Needing Napoleon

The Richard Davey Chronicles #1

by Gareth Williams

‘Needing Napoleon’ is a remarkably original feat of imagination: an irresistible adventure that spirits the reader from present-day Paris to the battle of Waterloo and beyond. Can you change what has already happened? As a history teacher, Richard Davey knows the answer. At least, he thinks he does. On holiday in Paris, he stumbles across a curious antiques shop. The eccentric owner reveals a secret Richard dares not believe. Richard’s conviction that Napoleon Bonaparte should have won the Battle of Waterloo could be put to the test. Accurate historical detail collides with the paradox of time travel as an ordinary twenty-first-century man is plunged into the death throes of the French empire.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Studied History and Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge. Briefly worked in banking and recruitment before settling on a career in teaching.
Taught at Elizabeth College, Guernsey and was then head of department at The School of St Helen & St Katharine, Abingdon. Finally, was Director of Sixth Form at St Mary’s, Ascot.
Retired to the Isle of Skye where I am climbing all the Scottish mountains over 3000 feet.
Wrote my first novel in 2020, Needing Napoleon. The sequel, Serving Shaka, is due out in Spring 2022. I have completed the third instalment in what I call The Richard Davey Chronicles. This is currently with my editor.
I am now working on a standalone historical adventure set during and immediately after the American War of Independence.

Reviews

[Adrian Trendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Napoleon, the Cuillin and Covid

A review of Needing Napoleon by Gareth Williams

People talk about “having a good war.” I wonder if in the future people will look back and say that so and so had a good lockdown. Back in 2020, I was privileged to guide local author, Gareth Williams, in the Black Cuillin mountains. We had a good day out traversing the four tops of Sgurr a Mhadaidh then Gareth returned for six days of bagging the Cuillin Munros.

It was the year that Covid kicked off, a year of lockdowns but it was time Gareth had very obviously put to good use. As we climbed, we chatted at length about his book project and I was intrigued. History is a subject close to my own heart and just from a casual chat it was evident just how much research and effort Gareth had invested in his book.

To be honest, I didn’t realise then just how close to completion the book was and it was great to see “Needing Napoleon” appearing in print. The book is a fusion of history, time travel and the all consuming question of what if one could travel back in history and change things.

It’s a far from new concept. H.G. Wells launched the genre with his 1895 novella, “The Time Machine.” More recently, and on a much grander scale, Stephen King wrote “11.22.63” which delves into the assassination of J.F. Kennedy and can a present day English teacher travel into the past to prevent Lee Harvey Oswald pulling the trigger on that fateful day.

At a more modest 331 pages, Gareth’s book might be small compared to that by King but on all other counts can hold it’s head high. The plot is gripping, the authenticity of the Napoleonic era is superb and should stand scrutiny by the most expert of military enthusiasts. The central character is Richard Davey, a history teacher at a private school. Seemingly his career and life in general is going nowhere. His life is focused on his hero, Napoleon, the highlights of his life being school holidays and trips to locations made famous by the emperor.

Stumbling on the means to go back in time, Richard has little to lose and not just the chance to meet his hero, but perhaps to alter the outcome of the end game battle of Waterloo. His character is well built and it’s easy to relate to his miserable existence in the present and why he might opt to risk everything. Timid teacher turns back time as he hopes not just to influence history but to live life rather than just existing in a humdrum life of lessons in a school where he isn’t appreciated.

The book seamlessly switches between the present day and Napoleonic Europe as a lackluster teacher normally content to coast through life, unambitious and indecisive, gets the chance to shape the destiny of intertwined empires. The classroom is replaced by the horrors of battle writ large as Richard meets his hero and the climax of the battle of Waterloo draws ever closer.

The concept behind the book may sound contrived, perhaps over used (or even abused) but Gareth’s writing makes for a gripping read. Better still, the ending leaves the way open for volume two of the Richard Davey Chronicles. I’m really looking forward to the next book and believe that volume three is well on the way, as well.

A fantastically drawn central character, period authenticity and a compelling plot make for a great read. Highly recommended. Read “Needing Napoleon” and I’m sure you’ll think that the author had a “good lockdown.” Time spent very productively and it’s fantastic to see the book in print. I can easily see this being snapped up as a mini series for Netflix or similar. It’s wonderful to see a local author doing so well and a book written in the shadow of the Cuillin causing such interest from a first novel.

[Fil Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of incredible scholarship

I love historical fiction and have an across-the-board fascination with most periods in history, both in non-fiction and fiction. Having read Georgette Heyer’s An Infamous Army, about Waterloo, as a late teenager (rather a long time ago) as well as The Spanish Bride which concerns the Peninsular War, I was very interested to begin reading this time travel historical novel about Waterloo and its aftermath.

Mr Williams is clearly a writer with a deep passion for his subject as every little detail in it comes over as realistic and well-researched. He has an enormous knowledge of all things Napoleonic, from the layout of the battle, the weapons used, the clothing they wore to what they ate and drank. Napoleon is a hero of his and it comes over in every word he writes.

He's created a hero a little similar to himself for the story in Mr Richard Davey, a schoolteacher fed up with his humdrum life and eager to have an adventure. This adventure happens in his school holidays when he goes to Paris (luckily for his adventures he speaks pretty much fluent French) and meets an old lady who has a sort of curio/antique shop. She tells him her own story about how she lost her husband back in time, and tells him that if he really wants to, and if truly nothing is holding him in the present, he can get back to the time of his hero, Napoleon. Richard has a bit of a setback, but eventually he does manage to think himself back into the past.

Of course, we have to be prepared to set credulity aside a little as he manages to make his way into Napoleon’s inner circle, but this is fiction, and who cares? We hardly want to see our hero get back there and get blow to bits do we? We want to see him as he tries to help Napoleon win at Waterloo. I won’t say anything further about this as it would be a spoiler, but suffice it to say that the action continues after Waterloo, with Richard still at Napoleon’s side.

The story is heavy on historical detail, particularly in the parts where Waterloo is taking place, and for me this was a tiny bit too much. But that’s most likely because I’m a woman. For anyone who is interested in Napoleon and Waterloo and the aftermath, this would be an excellent book to read. Being written in the present tense (third person) gives it a feeling of immediacy that fits the action. And Mr Williams’ deep knowledge flows out of every page. He comes over as an erudite and learned man, whose writing is smooth and blemish free. I cannot fault his style and would not mark him down for his, for me, over attention to Waterloo. He describes it well enough to get the feel of the individual present, rather than the overview one often has of a battle. We see it through the eyes of the man from the future, almost the everyman, and he helps us see it through our eyes too.

An excellent book, very well written.

[Joanne Renaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I am very fond of alternate history stories, and this was a treat to discover. Richard is an engaging hero-- he's flawed and relatable, not everyone likes him, and definitely not a perfect Gary Stu. I liked how the action in the past and present was interwoven, and while it's a slow burn it builds up to a satisfying blend of action and adventure and pure swashbuckling out of a Rafael Sabatini novel. Napoleon is a complex character, and I liked the rogue's gallery surrounding him-- I may not have agreed with the depiction of everyone, but it was clear that Williams had done his research. I finished it in one sitting, and I'm excited to see what happens next. Recommended!

[Flure · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great example of the "what if" genre approach to history.

Creatively structured, I enjoyed the time-switching back and forth.

To manipulate the alternative narrative, the author clearly knows his subject.

An entertaining read.

Recommended.

[David Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a dedicated scifi/fantasy reader this is a great first historical novel.
Interesting characters who you want to get to know better, great story line and good historical detail, and an interesting idea. Highly recommended.

[Katherine Blessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth Williams' novel about a contemporary history teacher who is disillusioned with his life and discovers a time travel portal to a period of history that is particularly important for him is a fascinating read. Richard's journey is one from being a nobody into heroism, and I liked the way that his Aunt Patricia and her reactions provides a touchstone for his actions.

Richard finds himself slap bang in the middle of Napoleon Bonaparte's moment of defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, and tries to prevent Napoleon from being defeated. Ultimately, he is unable to change the course of history at that moment, but as he befriends Napoleon (whom the author has a clear soft spot for) he finds further points in the future where he is able to change the course of history.

Williams' depth of research and love of history shines through his writing, and I found myself believing in his sympathetic view of Napoleon as he was so well characterised. At times, I found the military descriptions hard to follow, but I'm sure others with more interest in military history will be enamoured.

[H Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel that will pleasantly surprise- living history in ones' mind! I know very little of Napoleonic war, but this novel brings every moment, feeling and atmosphere to stunning life and sharp focus. I learned so much, and the details are breath-taking, of modern Paris and Waterloo. I could smell the battle and felt every moment with the hero. A real 'what if' novel, which draws you in, using real-life characters and a protagonist who exhibits human flaws. I am excited to read the sequel. A triumph!

[Carole Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love anything about time travel.
This is a good story with engaging characters.
Looking forward to the sequel.

[Andra Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first review on 'Goodreads' and I have also thought about adding it on 'Amazon', because this amazing novel brought me so much happiness as it fulfilled my greatest dream of being so close to Emperor Napoleon thanks to Mister Richard Davey. The detailed and artistic descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I admired Mister Richard's tremendous courage when he intervened at the battle of Waterloo and he tried his best to help our beloved Emperor win. Even though the historical events took place as we know them, Mister Davey's time travelling journey proved to be an outstanding adventure to rescue the Emperor from Saint Helena. Everything in this book is so enlightening and you can feel the characters' emotions as their voices do have a resonating tone because the vivid descriptions make you participate in each moment. I absolutely loved Mister Davey's trip to Paris and his enchanting conversations with the fascinating tour guide  called Amélie Durand. I also loved Mister Davey's devoted friend and comrade, Emile. Their loyalty towards Emperor Napoleon is so heartwarming.

     I was truly moved to tears when Mister Richard and Emile followed the Emperor to Saint Helena. I adore our beloved Emperor more than I could ever be able to express and show my immense love for him. This wonderful book took me closer to Emperor Napoleon and I can admit the fact that this novel is my favourite. If you read Monsieur Max Gallo's 'Napoleon' tetralogy, you could easily identify the delightful descriptions which make everything so real. I also loved the amusing quarrel during one of the dinners at 'Longwood'. I apologise if my review is not very organised; it is my first review. I can hardly wait to read the sequel which has just come out. It is called 'Serving Shaka'. I entirely recommend Mister Gareth William's masterpieces. They are absolutely amazing and Mister Davey's will take you with him on his marvellous journey! Don't forget to pack your bags!

[Helen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well crafted novel which deftly switches between the present day and the nineteenth century. The characters are well drawn and engaging and I quickly became invested in them - I really want to know what happens to them (especially the central character Richard Davey) in the sequel. There are some big themes at play: can you travel back in time, can you rewrite history, can you re-invent yourself, should you meet your hero; but they are grounded in human relationships, period detail and page-turning adventure. The historical aspect is fascinating but you do not have to be a history buff to enjoy it, although I learnt a lot about Waterloo and the Napoleonic era through the details and dramatic descriptions. I really enjoyed Needing Napoleon and I would definitely recommend it.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Davey is a lonely and disillusioned teacher working in a girls' school; his main interest in life is Napoleonic history. When he is offered the incredible opportunity to travel back to the early 19th century and meet his hero, Napoleon Bonaparte, he doesn't hesitate even though he can hardly believe it is true. The story opens when Richard finds himself transported back to 1815 on the eve of the battle of Waterloo; his adventure begins with him being deposited amongst the British troops unsure of how to make his way to the French army without being shot as a spy. Despite being soaked from the persistent rain, hungry, frightened and cold he knows that now there is no going back to his old life.

In the first part of the book there are a few flashbacks to the twenty-first century so that the reader can understand Richard's life and how he came to make such a momentous change to it. After that it concentrates on how he meets Napoleon and becomes part of his hero's entourage both on the battlefield and in exile.

The historical details of the battles and the period are well researched and the author gives such precise descriptions of the blood and gore of the battles that you feel you are there, smelling the cordite and hearing the clash of steel on steel. Mr Williams appears to have an expansive knowledge of 19th-century warfare both on land and at sea, all of which bring the story to life. But it is not all about battles; there is plenty of intrigue going on among the court of Napoleon while he is in exile on St. Helena. The book is elegantly written and packed with intricate details of dress and behaviour, as well as painting a very sympathetic portrait of Richard's hero, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Although this is not my usual choice of historical novel, I found it a compelling read and couldn't put it down until I found out if Richard Davey did in fact manage to change the course of history.

I suggest you read it yourself to learn more.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[RW Hague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard’s life is . . . disappointing.

His career is one word away from extinction, his love-life nonexistent, his hopes for improvement, nil.

But his imagination? Now that’s a place to be.

For years he has studied and imagined the life of his hero, the much-debated Napoleon Bonaparte, former Emperor of France.

Oh to live in the time of Napoleon! To see the victories. To smell the gunpowder. To be present at Waterloo to warn him of looming disaster! So, when a run-in with an eccentric bookstore owner provides him with that opportunity, Richard takes it readily. He quits his job, his life really, in order to pursue this dream, and soon, he’s present on the famous battlefield of Waterloo, right in the middle of the action!

A little too close to the action really, as he’s quickly escorted off the field by a concerned soldier. But this is just the beginning of an adventure! More is to come, good, bad, and ugly as he journeys to meet his idol – and to find a better life.


As someone who enjoys history but had a less than stellar school curriculum, I learned a lot from this story. Other than the names Waterloo and Napoleon, I know very little about that time period. Williams, though, had it all figured out. Through vivid descriptions, Williams has created an immersive journey through the time of muskets and diplomacy, of success on the battlefield as well as failure. And, as it concerns the story itself, Williams does not always go the way one would think. There were several points when I expected the author to zig only for him to zag instead.

In other words, it was quite a bit of fun, and I enjoyed reading it. As a mom intending to homeschool, I kept thinking about the concept of ‘living books’ as described by Charlotte Mason. While I would not recommend it for a child (there are a few scenes), I could see a historically inclined teenager adding this novel to their curriculum. This is not how this book is being marketed, but it’s a potential angle that I saw. If you're looking for a deep dive into a time period, this book is for you!

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grand Read

Gareth Williams writes a timeless historical tale with Needing Napoleon. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. If you're a fan of history, especially ancient history, this is a book you'll want to read. The reader is introduced to history teacher, Richard Davey, a pragmatic man, with interesting ideas to the questions of changing the past, and would you want to? On a visit to Paris, Richard finds himself in an interesting conversation with the owner of the antique shop. Change the past. Richard, not being a believer, but wonders what would happen in Napolean won the Battle of Waterloo. And then, the story is put to the test. It's a unique perspective and it brings in the wonder about the past, and how it could change everything, if things were done differently. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. I have fast become a big fan of Gareth Williams. Needing Napoleon is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Mr F.McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

subverting History

I came across this book by chance and I was glad I did. You have to accept the premise that the hero can travel back and forward in time.
And the premise works really well, partly because the author has done his research really well and partly because the quality of narration and character is so well done.
I am trying to avoid plot spoilers to encourage you to read it and be both entertained and impressed.

[Marilyn Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gareth Williams spoke at Dingwall Library and I have been waiting for this book to appear. His deep knowledge of the period (and the trauma of teaching) shows through and the whole book is atmospheric. He has a way with words! I like the idea of a "what if' and this does not dissappoint.