You can't beat Flashy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the Flashman books, you get to brush up on your 19th century history whilst being thoroughly entertained by a truly great anti-hero. This adventure takes off right after the ending of Flash for Freedom! (One of my favorite episodes).

Colin Mace makes a decent stab at the narration but he for me his portrayal ultimately fails to truly inhabit the character of Flashman. His voice and performance miss the mark in capturing the searing wit, charm and cowardice of the man. The ultimate Flashman narrator is Timothy West (a fantastic actor who performed 7 of the 12 books) he is head and shoulders above any of the performers who've attempted Flashy. I think it's a great shame his versions of Flashman's adventures seem so hard to come by. If I had my way they would be re-released with West recording the remaining 5 books.

11 people found this helpful

First class storytelling.

One of my favorite flashmans' and I have them all.
You could easily start listening again at end, such is its quality.

3 people found this helpful

Ripping Yarns

Love him or hate him this Victorian ripping yarns character is everything tyhat is frowned upon in this age of New Puritanism. Flashman is everything that a modern hero isn't: racist, sexist, homophobic ,nationalistic etc. If you can leave your political correctness at the door you might enjoy Flashman and the ripping yarns of Empire. Yes he was the bully in "Tom Brown's Schooldays" but he has grown up a bit ( even bullies can mature) and who secretly , wasn't fascinated by a bully. In this story Flashman finds himself again on the wrong side of the Law. Accused of slave stealing and running them to the Canadian border he is trapped in New Orleans trying to find a way out. His adventures begin when he meets up with an old friend, a Madame of a notorious brothel in the city. I recommend this book to those who can leave their revisionist politics at the door and enjoy a good yarn.

1 person found this helpful

Barnstorming Romp

Just awesome.

Why isn't there a statue of Flashy in Central London?

One of the best stories out of the 12, in fact it's my equal 12th favorite.

1 person found this helpful

Further Flashman

The story is split into two parts, the 1849-50 trek out west, and Flashman's return to America just before Little Big Horn. If you've reached this far in the series, then you'll know what to expect.
Flashman is the same monster as he ever was. He still somehow manages to wriggle out of trouble through undeserved luck, unabashed cowardice and seduction. Whilst you never wish for him to do well, his adventures do make for a gripping tale, told well by the narrator.

1 person found this helpful

Another great Flashman tale

Lovely dove tail with his previous adventures in the US, this sees Flashmans’s sins of 20 years previous catch up with him as he joins the Sioux and Custer on an ill fated adventure

Another cracking yarn

George MacDonald Fraser is on top form yet again with accurate history , bent just a tad to his narrative . Glassman is his usual beastly self but you cannot help but like and admire the roguish womanizer .

Historical storytelling genius.

Superlative tale of The West through the looking glass of privileged Victorian values. It wouldn’t be published today perhaps so make the most of this High Tory yarn. One of the best of the Flashman papers. GMF is showing off his talent and hard work.
The reader makes a hash of the first person narrative every now and then but he does make an effort with differing accents. It must be tricky but for the price you’d expect an editor to be on hand with an ear for flow.

You can’t beat a Flashman Book

Every Flashman book will have you rolling with laughter while learning about a period of history you never new much about. Best to read Flash for Freedom first ad the 2 stories follow each other. Great narration, Colin Mace’s voice becomes Flashman.

One of the best in the series

A rollicking good time! Flashman is such a b@£tard but you can’t help but love him for it