Frankie Fraser

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Disadvantages: -

...Francis Davidson Fraser, more popularly known as Frankie or Mad Frank, was firstly the "minder" for 1950's London gangland king Billy Hill and then, in the 1960's, quite literally the hatchet man for the South London brothers Eddie and Charlie Richardson. He wrote this book of reminisces with James Morton and it was first published in 1993. As autobiographies go it follows the standard route of parents, growing up, middle age etc, but of course with one exception: Frankie has spent over 30 of his then-70 years inside, and a major portion of this book is about his time spent "doing the 20". Fraser was there at the Battle of Mr Smith's on the night of 7/8 March 1966 where an attempted take-over of one club by another fim ended in a gunfight resulting in the murder Dickie Hart, an ally of the Kray twins. Fraser... Read review

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Advantages: well researched, original and quite hilarious
Disadvantages: Based as it is on the history of the horrific Indian mutiny, some readers may not have the stomach for some of the detail; and Flashy isnt the most politically correct reporter of events either

...George Macdonald Fraser has done it again with yet another installment to The Flashman series which is of the highest quality. Following the adventures of the great victorian poltroon in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the writing is as well researched, fast paced and humourous as we've come to expect from Fraser, a master of historical fiction. Once again he has old Flashy in the thick of it, fleeing, womanising and inevitably emerging as the hero of the hour at all the critical points within the mutiny in a work of fiction which also serves as great introduction to a fascinating bit of history, such is Fraser's attention to detail. For any fan of the Flashman series or those new to it, this is a tremendous book and comes highly recommended.... Read review

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Advantages: Perceptive, vividly written
Disadvantages: Not always believable

...Carson McCullers is probably best known for her books The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and The Ballad of the Sad Café, both of which I have read in the past. I read them so long ago that I can't remember the stories, but I do remember being impressed, which is why I picked this book up. Carson McCullers has an interesting background. By the age of 31, she had suffered from a series of strokes and was completely paralysed down one side of the body. For years, she could only use one finger to type, yet she managed to make a successful career out of writing. This story is about the life of a 12 year old girl, Frankie, whose brother is about to get married. Strangely unhappy with her life in the town where she lives, although not really aware why, she plans to leave with her brother and his wife to go on a round the world trip with them. Once... Read review

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