If its Tuesday, it must be Balaclava - Rated 
Its beginning to look like the superbly structured Flash for Freedom!, this book's immediate predecessor, was the high point of the series. Flashman gets three-and-a-half stars just for being Flashman, of course, but this tale starts at a leisurely pace before bursting into action at Balaclava, then tailing off again. Those who have read the series so far will be familiar with our anti-hero's historic tourism, romping through bit-parts in the major events of the nineteenth century. This time it is the Charge of the Light Brigade. It has to be said GMF writes battle and action scenes brilliantly, though in this case a detailed knowledge of the Crimean campaign, characters, and controversies (or at least access to Wikipedia) would be helpful. The Charge is a hard act to follow and for the rest of the book, Flashman more-or-less meanders eastwards, getting into various scrapes. There are a few exciting set pieces, of course, and some interesting insights into the brutality of Imperial Russia, and its expansionist ambitions. GMF's meticulous research shines a revealing light on more recent events. The ending, as Flashman returns `home' to India is satisfying, too.
Incredible! - Rated 
Im currently on my 7th Flashman book but anytime i think of my favourite(As almost impossible a question that may be) i inevitable come back to this episode. Its almost perfection in bringing together the the ingredients that make the flashman books so brilliant which would be in my humble opinion, historical realism, empathy for the main character(come on who says they wouldnt do the same thing), action and both excellent characters and character dialogue. For a prime example of the Brilliance that is Flashman, see here and Damn your eyes if you think otherwise!
Probably the cleverest of all the flashy's - Rated
Flashman at the charge is one of the late George McDonald Fraser's greatest works. The plot, with Flashman being disgraced in London, ending up in the Crimea where he charges with the heavy brigade, stands with the thin red line and then charges with the light brigade before being captured by cossacks and ending up in central asia where he saves India from Russian invasion is a proposterous as you'd imagine.... except it fits all the facts.
The genius of GMF is his historical research. When he wrote the first Flashman the author must have sketched out the plots for 10 books, checked time lines then researched like no other historical researcher ever. Its amazing how many historical photos exist of famous Kings and Generals with an unknow stranger with big cavalry whiskers standing in the background. My father has a painting 'the thin red line' depicting the Highlanders stand at Balaclava... and wouldn'y you know it- there's a big chap with cavalry whiskers in the corner of the picture. It always makes me laugh.
If you've never read Flashy start with 'Flashman' then read this one. Because they're written as packets they stand alone very well.
Probably the best Flashman book! - Rated
I was looking at the Flashman books on my shelf and trying to decide which one was my favourite. Whilst Redskins and the Great Game are very enjoyable, the Charge is probably my favourite.
Macdonald Fraser was on top form with this novel; not only do we have the usual mix of historical and fictional events, but there are great heros, heroines and villains. The story ranges from the pool halls of London to Asia via Crimea! Flashman also plays a more active role in events (in some of the latter books he is more of a passive spectator of what's happening).
If you have come across the Flashman series for the first time, then this is fantastic book.
One of Sir Harry's best - Rated
I love the Flashman series, and like the other reviewers this is one of my favourites along with "The Great Game" and "The Redskins".
In this instalment Sir Harry gets involved in the war in the Crimea, in his words "playing nursemaid to some little German pimp". Naturally his cowardly, womanising and sycophantic nature comes to the fore, and before long a stomach upset sees him (hilariously) joining the light brigade for their famous action.
McDonald Fraser's books never fail to keep me entertained with their humorous approach, and yet I always seem to come away from having read them with an increased knowledge about the period of history he's writing about. This, the seventh instalment, is one of the series best.
|
