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Adventures of Thomas Flashman #6
Flashman's Waterloo
This sixth packet of memoirs from the notorious Georgian rogue Thomas Flashman covers the extraordinary events that culminated in a battle just south of Brussels, near a place called Waterloo.
The first six months of 1815 were a pivotal time in European history. As a result, countless books have been written by men who were there and by those who studied it afterwards. But despite this wealth of material there are still many unanswered questions including:
- Why did the man who promised to bring Napoleon back in an iron cage, instead join his old commander?
- Why was Wellington so convinced that the French would not attack when they did?
- Why was the French emperor ill during the height of the battle, leaving its management to the hot-headed Marshal Ney?
- What possessed Ney to launch a huge and disastrous cavalry charge in the middle of the battle?
- Why did the British Head of Intelligence always walk with a limp after the conflict?
The answer to all these questions in full or in part can be summed up in one word: Flashman.
This extraordinary tale is aligned with other historical accounts of the Waterloo campaign and reveals how Flashman's attempt to embrace the quiet diplomatic life backfires spectacularly. The memoir provides a unique insight into how Napoleon returned to power, the treachery and intrigues around his hundred day rule and how ultimately he was robbed of victory. It includes the return of old friends and enemies from both sides of the conflict and is a fitting climax to Thomas Flashman's Napoleonic adventures
The first six months of 1815 were a pivotal time in European history. As a result, countless books have been written by men who were there and by those who studied it afterwards. But despite this wealth of material there are still many unanswered questions including:
- Why did the man who promised to bring Napoleon back in an iron cage, instead join his old commander?
- Why was Wellington so convinced that the French would not attack when they did?
- Why was the French emperor ill during the height of the battle, leaving its management to the hot-headed Marshal Ney?
- What possessed Ney to launch a huge and disastrous cavalry charge in the middle of the battle?
- Why did the British Head of Intelligence always walk with a limp after the conflict?
The answer to all these questions in full or in part can be summed up in one word: Flashman.
This extraordinary tale is aligned with other historical accounts of the Waterloo campaign and reveals how Flashman's attempt to embrace the quiet diplomatic life backfires spectacularly. The memoir provides a unique insight into how Napoleon returned to power, the treachery and intrigues around his hundred day rule and how ultimately he was robbed of victory. It includes the return of old friends and enemies from both sides of the conflict and is a fitting climax to Thomas Flashman's Napoleonic adventures
366 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2016
53 people are currently reading
46 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 4, 2021
Flashman's Waterloo is the sixth 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 around the world during the expansion of the British Empire. Thomas is the uncle of the notorious Victorian rogue Harry Flashman, whose memoirs have already been published, "edited" by George MacDonald Fraser.
In this installment Thomas recounts his homecoming from the wilds of Canada and the bloody battles of the Iberian peninsula. He reunites with his wife after seven years and finally gets to meet his son. Their financial situation is greatly improved as Louisa has inherited land and money after the death of her father. All-in-all Flashman's fondest dreams have finally come true.
Alas, Thomas finds domestic life to be boring after all his adventures and experiences difficulty fitting in with civilians. On his first night back he keeps a promise to himself by dancing on the grave of his father-in-law (to the fiddle music played by his butler). He also creates a stir during his homecoming party. While demonstrating to his guests how the Iroquois fight, Flashy ends up throwing a tomahawk at the fellow who had been bedding his wife whilst he was at war - just missing the man by inches.
When Wellington invites Thomas to join his diplomatic staff in Paris, Louisa urges him to accept as he is driving her crazy at home. Flashy looks forward to his new career as a diplomat until he finds out Wellington wants him to infiltrate the French army to get a feel for how their military is supporting the new French monarch.
Eventually, Flashman ends up as Marshal Ney's aide and finds himself in the middle of every historic event from Napoleon's return from Elba to just about every phase of the Battle of Waterloo.
A bit of comedy/suspense is added every time Flashman, posing as French Colonel Moreau, comes into Napoleon's presence. The emperor, who has a tremendous memory, is continually trying to place where he has met Flashman before, and Flashy must continually insist that they have never met until recently - in reality they had met at a party 13 years prior to this part of the story. If Napoleon ever remembers the truth, Flashman can look forward to a firing squad. The efforts Thomas takes to avoid Napoleon become quite comical and lead to epic results.
The historical narrative of the events in France leading up to the combat at Waterloo, from the quarrels between the newly returned nobility (trying to extinguish everything that smells of republic) and the French population that is not willing to forget the last 20 years of relative freedom to the return of the Emperor is peppered with little-known facts and presented in a fictional format that vividly brings out the drama and heroic struggle of the era.
While the big story is well-recorded in history, its fictional narration here will enthrall readers. Highly recommended.
In this installment Thomas recounts his homecoming from the wilds of Canada and the bloody battles of the Iberian peninsula. He reunites with his wife after seven years and finally gets to meet his son. Their financial situation is greatly improved as Louisa has inherited land and money after the death of her father. All-in-all Flashman's fondest dreams have finally come true.
Alas, Thomas finds domestic life to be boring after all his adventures and experiences difficulty fitting in with civilians. On his first night back he keeps a promise to himself by dancing on the grave of his father-in-law (to the fiddle music played by his butler). He also creates a stir during his homecoming party. While demonstrating to his guests how the Iroquois fight, Flashy ends up throwing a tomahawk at the fellow who had been bedding his wife whilst he was at war - just missing the man by inches.
When Wellington invites Thomas to join his diplomatic staff in Paris, Louisa urges him to accept as he is driving her crazy at home. Flashy looks forward to his new career as a diplomat until he finds out Wellington wants him to infiltrate the French army to get a feel for how their military is supporting the new French monarch.
Eventually, Flashman ends up as Marshal Ney's aide and finds himself in the middle of every historic event from Napoleon's return from Elba to just about every phase of the Battle of Waterloo.
A bit of comedy/suspense is added every time Flashman, posing as French Colonel Moreau, comes into Napoleon's presence. The emperor, who has a tremendous memory, is continually trying to place where he has met Flashman before, and Flashy must continually insist that they have never met until recently - in reality they had met at a party 13 years prior to this part of the story. If Napoleon ever remembers the truth, Flashman can look forward to a firing squad. The efforts Thomas takes to avoid Napoleon become quite comical and lead to epic results.
The historical narrative of the events in France leading up to the combat at Waterloo, from the quarrels between the newly returned nobility (trying to extinguish everything that smells of republic) and the French population that is not willing to forget the last 20 years of relative freedom to the return of the Emperor is peppered with little-known facts and presented in a fictional format that vividly brings out the drama and heroic struggle of the era.
While the big story is well-recorded in history, its fictional narration here will enthrall readers. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2018
Harry Flashman, one of literature's greatest characters: charlatan, fraud, cheat, scoundrel. How could you not want more? And so I happened upon Robert Brightwell's series, which concerns another bounder, namely Uncle Thomas. There are half a dozen novels so I dived in to test the waters with Flashman's Waterloo. Am not sure this was entirely a good idea, as Flashy needs to be at the centre of the action, good and bad for the novels to be at their best. The 100 days is such a monumental tale in its own right that you did feel that our hero gets a bit lost between Ney, Napoleon, Wellington and a host of other no doubt impeccably researched true participants. Brightwell then has to work doubly hard to keep the Colonel present in person at key events. This is a challenge and once or twice feels a tad contrived. However there is much to enjoy, especially the build up from the French point of view. The battle is every bit the close run thing it was, and somehow our hero emerges (hardly a spoiler) just about in one piece. Only on Kindle and with no publisher feels a shame as the supporting maps though helpful would work better on a page for reference and detail. Where the hell was Grouchy anyway?? Like all the best historical fiction it also makes you review the factual sources and I learned some new things - always a bonus! Clearly only for fans of the genuine article, but a welcome addition to the canon and will be going back for more knavery.
February 15, 2018
I am a gigantic fan of Fraser's Flashman books. As such, I have read many books by others who have tried to capture the "Flashman" mystique. Mr. Brightwell's series about Thomas Flashman come closest to the style and entertainment value of the originals. I look forward to each new episode. I recommend this book and the entire series as excellent entertainment...and especially to those fans of Sir Harry!
June 30, 2021
Another superb Thomas Flashman tale.
The Thomas Flashman stories are well researched and well written. The characters are superbly drawn out. Mr Brightwell has created a character who in my opinion is the equal of the original Sir Harry Flashman. I am looking forward to reading more Thomas Flashman adventures. Keep up the good work Mr Brightwell.
The Thomas Flashman stories are well researched and well written. The characters are superbly drawn out. Mr Brightwell has created a character who in my opinion is the equal of the original Sir Harry Flashman. I am looking forward to reading more Thomas Flashman adventures. Keep up the good work Mr Brightwell.
February 13, 2017
Excellent Story
A great look at the events leading up to the Battle of Waterloo from Thomas Flashman's view point. The author blends facts with fiction to provide an entertaining and well-written story.
A great look at the events leading up to the Battle of Waterloo from Thomas Flashman's view point. The author blends facts with fiction to provide an entertaining and well-written story.
August 14, 2024
Thomas Flashman grows courage?
Great book, great read. T.F. ends up fighting wearing both a blue and a red coat and a bit more history is divulged. Well done, one of the better books so far in the series.
Great book, great read. T.F. ends up fighting wearing both a blue and a red coat and a bit more history is divulged. Well done, one of the better books so far in the series.
March 29, 2018
Flashy's back
Duties dodged, maidens defiled, bullets narrowly avoided, the Flashmans are at it again. Great fun in the George McDonald Frasier style.
Duties dodged, maidens defiled, bullets narrowly avoided, the Flashmans are at it again. Great fun in the George McDonald Frasier style.
November 15, 2022
Another superb tale from the Flashman.
Read
June 11, 2023Gnrr woof quack meow
December 28, 2017
Very good and very informative read I am now on to book 7 look forward to this book and hope it is as good as the last 6
May 24, 2020
Mr. Brightwell. Thank you for continuing to bring happiness into our lives with the adventures of our favorite rascal Flashy. For all the great George MacDonald Fraser's fans out there if you haven't read any of Mr. Brightwells Flashman's books start reading them because Flashy is back ! For any who aren't familiar with Flashy dive in for a rollicking good time.
January 13, 2018
This is the umpteenth novel written about world's most famous battle.
It is one of the few that deal in detail with the events in France leading up to the battle, from the quarrels between the newly returned nobility who try to extinguish everything that smells of republic and the French population that is not willing to forget the last 20 years of relative freedom to the return of the Emperor that takes everyone by surprise, up to the battle itself.
It is the only one that answeres all the questions armchair generals have discussed in the past two hundred years. And the common answer to all the questions is: Flashman!
Infiltrating the French army on the behest of his old pal Wellington, Flashman is supposed to find out, if the king is to be ousted from office and replaced by a more suitable member of the house of Bourbon.
Alas, this missions comes to a sudden end, when the quarrel of kings is quickly overshadowed by the return of an emperor.
Being an aide to marshal Ney, Flashman is in the middle of things right up to the battle of Waterloo and in no small part responsible for the victory of the allied forces.
A great read and a good insight in the reasons for french failure.
It is one of the few that deal in detail with the events in France leading up to the battle, from the quarrels between the newly returned nobility who try to extinguish everything that smells of republic and the French population that is not willing to forget the last 20 years of relative freedom to the return of the Emperor that takes everyone by surprise, up to the battle itself.
It is the only one that answeres all the questions armchair generals have discussed in the past two hundred years. And the common answer to all the questions is: Flashman!
Infiltrating the French army on the behest of his old pal Wellington, Flashman is supposed to find out, if the king is to be ousted from office and replaced by a more suitable member of the house of Bourbon.
Alas, this missions comes to a sudden end, when the quarrel of kings is quickly overshadowed by the return of an emperor.
Being an aide to marshal Ney, Flashman is in the middle of things right up to the battle of Waterloo and in no small part responsible for the victory of the allied forces.
A great read and a good insight in the reasons for french failure.
October 12, 2016
End of a era
In my review of Flashman and Madison's war I said that The author was parking his character to get him to Waterloo. Well, this is it, and it is classic Flashman. Perhaps a little less rolling in the hay and a little more rolling in the blood-soaked mud than we are used to. But I really am starting to like this Flashman more than his grandson (heresy!) - in between acts of poltroonery he is capable of actual acts of courage, even if born out of desperation. He just is a more rounded character.
But now what? After seeing the greatest battle of the nineteenth century, are we going to see Thomas Flashman bumbling along in minor colonial land-grabs? Let's face it, the last few Harry Flashman books did not have the grandeur of the first ones. Perhaps the family saga should be extended further backwards by a few generations instead of seeing Thomas heading for increasingly anticlimactic adventures. A Flashman at Agincourt? Sign me up!
In my review of Flashman and Madison's war I said that The author was parking his character to get him to Waterloo. Well, this is it, and it is classic Flashman. Perhaps a little less rolling in the hay and a little more rolling in the blood-soaked mud than we are used to. But I really am starting to like this Flashman more than his grandson (heresy!) - in between acts of poltroonery he is capable of actual acts of courage, even if born out of desperation. He just is a more rounded character.
But now what? After seeing the greatest battle of the nineteenth century, are we going to see Thomas Flashman bumbling along in minor colonial land-grabs? Let's face it, the last few Harry Flashman books did not have the grandeur of the first ones. Perhaps the family saga should be extended further backwards by a few generations instead of seeing Thomas heading for increasingly anticlimactic adventures. A Flashman at Agincourt? Sign me up!
December 27, 2016
It truly is a pity that Robert Brightwell does not have a major publisher offering him a nice contract for his Thomas Flashman adventures. His writing is just as good as another and to take Harry Flashman's uncle on is a masterstroke.
This time Thomas is involved with events up to and including the great battle of Waterloo, where our hero (?) once again grabs victory from the jaws of defeat, even if sometimes one wonders just where he's going. Those who have read the earlier adventures know that Thomas knows most of the famous and infamous characters so the reader is in for a fun read.
I do hope that Mr. Brightwell will continue with his series. They are enjoyable bringing back fond memories of GMF.
This time Thomas is involved with events up to and including the great battle of Waterloo, where our hero (?) once again grabs victory from the jaws of defeat, even if sometimes one wonders just where he's going. Those who have read the earlier adventures know that Thomas knows most of the famous and infamous characters so the reader is in for a fun read.
I do hope that Mr. Brightwell will continue with his series. They are enjoyable bringing back fond memories of GMF.
December 19, 2016
Excellent story telling
I have read all of the Thomas Flashman stories and found this one to be the best of all, the detail and story telling are excellent.
I have read all of the Thomas Flashman stories and found this one to be the best of all, the detail and story telling are excellent.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews