Flashman and the Seawolf

Adventures of Thomas Flashman

By: Robert Brightwell

Narrated by: Henry Clore Harrison

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

New improved recording uploaded April 2020

Following the popularity of the memoirs of Harry Flashman, the Victorian scoundrel who got himself embroiled in many events of his age, this book introduces a new generation of the family: Thomas Flashman, whose career covers the Napoleonic and Georgian era.

This first book covers his adventures with Thomas Cochrane, one of the most extraordinary naval commanders of all time. From the brothels and gambling dens of London, through political intrigues and espionage, the action moves to the Mediterranean and the real life character of Thomas Cochrane.

This book covers the start of Cochrane's career including the most astounding single ship action of the Napoleonic war. Thomas Flashman provides a unique insight as danger stalks him like a persistent bailiff through a series of adventures that prove history really is stranger than fiction.

This is the first in a series of books stretching from 1800 to the late 1830’s, all firmly based on historical fact and often less well known but extraordinary characters and events.

©2012 Robert Brightwell (P)2016 Henlow Publishing Limited

very well told story

if you like a book with a good plot, adventure and a bit of humour this is the serries for you.

Prequel to Harry Flashman Series

This novel is the first in the Thomas Flashman series. This series is, chronologically, a prequel to the series by George MacDonald Fraser featuring the Victorian scoundrel and rogue Harry Flashman, nephew of Thomas. I loved the original Flashman series and this is a nice follow-up. I strongly recommend it to Flashman fans and to new readers.

However, Thomas is a relatively pale reflection of his nephew -- not nearly as much of a scoundrel and rouge. Thomas is more politically correct than Harry, which is not hard since Harry may be the least politically correct character in all of modern fiction. For example, while Thomas likes chasing the ladies and is a frequent visitor to brothels and bordellos, he draws the line, unlike Harry, at coercion and sexual assault.

This series is more like a cross between the original Flashman series and the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. Thomas Flashman is pleasantly and plausible cowardly, self-interested, lewd, and licentious but he is fundamentally a positive character.

What this series has in common with the original Flashman series is its careful attention to historical accuracy. It is a wonderful way to learn history.

History (almost) with a comic flair

The hero alternately romps and staggers through a series of loosely historical events, surrounded by characters from the British government and Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. The book is not always humorous, as the scenes describing Algerian prisons and torture methods bring a shudder. The women in the story are there only to titllate; Thomas Flashmen lives in a world of brothels full of beautiful women who are happy in their work, and their caring, doting employers. Other than the few pointless brothel scenes, it is good storytelling.

truly excellent!

very informative, well researched, and entertaining ! I look forward to the other books in the series

A Fun Adventure

I really liked the author's dry wit. The narrator does a great job. I look forward to other books in this series.

should be made into a movie better than Indiana Jo

Can't wait to hear the next book brilliant you must put this on when you are out walking you will walk for miles

Great Historical Novel

George MacDonald Fraser wrote the original Flashman series about the Victorian Harry Flashman. This is a spin-off about Thomas Flashman whose career covered the Napoleonic era. The spin-off is written by Robert Brightwell. This is a historical novel. The protagonist is placed in a historical situation that includes the real people. One of the most famous was Admiral Thomas Cochrane (1789-1872) 10th Earl of DunDonald. Captain Cochrane was a daring Royal Navy officer in the Napoleonic War. Napoleon called him “Le Loup de Mers”.

Thomas Flashman is the uncle of Harry Flashman. Thomas is a spy courier and is to take forged letters to Spain to trick the Spanish Fleet to leave the Cadiz Harbor. The ship that is to take him is the HMS Speedy captained by Thomas Cochrane.

The book is well written and full of historical details. The story is full of action and suspense. Brightwell is a good storyteller and, in my opinion, he would have been better off having this book stand on its own instead of a Flashman spin-off.

The book is eight hours long. Henry Clove Harrison does a good job narrating the book. This is my first experience with Harrison as a narrator and the author Brightwell.

Better than his nephew

Any additional comments?

This has the great interest of good historical fiction without the extreme loutishness characteristic of George MacDonald Fraser's earlier "Flashman" novels. I can't wait for the next one to be voiced.

Fun and different

If you like Hornblower, Aubrey, Lewry, Sharpe, etc then you will like this book. These stories are told in a much different manner which was a welcome surprise. Many thanks to the author for allowing me to continue listening and enjoying this genre.

Exciting read on Naval warfare

How exciting to have discovered Thomas Flashman's memoirs on a well known auction website!  And how grateful to Robert Birghtwell's due diligence in the historical research and comparisons to ensure authenticity that enables him to take these memoirs and create this wonderful nautical historical series..
The first book in the series: Flashman and the Seawolf, is a gripping, courageous and often times down right insane and laughable read.  As exciting, in my opinion, as Cecil Louis Troughton Smith's  (C.S. Forester) fine tales of Naval warfare.  An excellent read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.