This book takes him to territory familiar to readers of his nephew's adventures in India, during the second Mahratta war. It also includes an illuminating visit to Paris during the Peace of Amiens in 1802.

As you might expect, Flashman is embroiled in treachery and scandal from the outset and, despite his very best endeavours, is often in the thick of the action. He intrigues with generals, warlords, fearless warriors, nomadic bandit tribes, highland soldiers and not least - a four-foot-tall former Nautch dancer, who led the only Mahratta troops to leave the battlefield of Assaye in good order.

Flashman, gives an illuminating account with a unique perspective. It details feats of incredible courage, (not his, obviously), reckless folly, and sheer good luck that were to change the future of India and the career of a general who would later win a war in Europe.

©2012 Robert Brightwell (P)2017 Henlow Publishing Limited

Echoes of George MacDonald Fraser

I love the Flashman novels by George MacDonald Fraser. When Fraser died I simultaneously hoped for and dreaded someone taking up his his mantle and writing about Sir Harry or one of his forebears or descendants. I say hoped for because a good Flashman novel is a wondrous thing; I say dreaded because I feared it would be a horrible mashup.

I don't know whether Robert Brighwell is in good standing with Fraser's estate, but I certainly hope so, for I found this book a ripping, brilliant read-- or, I should say, listen. It's every bit as good, IMO, as the first Harry Flashman novel, which is my favorite, and reader Henry Clore Harrison has a delightful accent and is easy on the ears.

Thomas displays the family traits of a gift with languages, a way with the ladies, and blackguardedness, but seems considerably nicer than Harry. I find this fortunate, for if Harry had been much worse he would have been strapped across the mouth of a cannon and shot (as he indeed almost was), and too sweet a character wouldn't make for a good read. Thomas is his own man and not Harry's clone, which is as it should be, but if you turned him down and shook him hard, Harry might fall out, which is also as it should be.

I'm disappointed the third book in the series is not yet available in audio and astonished Brightwell hasn't caught the interest of the big publishing houses. I'll buy the other books in the series when they're available in audio, but I'm not going to wait-- I'm going to read the rest of Brightwell's Flashman books, starting immediately.

As an aside, I bought only one of Fraser's Flashman books. I was not entranced with the narrator, who sounds as if he were Harry in his 80s, recounting his adventures.

Gave Me Chills

What made the experience of listening to Flashman and the Cobra the most enjoyable?

I'm a fan... trending toward superfan. I got chills on multiple occasions while listening to "Flashman and the Cobra". I felt like I was there at the Battle of Assaye, storming the fortress of Gawilghur, or experiencing Flashman's revelation about Solomon / Salame.Robert Brightwell not only knows how to tell a tale, but also knows how to make the little things pay off. He does his homework, crafting a big story of big historical events while keeping the details that ground it in reality and make it believable and relatable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thomas himself, of course, but the Begum of Samru and Freddy Carstairs will always stay with me, along with the fierce warriors of the rajput.

What about Henry Clore Harrison’s performance did you like?

Mr. Harrison did an excellent job throughout, including recreating accents without descending into mockery. He has a different tone than David Case (who narrates the Flashman Chronicles), but it has a similar comfortable flavor.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Flashman.Scoundrel. Hero.

Any additional comments?

Can't recommend it highly enough, both the performance and the story. Fraser would be very, very proud of Mr. Brightwell's work.

Long live Thomas Flashman

The Flashman family seems to produce characters who are less than respectable. Cads and scoundrels, actually. You may not like the main characters at first, but in a short time you'll become addicted to their stories.

What will keep you hooked is not just the historical facts and events, but how anybody could scrape through one disaster after another.

Here's hopping that Robert Brightwell and Henry Clore Harrison have a long and productive future with this Flashman series.

My only complaint? That the books aren't twice as long.

Poor narrator spoils the story completely

Accent, pace, intonation all dreadful, I’m afraid. The narrator’s performance is stilted with no use of contractions at all. The attempts at various accents are comically bad. The story is not a bad imitation of the excellent originals.

Very Enjoyable Read

Excellent story line and strong performance from the narrator. Enjoyed this as much as the first book. I highly recommend.

Almost As Good As GMF

I enjoyed the first Thomas Flashman book though the narrator sounded more like he was reading the book to me rather than performing the book. This book, Henry Clore Harrison is starting to feel the character of Thomas Flashman and made this book more enjoyable to listen too. I am excited to hear the rest of the Thomas Flashman books now!

Not GMD

Narrator doesn't have the range of David Case or Simon Vance. storyline seems like a cheap spinoff. utter rubbish

Thomas Flashman is a welcome hero

What made the experience of listening to Flashman and the Cobra the most enjoyable?

You can say alot about Thomas but boring isn't one of them. It is true that the Gods must have a sense of humor. I have enjoyed both of his books and look forward to the next

What other book might you compare Flashman and the Cobra to and why?

I have read may books with different types of heroes but Flashie is a very reluctant one who seems to get thru.No books can compare

Have you listened to any of Henry Clore Harrison’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Mr Harrison has a very professional performance and both of his books I have listened to were excellant and look forward to many more

If you could take any character from Flashman and the Cobra out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Without a doubt it would be Thomas he is a most interesting fellow

Any additional comments?

I hope that Mr Brightwell will keep these books coming We have enjoyed them

Not the original but maybe better

I had read all the original Flashman books and do love them. I wasn’t sure that the adventures of his uncle would be as good. This book may be better. Like the original, Flashman meets all the known characters and adventures from history. But, this one isn’t quite as cowardly and base. If you like history, humor and a fast paced yarn this may be the book for you.

Fantastic !!

I listened to the the audible book and really enjoyed it. First class adventure, cheeky situations and amazing characters. Well written and great narration. Can’t wait for the next book.

great listen

nice to here a perspective on a sorry most history books don't cover. how people can be a hero with out being brave

Not Harry but will serve

While this is not the original GMF Harry Flashman, this will do! Fascinating history and storytelling.

superb

brilliant book. gripping. full of accurate fascinating history and great fun to listen to. All these Thomas Flashman books are a great pleasure to hear and teach us 19th century history without any effort on our part

another enjoyable story

another cracking story you will have to put the others on audible ,keep up the good work