The Generals

Revolution Quartet #2

by Simon Scarrow

THE GENERALS is the compelling second novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Wellington and Napoleon quartet. A must read for fans of Robert Harris.

In the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution Napoleon Bonaparte stands accused of treachery and corruption. His reputation is saved by his skill in leading his men to victory in Italy and Egypt. But then he must restore order in France and find peace or victory over her enemies: England - and Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington).
Wellesley is leading a vast army in India, where British interests are under threat. The campaign will result in the creation of the Raj - the jewel in the British Empire's crown. Wellesley returns to England a hardened veteran and more determined than ever to end France's domination of Europe.
Both Wellesley and Napoleon intend to win - whatever the cost. Who will ultimately succeed?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, War, Audiobook, Military Fiction, France

Audio

First published May 31, 2007

About the author

Simon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.

He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.

Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I was a child I have read everything I could find about Lord Wellington and Napoleon. I must admit that when I was younger it was Napoleon I read the most about. I was so happy when I came across Simon Scarrow’s series called Wellington and Napoleon. This is the second book in his historical fiction series.

The book begins in 1796. Arthur Wellesley (Lord Wellington) has been sent to India as Commander of the 33rd Regiment of Foot. Wellesley displays his skill and bravery that launches his movement up the ranks. Another excellent historical fiction series about Wellesley in India and fighting Napoleon in Europe is “Sharp” by Bernard Cornwell.

Scarrow opens the first section on Napoleon with his saving the seat of government from rebelling Royalist. Then they appoint Napoleon as Commander of the Army in Italy and then the Army of Egypt. He then returns to France to begin his rise to power. The sections alternate between the two men.

The book is well written and meticulously researched. Scarrow blends and weaves his story into the history of the two men and brings history to life. Scarrow writes excellent a battle scene that makes me feel as if I am right in the middle of the battle. There is so much written about both men but it is a delight to read this historical novel. If you are interested in either or both men and the Napoleonic War, this is a book for you. This is a fairly long book at about 21 hours.

Jonathan Keeble does a good job narrating the book. Keeble is a voice-over artist and audiobook narrator. Keeble narrating this first book in the series.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2007, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Wellington & Napoleon" quertet of books.

This book starts off in the year AD 1796, and Arthur Wellesley (later of course Wellington) heading for India with the 33rd Regiment of Foot, where his skill and bravery will get noticed by his superiors, while Napoleon's role as Commander of the Army of Italy will lead him to success and political progress.

With both men fulfilling their promise as military leaders, Napoleon will get his big chance in AD 1804 and declare himself Emperor, and his wish is to conquer the rest of Europe.

For Wellesley 9 Wellington) returned from India with laurels, the time has come to challenge Napoleon and see who will become the victor in the end.

What is to follow is an amazing encounter of two great men, especially in the military way, and so far their achievements and subsequent victories highlighted in this great tale that is told by the author in a most splendid fashion.

Highly recommended, for this is a marvellous addition to this wonderful 4 part series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Wellington & Napoleon Sequel"!

[Edward Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid continuation of the Wellington and Napoleon series. Scarrow paints 18th/19th century lives brilliantly and his depictions of the charismatic Napoleon and the stalwart Arthur Wesley are exciting to read.

[Juliano Dutra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75. The author did a great job giving more "screen time"to Wellington. But it becomes increasingly difficult to draw the parallels between an English nobleman becoming a general and a "Half-Frenchman" becoming Emperor of France shortly after the fall of the bastille.

But the great problem with the book, in my opinion, is that the author was unable to bring a good Historical Romance narrative, since he ended up stuffing the book with repetitive minutiae of the 18/19th century warfare. The only part the author tried to romanticize was the well-known extramarital affair of Josephine's - however, it was done in the easiest, boring way, which is to utter double-meaning phrases that only Napoleon did not understand...

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Siguen los paralelos divergentes.-

Género. Novela histórica.

Lo que nos cuenta. A mediados del año 1795 se van dando las circunstancias para que, en el seno de las Guerras Revolucionarias Francesas, el joven general de brigada Bonaparte termine al frente del ejército que operará en Italia y cuyo desempeño le permitirá situarse en el plano político. Mientras tanto, Arthur Wellesly es destinado a dirigir un regimiento en la India, donde el Imperio Británico desea continuar su expansión. Segundo volumen de la serie Napoleón vs. Wellington.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Redfox5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows on where 'Young Bloods' left off. Wellington has much more action and excitment than in the last book but unfortunately still falls short of whats happening in Napoleon's life and I enjoyed the latters chapters much more. This book was also lacking in the more personal touch, there are lots of battles. I know this happened and their were lots of battles but there are only so many times the same thing happening can keep my interest. I found most of the battle scenes dull. I was also dissapointed we didn't get to see Pauline's reaction when she learned Napoleon had left her and returned to France. I'm also suprised at how much of a walkover Napoleon is when it comes to his wife! I don't have the other two books in the Quartet and I'm not going to make any effort to acquire them but I would read them if they happened to come my way.

[Federico O'Phelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

El libro me ha encantado. Las descripciones de las batallas realmente buenas y el ritmo narrativo en la línea del primero. La quinta estrella no se la doy por el empeño del autor en resaltar los presuntos defectos de un personaje y las virtudes y bondades de otro, quedando en una especie de binomio entre el bien y el mal. Siendo el autor británico nada que extrañar.

[Javier Casado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro que está bien, pero algo irregular. 3,5 estrellitas.

El principal problema, yo creo, es haber tratado esto como una tetralogía. Y no solo una tetralogía, que ya es mucho, sino una tetralogía de libros "gordos". Creo que el relato global habría ganado condensando un poco.

Tras el volumen anterior sobre la infancia y primera juventud de Napoleón y Wellington, aquí ya tenemos a ambos empezando a ejercer sus primeros trabajos en el ejército. Napoleón, empezando como oficial de artillería, iniciará una carrera meteórica impulsada por su empuje y ambición, unidos a una cierta osadía a veces rayana en la temeridad que le sale bien. Arthur Wesley, ahora Wellesley (a su familia les gustaba más y se lo cambian; cosas de la alta sociedad), y en el futuro duque Wellington, por su parte, sigue una evolución mucho más pausada en su carrera, aunque con la ayuda de su hermano (en las altas esferas) y gracias a las dotes demostradas en su campaña en la India, también terminará ascendiendo en el escalafón.

El libro empieza bien, sobre todo en la parte francesa, por todo lo relacionado con la revolución, que da mucho jugo. Pero tras el primer tercio, todo empieza a ralentizarse un poco. Se lee bien, pero como decía al principio, creo que a esta tetralogía le sobran bastantes páginas.

Éste es un libro con muchas batallas, narradas de forma... aceptable, aunque algo confusa, me da la impresión: la edición no incorpora mapas auxiliares, y Scarrow no consigue recrear fácilmente el orden de batalla en la mente del lector; otros autores (Posteguillo me viene de inmediato a la mente) son mucho más hábiles consiguiéndolo.

Poco más que añadir. En este volumen, Napoleón empezará como oficial de artillería y terminará como cónsul vitalicio de Francia. Por el camino, se habrá casado con Josefina y habrá tenido campañas en Italia, Egipto, Austria... además de moverse políticamente para terminar como dictador en lo que era una república popular. En cuanto a Wesley-Wellesley-Wellington, pasará de los salones británicos a las junglas de la India, donde por fin hará despegar su carrera militar terminando de consolidar la presencia británica en el subcontinente. Al final del volumen, tenemos a un Napoleón listo para ser coronado como emperador, y a un Wellesley que retorna a Inglaterra como general, dispuesto a enfrentarse a los franceses en los campos de batalla europeos.

Interesante. Por supuesto, seguiré con la serie.

[Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito bem escrito, tal como nos habituou. A pesquisa, como sempre, impecável. Mantém a magia. Adorei. Obrigado, Simon.

[Michał Hołda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel to four books of Napoleonic period in good detail with fluent plot. Narrates times from Napoleon being Captain, then General and later as First Consul for Life.

Battle of Arcole , field on which Napoleon lost way to many man and by quirk of fate bullet destined to kill him, didn’t touched him. It’s reminding me of Charles XII of Sweden and his several dodges of bullets. However Napoleon did not stopped after that grieve battle and invaded Egypt since he couldn’t spoil England. And also he thought that since Paris is such dynamic, horizon changing state, then perhaps it’s better to stay away from it for now.

So when French attacked Acre, Turkish and British forces stopped them on the walls. That have forced Napoleon to live for France.

Then armed forces of republic crossed the Alps in May 1800th, covered still in snow. Jet his army defeated Austrians in battle of Marengo, losing his friend and reason of winning, General Louis Desaix.

On the other hand, Arthur Wellesley was engaged in winning Siege of Seringaptam in India, year before Napoleon faced the Alps. But he became ill with “Malabar Itch”, painful skin infection and was spending time reading and writing letters to Kitty, each and every day of recovery.
Napoleon was solder of vast impact effect, fighting through all Europe for revolutionary democracy of new French order. While Arthur Wellesley was on duty with 33th regiment, who has been reasonable warrior.

Both of these man had to live their ladies of heart away from fight and away from themselves, however Napoleon's love had more subjects.

[Sonja Gieren · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥁⚔️Rezensionsexemplar⚔️🥁
(unbezahlte Werbung)
-Bloggerportal Randomhouse -

⚔️🥁🇨🇵Ketten und Macht 🇨🇵🥁⚔️
-Die Napoleon Saga 2-
-1795 bis 1803-

Autor: Simon Scarrow
Übersetzer: Fred Kinzel
Verlag: Heyne
Preis: 11,99€, Taschenbuch
Seiten: 832 Seiten
ISBN: 9783453471719
Erscheinungsdatum: 9. März 2020

5 Von 5 Sternen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵
Inhaltsangabe:
Entnommen von: www.randomhouse.de
Im Chaos, das die Französische Revolution hinterlässt, wird Napoleon des Verrats angeklagt. Um seine Reputation zu retten, begibt der große Feldherr sich auf Kriegszüge nach Italien und Ägypten. Während Napoleon sich in zahlreichen blutigen Schlachten verliert, schickt England sich an, unter der Führung Wellingtons das mächtige Frankreich zu unterwerfen. Die beiden großen Schlachtenlenker Napoleon und Wellington stehen sich als erbitterte Feinde gegenüber in einem Kampf, der die Grundfesten der Weltgeschichte erschüttert ...
⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️����🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵⚔️🥁🇨🇵
Meine Meinung:
Hallo ihr Süßen💕
Die Napoleon Saga von Simon Scarrow, hatte mich mit Band eins absolut in seinen Bann gezogen und ich konnte gar nicht genug davon bekommen. Jedoch hatte mir bei Band eins die Menschlichkeit gefehlt, die Einzigartigkeit der Protagonisten. Jeder hatte zwar seine Geschichte, doch hier in Band 2 wurde das was mir gefehlt hat um längen übertroffen! "Ketten und Macht", die Schlacht der Generäle, ist gleichzeitig auch die Schlacht um die Menschlichkeit, um Emotionen, Gefühle und Werte. Es ist ein starker zweite Band und entführt in eine Welt, die wir uns kaum noch vorstellen können. Dieses Buch erzählt so nah und unerscrocken, daß man das Gefühl hat dabei zu sein. Waren Napoleon und Arthur in Band 1 noch zum größten Teil Kinder und unerfahrene junge Männer so sind sie hier vieles mehr. Jeder dieser "großen" Männer, ist mir sehr vertraut vorgekommen und man lernt diese lieben und gleichzeitig hat man im Hinterkopf was passieren wird. Denn aus Freunden werden Rivalen und wie es geendet ist, weiß heute zu Tage jeder. Doch die Protagonisten dieser Bücher wissen nichts von ihrem Schicksal und das macht das lesen zu einer Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle. Einfach nur der Hammer! Grandios. Lieben Gruß Sonja/Shaaniel

[Isaac McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories for both men in interesting stages in their lives, but The Generals fails to earn its fifth star because Napoleon's side is just so much grander and filled with more excitement, romance, and intrigue throughout these years. Not Scarrow's fault at all, he does admirably with Wellington's struggles in India, but any dual-narrative in a book fails a little when you're slightly disappointed if the other pops up when you turn the page.

[Christian Klejmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieser Roman ist der Zweite in der Napoleon-Reihe und beschreibt auf der einen Seite Napoleons Aufstieg zum ersten Konsul Frankreichs auf Lebenszeit und dem Aufstieg Wellingtons in Indien. Wieder spannend erzählt und mit einer bildgewaltigen Sprache beschrieben, das ich immer erfahren wollte, wie es weiter geht. Ich freue mich schon auf den dritten Teil!

[Daniel Romero]

Scarrow, escribiendo de los dos mejores generales que han existido, aquellos capaces de tener ingenio para ser los primeros entre los mejores estrategas militares.

[Pulcinella · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10.

Traducción pésima.

[Hendrik Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der Kampf geht weiter. Teil 2 der Geschichte von Napoleon und Wellesley. Während sich Napoleon in Italien und Ägypten durchschlägt, treibt er Wellesley nach Indien.
Gute Historiengeschichte, manchmal wohl etwas dramatisiert und in die Länge gezogen. Aber gut, um Geschichtskenntnisse aufzufrischen. Definitiv empfehlenswert.

[Amarpal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good coverage of 1796-1803 and both men rising up the ranks.

[Thomas Land · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars /
85%

Another exceptionally well researched novel covering the years in which Napoleon seemed to be getting a little large for his boots and Arthur Wellesley just trying to make his way to becoming something in the violent world of the colonial late 1790s. I know it is based on history, and for a good story, specific events have to be chosen to be told, or omitted, but I did find myself wanting more of Wellesley's story. Maybe because I know more of Napoleon's story and am not as aware of the other side of the story - but very much looking forwards to book 3.

A lot of set up and foundation building for future events, but a seamless writing style from hard fact to historical fiction. Extremely well researched and extremely well told.

[Giovanni Faga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il Generale è il secondo volume della Revolution Saga.
La breve opinione che segue riguarda i primi due volumi:
La battaglia dei due regni
Il Generale

Come avrebbe fatto Napoleone, iniziamo subito a mettere dei paletti: La Revolution Saga è una serie di quattro volumi piuttosto corposi che narrano le gesta di Napoleone Bonaparte e Arthur Wellesley (il Duca di Wellington). "Narrano le gesta" vuol dire dalla nascita fino a Waterloo, ovvero stiamo girando attorno alla Rivoluzione Francese (anno più, anno meno). I paletti li mettiamo perchè sono quattro romanzi storici, dove con "storici" si intende la narrazione di eventi realmente accaduti e con "romanzo" si intende che Simon Scarrow avrebbe ucciso anche un monaco buddista se non avesse trasformato le vicende storiche in avvincenti avventure.
E già, perchè lo devo ammettere: i romanzi sono davvero avvincenti. Però se non avete idea di cosa sto dicendo o se pensate che la vita di Napoleone sia meno affascinante di quella di vostro zio (quello che viene solo a Natale) direi che dovreste stare alla larga da Scarrow.

Detto questo, vi dico cosa ne penso dei primi due volumi.
Simon Scarrow non è, nella maniera più categorica, Johnatan Franzen. Non è neanche Dave Eggers, per dire, o Philip Roth. Lo stile è scarno e diretto, la storia procede per eventi e la costruzione dei personaggi avviene utilizzando (devo dire in maniera sapiente) piccoli momenti storici distribuiti lungo le macro-storie, che definiscono il carattere e la tempra di Bonaparte e Wellesley. Come lettore, sono stato conquistato dalle vite dei due protagonisti, da ciò che accade loro intorno e dall'abilità di Scarrow di incastrare Storia e romanzo. In questo, l'autore è bravo. Non ci si annoia, le vicende si susseguono rapide e lo stupore di scoprire l'infanzia e la giovinezza di due personaggi di tale statura lascia un senso di meraviglia.
Non aspettatevi introspezione, sfumatura delle passioni, emotività raccolta in gomitoli di incomprensione... No. Scarrow taglia molto corto e racconta vicende umane, ma lo fa guardandole da una certa distanza (quasi sempre, a volte prova ad avvicinarsi). Sono pur sempre quattro libri, e nei primi due si va dalla nascita (1769) fino alla Campagna di Egitto/India (1800).

Scarrow, come è ovvio, dedica particolare attenzione ad alcuni aspetti della vita militare e dell'addestramento di Napoleone come artigliere. Vengo descritte molto bene alcune battaglie (l'assedio di Tolone, ad esempio) ed emerge con forza il genio militare di Napoleone, la sua irruenza e determinazione. Nel corso di due volumi ci appassioniamo alla vita di entrambi i protagonisti, e con loro viviamo la profonda trasformazione dell'Europa post-rivoluzione francese.
Insomma, sono partito scettico e adesso sono già al terzo volume.
Io ve lo consiglio, anche solo perchè Napoleone e Wellington a un certo punto se le daranno di santa ragione, e io non vedo l'ora.

[Steve Smy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, this is not a book review. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by the Napoleonic Era. It seemed logical, therefore, for me to read this series of books by Scarrow, Simon, which is about two of the most important figures of that time - Napoleon and Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). It was with some surprise, then, that I found myself being drawn more into Wellesley's history in India.

I confess that my knowledge of Wellesley's early years is sadly lacking. I was amazed to discover that this conservative, naturally arrogant, man had a conscience unlike most of his class. He deplored the abuse of the native Indian population by British officers and soldiers, and was forever looking for ways in which the lot of the people could be improved. Of course, this was partly because he recognised the danger of a general uprising - uncounted millions of Indians against a handful of British. It is clear, however, that he also had a moral conscience which drove him to genuinely try to make life better for the common people of India. He believed in Justice, above all else. When he was finally in a position to do so, he introduced new laws and procedures, whereby the beatings and killings of Indians by their British overlords would no longer go unpunished.

A blend of fact and fiction, superbly crafted so that it becomes impossible to tell which is which, these books are worth reading!

[Sarah Foxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Scarrow's series documenting the lives of Napoleon and Wellington side by side. This deals with them as young men, after their first tastes of battle as they struggle to climb their way up the ranks. Although not as enthralling as the first book it is still an excellent read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with an interest in this period of history.

[Edmund · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content was interesting but at 626 pages I found it overlong. I was skipping pages towards the end just to be able to finish the book. The battle scenes were too detailed.

I had read the preceding book "Young Bloods" and hoped the second would be more interesting.

I have the 3rd and 4th books in the series but won't be rushing to read them any time soon.

[Jean E · Rating 2 out of 5]

A VERY liberal take on history but entertaining nonetheless.

[Laurence · Rating 5 out of 5]

To convincingly tell the story of these two giants of history is quite a feat. On to part three.

[Samuel Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who like reading historical fiction would most likely have read some books set during the Napoleonic Wars. This was a well-documented conflict that swung from one side to the other and had some epic battles. Plus you have probably read Bernard Cornwell’s excellent ‘Sharpe’ series of books. Although a seminal series of books, ‘Sharpe’ was told from the British point of view and one from a foot soldier, no matter how far he climbed. There is a lot more to explore about The Napoleonic Wars, before, during and after they were fought. Simon Scarrow decided to take on this task in his ‘Wellington and Napoleon’ Series that explored these two great men from their early years, until their end.

Book 2 in the series is ‘The Generals’ and sees both men rise; one to become an Emperor, the other a great General. After the success of the revolution Napoleon sees a chance to build upon his reputation by quashing the various Royalist uprisings, his quick thinking sets him on the road to politics and glory. Meanwhile, Wellington is still a younger son in a dynasty that is moving away from him. He is forced to prove himself is the more backwater countries of the Empire, but his role in India will mark him as a rising star. Two different Generals advancing at different paces, but both on a collision course.

Following two men from adolescent into being experienced Generals is a great idea and Scarrow attacks it with aplomb. I know a little about the Wars between France and Britain, but have to admit to not knowing what happened before. Both Generals had a lot of interesting adventures before Waterloo was even imagined. Most of ‘The Generals’ is set during a period of peace between the two countries and war was fought via proxy. Therefore, there are no direct conflicts between the two, but the battles in Italy, Egypt and India resonate across the continents.

As a piece of history, ‘The Generals’ is very interesting, I learned a lot about of a period of history that was new to me. The issue was that there was too much to learn. Scarrow’s series of books are written over 4 novels of impressive size, but I still felt that this book was rushed. To really appreciate how Napoleon and Wellington learned their trade, a longer series of books was needed. This book is packed with battles, sieges, victories and defeats – too many. Sometimes it feels like a whistle-stop tour of destruction. When the battles do occur they are very well written, it is just that you can never settle into a conflict before you move on again.

It is as if you are being dragged through history by the hand of the Ghost of General’s Past, whisking you overhead. If the speed had been chosen to improve the narrative, it could have been forgiven, but there is little story. Both men are ambitious and the story is mostly about how they inevitably rose to power. I did not get the sense that there was any other story apart from this; a little token fictional elements could have made it a slightly more entertaining read. It also felt that the book was a little White Hat/Black Hat. Napoleon the ambition and cruel leader, whilst Wellington refuses to allow his men to indulge their base interests. This may have been true, but it is painted a little cleanly here.

‘The Generals’ is an odd book as it is a flawed piece of fiction, but still an entertaining read. It is not a story as you would normally see, but more of a narrification of history. Scarrow has taken the real battles that the two men fought in and built a story around them. This story is the weakest element of the book, but the history and battles means that it is still worth reading, especially for those that lean on the side of history over fiction in the historic fiction genre.

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of the series covers the years 1795 - 1803. It is the time for both Napoleon and Wellesley are advancing their career.

Arthur Wellesley has been sent to India. In this part of the world he finds the opportunity to prove his value. He learns the language of the locals and understands the potential that Britain has in the area. At the same time he grasps the differences between India and Europe and does not consider the locals inferior, a behaviour that was common among the rest of Europeans. As a result of these, he changes vital parts of the military campaigning, such as their supplying method. These changes, in combination with the training and discipline that the British army has, makes them absolutely successful. In the meanwhile, his brother Richard is appointed General Governor of India and the two of them establish the British rule on this part of the world. By 1803, it is time for Arthur to return to Europe!

On the other hand, Scarrow opens the first section on Napoleon with his saving the seat of government from rebelling Royalist. This establishes Napoleon as a hero in the eyes of the people. He is appointed as Commander of the Army in Italy and then the Army of Egypt. In Egypt things are not going very well, but in the meanwhile in Europe the rest of the French Army is doing worse, so he leaves under secret and returns to France to begin his rise to power. By 1803, he has become Emperor!

It is obvious from both books I have read that Scarrow has done meticulous research in order to write them. The books are nicely structured with alternating sections dedicated to the two men. In this second book two sections are more balanced, so Napoleon's is not much bigger than Arthur's. There are a lot of battles and the descriptions are amazing. You can really feel the exhaustion of the French soldiers in the middle of the desert or the excitement of the English once they finally face the rebels. Nevertheless, this second book misses something from the personal bond that the first one had. This might be because of the events themselves: most of us have gone through school years but very few of us have battle experience. Or it could be that it is the writing.

In any case it is a really nice historical novel and I enjoy it a lot. It gives a very nice account of both men and although it might not be as accurate as history itself, it is also not as boring as the latter!

[Luis Sagi-Vela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segundo libro de la tetralogía sobre las vidas paralelas de Napoleón y Wellington.

Tras su juventud y formación militar inicial los jóvenes militares están ansiosos por demostrar su valía.
Napoleón dirige sus pasos a Italia y Egipto donde demostrará su gran ardor militar, que lo irá encumbrando en la política francesa.
Wellesley embarca con destino a la India donde demostrará su gran inteligencia militar.



Comentario aplicable a toda la saga:

De Napoleón destacaría su genialidad, su fuerza vital no exenta de una fuerte dosis de megalomanía. En una Francia en plena convulsión por la Revolución Francesa, Napoleón logró hacerse con el poder por sus propios méritos y astucia llegando a convertirse en emperador de Francia. No deja de ser algo contradictorio que la revolución que acabó con la monarquía absolutista terminara nombrando un Emperador. Luego Napoleón utilizó como motivación (o excusa) la expansión de los valores de la Revolución Francesa y el pensamiento ilustrado, a otros países europeos para emprender una guerra que lo llevó a conquistar más de media Europa colmando así sus ambiciones personales en paralelo, pero con coste de millones de vidas tanto de sus propios compatriotas como de otros europeos.
Su exceso de ambición, junto con el exceso de poder acumulado le terminaron conduciendo al fracaso. Por una parte por querer acometer empresas casi imposibles como la conquista de Rusia (el mismo error que cometería dos siglos después Hitler), cuando su país estaba exhausto después de tanta guerra, pese a sus éxitos y con un territorio inmenso imposible de controlar. Por otra parte porque el resto de países liderados por Inglaterra se aliaron y y le hicieron frente buscando un re equilibrio de fuerzas.

Wellington es el arquetipo del noble inglés. Serio, disciplinado, clasista, fiel a su patria y sus principios, hasta llegar a traicionar sus propios sentimientos personales por mantener el honor y la palabra dada. En una Inglaterra dueña de los mares y el comercio y con el poderío económico basado en la explotación de sus colonias, que busca pararle los pies al francés que conquista más de media Europa. Un líder con un estilo muy distinto al de Napoleón, mucho menos carismático y más basado en el respeto por la jerarquía y la autoridad moral de las clases sociales altas en la sociedad inglesa.

Siendo Scarrow inglés se intuye una cierta idealización de Wellington frente a un trato más severo a la figura de Napoleón.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was long overdue in returning to this series but well . . . too many books too little time! It's excellent and this second helping of The Generals is possibly even better than the first. I love the way that the two storylines are interspersed and at how thoroughly different the two characters are.

Of course what's just as fascinating given the different cloths these two were cut from is the similarities between them and Scarrow brings this to life in fine detail without ever bogging his story down. They were both great innovators and in an age where custom and tradition often over-ruled common sense they were both capable of thinking a long way out of the box. They saw crucial details that others didn't even realise were there and worked through them. Neither of them allowed petty obstacles to deny them or their men what they needed though in dealing with harsh terrain perhaps Arthur's considered invention scores him an early point against Napoleon's bluff refusal to consider it a problem!

Jonathan Keeble. He is an invaluable aide to the imagination. One of my favourite narrators of all-time and this is just the kind of magnificent performance I have come to expect of him.

So, halfway through and I can only commend this heartily as a particularly fine and well-thought out example of the genre.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 of the series begins with Napoleon trying to wrestle Italy from the Austrians and the future Wellington, for now just plain Arthur Wesley/Wellesley, trying to to find *any* kind of respectable job that might give him a chance at winning Kitty's hand. In both cases, we see the flaws in the social systems both men had to live under - politicians and aristocracts more concerned with their own finances and reputation than the wellbeing of either country. Some things really do never change...

And the individual men are interesting - when sent to India, Wellesley takes the time to learn Hindi and tries to ensure better treatment of the local peoples, much to the astonishment of his colleagues who don't see the point. Napoleon is dictatorial, insisting on taking credit for everything and being the centre of everything even as he tries to unite a divided France and tackle corruption.

Again, it is a very detailed novel, clearly writing this series seems to have been a labour of love for Scarrow to bring these two men to life in such fashion - and to help the reader understand more about them. I would have given the book 5 stars, but this edition has a few typos which hopefully have been corrected in subsequent editions.

I look forward to finding the third part.

[Richard West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 of 4.

This covers the years 1795 -1803 for Napoleon and Arthur Wellesley (formerly Wesley).

In brief: Both men perfect their skills on the battlefield....Wellesley in India, Napoleon in Italy and Egypt. Eventually, Napoleon's star eclipses Wellesley as he becomes in effect, the dictator for life in France. Meanwhile, Napoleon meets Josephine. He falls in love. They marry. He goes off to war. She goes to bed with every man in Paris. He has a mistress in Egypt. He comes home, forgives her, and becomes dictator. Wellesley has no love life - the woman he wants is back in the British Isles. He works hard at his craft and is a Major General headed back to England at the end of the book - a triumphant leader. Will his lady friend's brother allow them to marry? Hopefully, we'll find out in Volume 3.

In it's 626 pages, there's a lot more, obviously. As with Volume 1 - well-written in typical Scarrow style - and it reads fast.

Now its on to Fire and Sword, Volume 3.