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Adventures of Thomas Flashman #2
Flashman and the Cobra
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, 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.
This book takes him to territory familiar to readers of his nephew’s adventures, 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.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
53 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Robert Brightwell
24 books63 followersI am a firm believer in the maxim that history is stranger than fiction. There are countless times when I have come across a character or incident that has been so hard to believe that I have had to search out other sources for confirmation. Thomas Cochrane who features in my first book is one of those, his real life adventures seem ridiculously far fetched for a fictional character. The Begum of Samru from my second book is another: a fifteen-year-old nautch dancer who gained the confidence of an army, had a man literally kill himself over her and who led her soldiers with skill and courage, before becoming something of a Catholic saint.
History is full of amazing stories and in my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. Most of what I know of the Victorian era was prompted by his books. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better.
George MacDonald Fraser was an exceptional writer and he developed a character that he took from Tom Brown's School Days into a truly legendary figure. While Harry Flashman might not have been a typical Victorian, he certainly brought the period to life. For me, the Regency/Napoleonic era was one of even greater colour and extremes and so I have created a new earlier member of the family: Thomas Flashman.
There are similarities between the generations in that they both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time, often while endeavouring to avoid them. Thomas though is not exactly the same character as Harry Flashman, this is partly accidental and partly deliberate.
For example, Harry Flashman makes prolific use of the 'n' word which will never appear in my work. This is not just political correctness but reflects the different times the two fictional characters occupy. While Harry Flashman in India thrashed and abused the natives; in Thomas' time many British were in business with Indian partners or had Indian wives. The British Resident of Delhi went so far as to marry a harem of thirteen Indian women who used to parade around the city every evening on elephants.
As several reviewers have pointed out Thomas is not quite the vicious villainous rogue his nephew became, at least in the first book. But the character develops more in the subsequent books with increasing levels of skulduggery. The genius of George MacDonald Fraser was to create a spiteful bully that the reader could still relate to. I have tried to convey a character that lived in his time and who balanced cowardice, pride, lust etc with the need to bring the reader with him.
For more information, check out my website, www.robertbrightwell.com
History is full of amazing stories and in my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. Most of what I know of the Victorian era was prompted by his books. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better.
George MacDonald Fraser was an exceptional writer and he developed a character that he took from Tom Brown's School Days into a truly legendary figure. While Harry Flashman might not have been a typical Victorian, he certainly brought the period to life. For me, the Regency/Napoleonic era was one of even greater colour and extremes and so I have created a new earlier member of the family: Thomas Flashman.
There are similarities between the generations in that they both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time, often while endeavouring to avoid them. Thomas though is not exactly the same character as Harry Flashman, this is partly accidental and partly deliberate.
For example, Harry Flashman makes prolific use of the 'n' word which will never appear in my work. This is not just political correctness but reflects the different times the two fictional characters occupy. While Harry Flashman in India thrashed and abused the natives; in Thomas' time many British were in business with Indian partners or had Indian wives. The British Resident of Delhi went so far as to marry a harem of thirteen Indian women who used to parade around the city every evening on elephants.
As several reviewers have pointed out Thomas is not quite the vicious villainous rogue his nephew became, at least in the first book. But the character develops more in the subsequent books with increasing levels of skulduggery. The genius of George MacDonald Fraser was to create a spiteful bully that the reader could still relate to. I have tried to convey a character that lived in his time and who balanced cowardice, pride, lust etc with the need to bring the reader with him.
For more information, check out my website, www.robertbrightwell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 14, 2020
I am a fan of the original Flashman books by George Macdonald Fraser and just happened to see that a new author is writing a series about Harry Flashman’s uncle Thomas Flashman, so I picked one up to check it out. The conceit is the same in this case: that these are the memoirs of a rogue who happens to have been around in the Napoleonic era. This allows George Brightwell (who is writing this series, the late George Macdonald Fraser having passed away) to write entertaining little books about various campaigns from that era. This particular book starts with Thomas Flashman getting caught in up in a sexual escapade in Napoleonic Paris (complete with a dinner with the first consul himself) that leads him to take up a secret mission to India, where the Wellesley brothers are getting ready for war with the Marathas (the second anglo-Maratha war).
The book is great fun to read and readers will get a flavor of the life and times and a detailed description of 2 major battles (Assaye and Argaon) and one siege (the siege of Gawilgarh). I certainly understand the battles and the siege better than I ever did before, but unfortunately Mr Brightwell is no George Macdonald Fraser, so the book tells us little about the overall war (why it was being fought, what else was going on; for example, Lord Lake was taking Delhi at the same time as these events, but you would not know it from this book). In the case of the Flashman books, you could pretty much get the story of an entire campaign (eg the Indian mutiny is covered really well in “Flashman and the Great Game”), at least from the British point of view. This is not the case with this book. Readers will learn relatively little about the overall picture here (unless they have read other books about the topic). Still, the book taught me more about the battles he does happen to get caught up in than any summary history is likely to teach. I see that there are a couple of “Sharpe’s” books about the same war (Sharpe’s triumph and Sharpe’s fortress) and they likely cover the same battles in even greater detail, but I have not read them yet. If, like me, you have not read about these battles in any detail, then this is a good book to start. The book also introduced me to the begum of Samru, one of those extraordinary characters that inhabit India between the decline of the Mughals and the stabilization of British rule. Other notable characters who make an appearance in the book include James Skinner (the anglo-Indian adventurer who raised “Skinner’s horse”), but unfortunately none of the other Indian characters of the age get much coverage (or sympathy).
The books have the usual imperialist British rogue POV one expects from Flashman books and the author is clearly in awe of Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) and the fighting qualities of the Scottish Highlanders, but in both cases he has good reason to be a fan. The historical details are accurate as far as they go, but unfortunately lack the “big picture” view one gets in George Macdonald Fraser’s books even as he follows Harry Flashman from bedchamber to narrow (and implausible) escapes in various battles. Still, these books are very inexpensive on Kindle and audible.com and this one was certainly a fun read and very informative about the topics he does happen to cover. Worth a quick read.
By the way, the title has almost nothing to do with the book. The cobra shows up once and disappears without much ado.
The book is great fun to read and readers will get a flavor of the life and times and a detailed description of 2 major battles (Assaye and Argaon) and one siege (the siege of Gawilgarh). I certainly understand the battles and the siege better than I ever did before, but unfortunately Mr Brightwell is no George Macdonald Fraser, so the book tells us little about the overall war (why it was being fought, what else was going on; for example, Lord Lake was taking Delhi at the same time as these events, but you would not know it from this book). In the case of the Flashman books, you could pretty much get the story of an entire campaign (eg the Indian mutiny is covered really well in “Flashman and the Great Game”), at least from the British point of view. This is not the case with this book. Readers will learn relatively little about the overall picture here (unless they have read other books about the topic). Still, the book taught me more about the battles he does happen to get caught up in than any summary history is likely to teach. I see that there are a couple of “Sharpe’s” books about the same war (Sharpe’s triumph and Sharpe’s fortress) and they likely cover the same battles in even greater detail, but I have not read them yet. If, like me, you have not read about these battles in any detail, then this is a good book to start. The book also introduced me to the begum of Samru, one of those extraordinary characters that inhabit India between the decline of the Mughals and the stabilization of British rule. Other notable characters who make an appearance in the book include James Skinner (the anglo-Indian adventurer who raised “Skinner’s horse”), but unfortunately none of the other Indian characters of the age get much coverage (or sympathy).
The books have the usual imperialist British rogue POV one expects from Flashman books and the author is clearly in awe of Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) and the fighting qualities of the Scottish Highlanders, but in both cases he has good reason to be a fan. The historical details are accurate as far as they go, but unfortunately lack the “big picture” view one gets in George Macdonald Fraser’s books even as he follows Harry Flashman from bedchamber to narrow (and implausible) escapes in various battles. Still, these books are very inexpensive on Kindle and audible.com and this one was certainly a fun read and very informative about the topics he does happen to cover. Worth a quick read.
By the way, the title has almost nothing to do with the book. The cobra shows up once and disappears without much ado.
December 2, 2020
In my review of Flashman and the Seawolf I wrote that no one would ever replace the loss of George and Harry. But I was wrong.
Flashman and the Cobra is the second installment of Thomas Flashman’s memoirs to be "edited" by Mr. Brightwell. In his papers, Thomas Flashman, an early 19th century English gentleman gives us an account of his adventures (both big and small) around the world during the expansion of the British Empire. The meat of this installment concerns the 1803 war waged by the British against the Mahratti in India. In true Flashman style, his escapades begin in a trivial, almost innocent manner - with a handful of roses from the Tulleries palace garden in Paris, and then they escalate step by step.
Before you know it Thomas is voicing his rueful regrets:
Years after this complaint he explains the results of his misfortunes in Republican France:
Flashman is back!
This is the kind of writing and the roguish behavior we came to know and love from the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser. Though Uncle Thomas is more of a rascal and less of a scoundrel than nephew Harry (he shows a bit more compassion and loyalty), he informs, entertains and makes you laugh with the same endearing pultroonery as the original.
On top of the thrilling accounts of his personal adventures, Thomas provides illuminating commentary on Napoleonic France shortly after the ‘reign of terror’ and Arthur Wellesley’s Indian campaigns. Besides the Wellesleys and Napoleon he thoroughly informs us on a host of other historical folk as well as political and military occurrences that may have been lost to time for many of us.
This novel and this series is a worthy continuation of the Flashman family saga. Rejoice, and read it!
Flashman and the Cobra is the second installment of Thomas Flashman’s memoirs to be "edited" by Mr. Brightwell. In his papers, Thomas Flashman, an early 19th century English gentleman gives us an account of his adventures (both big and small) around the world during the expansion of the British Empire. The meat of this installment concerns the 1803 war waged by the British against the Mahratti in India. In true Flashman style, his escapades begin in a trivial, almost innocent manner - with a handful of roses from the Tulleries palace garden in Paris, and then they escalate step by step.
Before you know it Thomas is voicing his rueful regrets:
"Just twenty-four hours ago I had been tooling aimlessly around the palace gardens. Since then Berkeley had been arrested and I had visited the British embassy twice to secure his release, been to the ball at the Austrian embassy, met the first consul, bedded both Berkeley sisters, seen first-hand the horrors of the revolution, released Berkeley, been promised happiness and a fortune, lost happiness and a fortune, been threatened with death and disgrace... Oh, and I had also got myself embroiled back in Government business too."
Years after this complaint he explains the results of his misfortunes in Republican France:
"Your hand would be shaking too if you were being bounced from the clutches of a despotic prince to a ruthless female general, facing tigers and the insatiable Mrs Freese along the way."
Flashman is back!
This is the kind of writing and the roguish behavior we came to know and love from the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser. Though Uncle Thomas is more of a rascal and less of a scoundrel than nephew Harry (he shows a bit more compassion and loyalty), he informs, entertains and makes you laugh with the same endearing pultroonery as the original.
On top of the thrilling accounts of his personal adventures, Thomas provides illuminating commentary on Napoleonic France shortly after the ‘reign of terror’ and Arthur Wellesley’s Indian campaigns. Besides the Wellesleys and Napoleon he thoroughly informs us on a host of other historical folk as well as political and military occurrences that may have been lost to time for many of us.
This novel and this series is a worthy continuation of the Flashman family saga. Rejoice, and read it!
January 18, 2013
“Flashman and the Cobra” by Robert Brightwell is the second installment of George Flashman’s memoirs to be edited by Mr. Brightwell. Like the first, “Flashman and the Seawolf”, I found this volume captivating and very entertaining. It is an illuminating peek into Napoleonic France shortly after the ‘reign of terror’ and Arthur Wellesley’s Indian campaigns. Much like his nephew Harry (who gets a mention early on), George earns quite a reputation (some undeserved) in India where he is called to duty by the Wellesley brothers serve King and country as a political agent. In due course, Arthur Wellesley gives him a battlefield commission as Captain in a Scottish regiment of Highlanders and George finds himself trapped by his reputation. Besides the Wellesleys and Napoleon there are a host of other historical folk as well as political and military occurrences that we are thoroughly informed about and guided through with some footnotes and appendices helping to divine fact from fiction.
While I’m sure he would be the first to acknowledge George McDonald Fraser’s genius as his inspiration, in all fairness Mr. Brightwell has his own story to tell and he tells it well. I think that if you’ve enjoyed GMF’s body of work then you would not be disappointed in Mr. Brightwell’s excellent stories.
As I wrote in my review of “Flashman and the Seawolf”, I’d rather have served with George than Harry. While they both are prone to get into trouble (especially with the ladies), receive undue accolades and rake in loot, Harry never would have gone back to look for Carstairs’ body so he could bury it.
Both volumes are good reads… enjoy them!
January 19, 2024
Last year I read and greatly enjoyed "Flashman and the Seawolf" -- the first book in this series, and so this year I got around to picking up thus second one and found it equally fun. Presumably, 95% of the readers who try the "Thomas Flashman" series are, like me, a huge fan of George MacDonald Fraser's original 12-book "Flashman" series. The protagonist of this book is conceived of as the uncle of Fraser's Flashman, whose adventures mimic the latter's in certain ways. He's not quite the unprincipled coward or racist cad that his nephew is in the original series, and while he's certainly a skirt-chaser and seducer, he's not at the lecherous level of his nephew.
It's 1802 and following the events of the first book, Flashman is back in London where he becomes romantically entangled between two sisters, resulting in his need to quickly get out of town before their outraged father can hire someone to kill him. And so he embarks on a small mission that eventually morphs into him sailing to India with a secret message related to the British conflict with a federation of native rulers there. There's plenty of adventure, as he narrowly escapes hazard after hazard, being thrust into unusual company along the way, including that of Arthur Wellesley. Most notably, he is present for and plays key roles in the Battles of Assaye and Gawilghur.
Many readers of this series are likely also fans of Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" series, whose hero is also present at the same two battles in the books "Sharpe's Triumph" and "Sharpe's Fortress." Sharpe actually makes a brief unnamed cameo in this book. Although the entire enterprise has a whiff of fanfic about it, the writing is a little more assured than in the first book. The sights and sounds of India pop from the page, and there are plenty of little details that display the author's research. All in all, fun historical adventure fiction -- and I'll definitely track down the next in the series.
It's 1802 and following the events of the first book, Flashman is back in London where he becomes romantically entangled between two sisters, resulting in his need to quickly get out of town before their outraged father can hire someone to kill him. And so he embarks on a small mission that eventually morphs into him sailing to India with a secret message related to the British conflict with a federation of native rulers there. There's plenty of adventure, as he narrowly escapes hazard after hazard, being thrust into unusual company along the way, including that of Arthur Wellesley. Most notably, he is present for and plays key roles in the Battles of Assaye and Gawilghur.
Many readers of this series are likely also fans of Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" series, whose hero is also present at the same two battles in the books "Sharpe's Triumph" and "Sharpe's Fortress." Sharpe actually makes a brief unnamed cameo in this book. Although the entire enterprise has a whiff of fanfic about it, the writing is a little more assured than in the first book. The sights and sounds of India pop from the page, and there are plenty of little details that display the author's research. All in all, fun historical adventure fiction -- and I'll definitely track down the next in the series.
November 10, 2021
Brightwell is not GM Fraser (bet I am not the first to say this) but this one is a good read. India in the 1800's is a target rich environment for a writer, and it is no surprise that some of the best of the original series take place there. Uncle Thomas is not as devious and outright bad as his more famous nephew, and I find I miss the friction of being in the head of a bad guy. Also, this book and the first deal with British victories, where as the early Fraser books focused on spectacular defeats, which again loses something.
Still, this one is a good and easy read. I will plop my nickel down for more, at least until someone finds the cache of Fraser civil war Flashman tales.
Still, this one is a good and easy read. I will plop my nickel down for more, at least until someone finds the cache of Fraser civil war Flashman tales.
May 21, 2022
Another great caper with Thomas Flashman, this time in India.
I'm so happy that the Flashman saga continues (or pre-tinues) with this series of books. The history is first class, and true to the records we have. These historical reenactments bring key moments in history to life.
I have a couple of slight criticisms. I'd really like GMD style footnotes, rather than the epilogue general notes that I find in my version of this book. I also think RB can up his game on dialogue, which tends to be extremely staged.
But let that not detract from my rave review - this is great stuff, for history buffs, and fans of the original Flashman series. Long may it continue!
I'm so happy that the Flashman saga continues (or pre-tinues) with this series of books. The history is first class, and true to the records we have. These historical reenactments bring key moments in history to life.
I have a couple of slight criticisms. I'd really like GMD style footnotes, rather than the epilogue general notes that I find in my version of this book. I also think RB can up his game on dialogue, which tends to be extremely staged.
But let that not detract from my rave review - this is great stuff, for history buffs, and fans of the original Flashman series. Long may it continue!
January 11, 2023
Brightwell resurrects the fabulous* Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser, to tell stories of Harry's older uncle, Thomas Flashman. While not a cover that brings new and fascinating insights to the original material (q.v.: Sara Barielles & Stony End, Disturned and Sound of Silence, or Bananarama & Venus), it was good story, with a You Were There feel for the decisive battles of Arthur Wellesley, later Wellington, in his first sustained campaign in India in 1802-3.
* fabulous
adjective
Extremely pleasing or successful.
Barely credible; astonishing.
Of the nature of a fable or myth; legendary.
* fabulous
adjective
Extremely pleasing or successful.
Barely credible; astonishing.
Of the nature of a fable or myth; legendary.
April 26, 2023
Starts out a bit slow but about half way through starts getting much more interesting. If you've read the first few Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell you will be familiar with the events, but this book gives a different perspective, mostly from the side of the Indian warlords and their armies. Flashman is tied in with several major Mughul empire figures, as well as the fascinating but little-known Begum of Samru, a little but powerful and dynamic woman who ruled an army so effective that all the other warlords wanted to court her favor.
December 31, 2023
A real romp
...around central India...before it was, of course, India. At this time the sub-continent consisted of disparate individual states in constant friction with one another, though some owed nominal obedience to a weak Mogul Emperor. Our anti-hero gets involved in frankly impossibly dangerous situations with many historical characters and battles where he emerges with great, but unearned, credit. GMF can rest easy with this one.
...around central India...before it was, of course, India. At this time the sub-continent consisted of disparate individual states in constant friction with one another, though some owed nominal obedience to a weak Mogul Emperor. Our anti-hero gets involved in frankly impossibly dangerous situations with many historical characters and battles where he emerges with great, but unearned, credit. GMF can rest easy with this one.
September 14, 2019
This is the second of several books in a series that tells the tale of Thomas Flashman, an early 19th century English gentleman having adventures around the world during the expansion of the British Empire. Well written and an interesting look into some of the not to well known details of historical events of the time.
June 8, 2019
A very interesting and fun novel.British rule in India has always fascinated and this story gives you a good glimpse of the intricacies of that relationship. Brightwell is a talented writer and I will be buying more of his books.
May 4, 2017
Great read, great fun
Appears well researched and certainly well written extension to the Flashman narrative. Highly recommended and I'll be buying the rest of the series.
Appears well researched and certainly well written extension to the Flashman narrative. Highly recommended and I'll be buying the rest of the series.
September 28, 2017
A solid second in the second Flashman series!
August 1, 2019
Fantastic !! I'm listening to this series on audible and its loads of fun. Great story writing, plenty humour and good historical reference :)
August 10, 2020
Flash man lives on!
I am thrilled to report that the rascal lives on, with a new name and a new author but the same endearing pultroonery as the original. Rejoice, and read it!
I am thrilled to report that the rascal lives on, with a new name and a new author but the same endearing pultroonery as the original. Rejoice, and read it!
November 28, 2020
Great read start to finish
March 7, 2022
Most amusing, difficult to put down. Flashman in India and the duke of Wellington. A fun read.
November 5, 2022
Another superb read.
April 23, 2024
Lots of fun with a smattering of real history and a bit or rodgering. Definitely worth a read.
July 21, 2024
Enjoyable trip to India and cool historical people of interest
January 13, 2018
The Thomas Flashman series should have started with this book. I'm pretty sure the series would have more readers then.
This is the kind of writing, the scoundrel character we know and loath from the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser.
It's a thriling good read, entertaining and exciting and I had to laugh out aloud at more than one point.
India is the perfect setting for a Flashman, and even if Thomas is not the racist his nephew is and shows a bit more compassion and loyalty, this book and this series is a worthy continuation of the Flashman family saga and I'm happy as a clam I found it.
This is the kind of writing, the scoundrel character we know and loath from the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser.
It's a thriling good read, entertaining and exciting and I had to laugh out aloud at more than one point.
India is the perfect setting for a Flashman, and even if Thomas is not the racist his nephew is and shows a bit more compassion and loyalty, this book and this series is a worthy continuation of the Flashman family saga and I'm happy as a clam I found it.
September 2, 2014
Flashman is back, hooray.
A true hero for our times, leading from behind.
I read all of George Macdomald Fraser's. Unforgettable books about about Harry Flashman and loved every one.
I am thrilled to find Mr. bright an has taken up the editing of the Flashman family memoirs to bring up newly issued edition o the the family exploits. He has done a great job of it, too.
FLASMAN, I am glad fo have you back.
Military combat, plenty of happy romps in whatever bed is handy, treachery, humor, rueful regrets ( usually from our hero getting put into a position that required him to actually show steadfast courage, and plenty of humor. If you have never read any of the Flashman series, start. You won't regret it.
A true hero for our times, leading from behind.
I read all of George Macdomald Fraser's. Unforgettable books about about Harry Flashman and loved every one.
I am thrilled to find Mr. bright an has taken up the editing of the Flashman family memoirs to bring up newly issued edition o the the family exploits. He has done a great job of it, too.
FLASMAN, I am glad fo have you back.
Military combat, plenty of happy romps in whatever bed is handy, treachery, humor, rueful regrets ( usually from our hero getting put into a position that required him to actually show steadfast courage, and plenty of humor. If you have never read any of the Flashman series, start. You won't regret it.
February 24, 2013
Not a patch on the original Flashman series. But better than nothing if you're a fan. The Kindle edition contains grammar, spelling and the odd formatting issue but is still readable.
Modern language and idioms intrude jarringly in here and there, and some of the historical explanations have a slightly gratuitous feel to them which I never felt in the George Macdonald Fraser Flashman originals.
If I'd never read a GMF Flashman I would have thought this book was pretty good. Having read all the original Flashman series, I found it ..... better than nothing.
Modern language and idioms intrude jarringly in here and there, and some of the historical explanations have a slightly gratuitous feel to them which I never felt in the George Macdonald Fraser Flashman originals.
If I'd never read a GMF Flashman I would have thought this book was pretty good. Having read all the original Flashman series, I found it ..... better than nothing.
July 19, 2013
The second Thomas Flashman book is even better than the first! The meat of the story is about the 1803 war waged by the British against the Mahratti in India. In true Flashman style, while fleeing scorned women (and their angry father) he ends up in the thick of things. The story covers many of the events readers of the Sharpe series will be familiar with, however, we get a completely new perspective on things as more often than not Thomas is on the wrong side of enemy lines. GMF fans will not be disappointed!
March 31, 2013
The second of theThomas Flashman Papers is far better than Mister Brightwell's first effort. This time Tom Flash is in India in 1803 ending up in the Second Mahratta war with Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). Many Flashman adventures erupt worthy of his nephew Sir Harry Flashman (of George MacDonald Fraser's excellent series).
Mister Brightwell states Thomas Flashman's Papers will continue, and it can't be too soon for me.
Mister Brightwell states Thomas Flashman's Papers will continue, and it can't be too soon for me.
January 27, 2013
A worthy successor to the original series, Mr. Brightwell manages to give us a history lesson while also entertaining. His character, Thomas Flashman is certainly not the scoundrel that Harry was, but then again, he's much more human in that respect so we get a taste of what war is like through the eyes of a normal human.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
July 1, 2015
A little formulaic, but an enjoyable romp for Flashman fans. But that title: really, what cobra? The Cobra is supposed to be this invincible spymaster and assassin, but he is the least of Thomas Flashman's problems in this book and is really a very, very minor character. He is discussed once and steps into view for about one page later on. How did he get onto the title page?
August 10, 2014
It's fun, but it's like a cross between Flashman and Sharpe. Not quite racy or caddish enough for Flashy, not quite serious enough for Sharpe. But still, exciting, with a pleasingly unusual setting. I will doubtless read more.
March 3, 2014
Excellent story
this book is true to the quality established by Fraser. An excellent historical fiction novel with humor and adventure. Good reading!
this book is true to the quality established by Fraser. An excellent historical fiction novel with humor and adventure. Good reading!
August 11, 2014
Not Harry and not GMF...and not bad at all. Fraser is impossible to replace but Mr. Brightwell gives it a go and does himself proud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews