George Macdonald Fraser

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: beutifully written, detailed and wickedly funny
Disadvantages: none spring to mind

...Another tremendous outing for old Flashy in volume six of George Macdonald Fraser's consistently superb series of Flashman papers, Flashman's Lady sees the great cad and coward of the Victorian era embroiled in all manner of difficulties and exotic locations as he once again finds himself in trouble requiring all his cowardice and knavery from which to escape, with time for a few women thrown in along the way. From cricket at Lords to Singapore and a bloody war with Borneo pirates to a slavery at the hands of the despotic queen of Madagascar, Fraser weaves a wonderful tale packed with history, adventure and superb characters in Flashman's hilarious style . One of my favourites of all the series, this is a great book and will appeal to any fans of historical fiction, adventure, comedy or simply great writing.... Read review

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Advantages: wickedly funny
Disadvantages: Flashman is not exactly a sympathetic character and this may deter some readers

...This fourth instalment of George Macdonald Fraser`s Flashman series is certainly right up there with the best of them as the arch-cad of the Victorian period once again reluctantly embarks on a series of dangerous adventures and finds himself in the middle of history being made. A coward, a bully and a womaniser, old Flashy is as engaging as ever as we follow his fear-filled exploits in an adventure that sees him at the forefront of the action in the Crimean war where he stands with the Thin Red Line before taking part in both the charges of the Heavy AND the Light Brigade. From here he is taken prisoner in Russia and goes on to save India for the British crown as only Flashman could, all the time trying only to save his own skin. As funny as any of the series, this is of the highest standard; as well written and enjoyable a novel as we... Read review

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