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bopapps's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
knod78's review against another edition
5.0
Well, I can’t believe it. I ended up liking this damn book a whole lot. The main character Flashman is probably one of the worst human beings ever, especially as a female reader. But I rooted for him. I was so enthralled with the book and the plot and the craziness of everything that happens (or doesn’t happen depending on your perspective), you forget what a scoundrel he can be. It did start out kind of slow, but I think that was me getting used to the writing and this character. I plan to read the other books in the series.
dmcke013's review against another edition
2.0
First entry in George MacDonald Frase's Flashman series, in which he (re)introduces us to Harry Flashman: a totally reprehensible anti-hero, who (through the entire series) cheats, lies and connives his way through Victorian society and the great events of the era: in this case, the disastrous retreat from Kabul.
By all accounts, the history of the books are actually pretty accurate: most of the people Flashman meets and interacts with were real personages of note, and the novels contain several footnotes providing yet more historical info on the events described. While it is taken to extremes, I think it's also fairly safe to say that the character of Flashman and the way he behaves probably isn't really that far away from the way some members of society did ...
(oh, and trivia note: MacDonald Fraser wrote the screenplays for 1973s "The Three Musketeers" and it's sequel "The Four Musketeers" as well as the James Bond film "Octopussy", amongst others)
By all accounts, the history of the books are actually pretty accurate: most of the people Flashman meets and interacts with were real personages of note, and the novels contain several footnotes providing yet more historical info on the events described. While it is taken to extremes, I think it's also fairly safe to say that the character of Flashman and the way he behaves probably isn't really that far away from the way some members of society did ...
(oh, and trivia note: MacDonald Fraser wrote the screenplays for 1973s "The Three Musketeers" and it's sequel "The Four Musketeers" as well as the James Bond film "Octopussy", amongst others)
lindzlovesreading's review
4.0
Flashman would have to be one of the best cads and cowards in literature. He is larger than life, completely offensive to every nationality, sex, and age he is almost cartoonish in nature. George MacDonald Fraser shows his skill as a writer by able to make the absurd not only believable but natural. One of my favourite scenes involves a dwarf, a pull rope, and a pit of vipers.
After being expelled from Rugby for drunkenness, Flashman finds himself in Afghanistan during the Kabul retreat in I think the 1850's.
What I love about this novel and the following novels in the series, is that through Flashman we go into every major Victorian army victory and disaster. And it is detailed and extremely well researched.
This is not a novel for the politically correct. Flashman will often use every racist term in the book, and then some. He will shag anything in a skirt, moving or not. He is violent even against women at times. Surprising actually, how many strong and defiant women appear in this series. He will commit any crime if it means saving his own skin.
Despite this Flashman is an enduring character. Heartless he may be, but since he is heartless to everyone he is the perfect instrument to see mid 19th century Kabul in an objective way. Plus it doesn't hurt that at times he is laugh out loud funny.
After being expelled from Rugby for drunkenness, Flashman finds himself in Afghanistan during the Kabul retreat in I think the 1850's.
What I love about this novel and the following novels in the series, is that through Flashman we go into every major Victorian army victory and disaster. And it is detailed and extremely well researched.
This is not a novel for the politically correct. Flashman will often use every racist term in the book, and then some. He will shag anything in a skirt, moving or not. He is violent even against women at times. Surprising actually, how many strong and defiant women appear in this series. He will commit any crime if it means saving his own skin.
Despite this Flashman is an enduring character. Heartless he may be, but since he is heartless to everyone he is the perfect instrument to see mid 19th century Kabul in an objective way. Plus it doesn't hurt that at times he is laugh out loud funny.
smartflutist661's review against another edition
3.0
I feel bad giving this as high a rating as this. Flashman was terrible. But the book had good dialogue, was historically interesting, and was a very classic... antiheroic?... adventure. I'm not sure Flashman can even be called an antihero. He's the protagonist, but to me an antihero has to actually do something important/good/useful despite being an asshole, and Flashman doesn't accomplish a single thing (besides running away, though he doesn't even accomplish that every time). Wouldn't recommend, but was certainly a read.
bookworm9090's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
chrisu12's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fun and interesting story following Harry Flashman, as an old man retelling the story of his life. The story takes place in the British Empire around the end of the 1830s and is from the point of view of Harry Flashman, a young rich man from a wealthy family. Flashman is however arrogant and full of himself, a womanizer and in many ways a smart coward who always looks out for number 1, himself. The story takes him to the military and later to India and Afganistan as an officer. Due to his wealthy family, skills as a rider and the talent to pick up languages, as well as a big piece of luck, Flashman manages to get many excellent opportunities. He also ends up in a lot of trouble, but due to him being lucky, he often manages to come out on the winning side.
The story is interesting and gives a viewpoint into the British Empire around 100 years ago. We get to see India and Afghanistan, as well as some historical evens, such as the retreat from Kabul. The story is also written in a fun and lighthearted manner, while also briefly showcasing some issues with the aristocratic class structure, imperialism and racism. Harry is also a good anti-hero to follow. He is well liked by many and manages to come out as a hero in many peoples eyes. He is however a coward, giving us the theme of the hero not always being who he says he is. Harry sacrifices his friends to get up on top, he is an awful womanizer who doesn't hesitate to take what he wants, giving no though to the moral. So in many ways, we get the perspective of a good and well-respected hero, who actually is someone else when we get to see his own perspective.
The story is interesting and gives a viewpoint into the British Empire around 100 years ago. We get to see India and Afghanistan, as well as some historical evens, such as the retreat from Kabul. The story is also written in a fun and lighthearted manner, while also briefly showcasing some issues with the aristocratic class structure, imperialism and racism. Harry is also a good anti-hero to follow. He is well liked by many and manages to come out as a hero in many peoples eyes. He is however a coward, giving us the theme of the hero not always being who he says he is. Harry sacrifices his friends to get up on top, he is an awful womanizer who doesn't hesitate to take what he wants, giving no though to the moral. So in many ways, we get the perspective of a good and well-respected hero, who actually is someone else when we get to see his own perspective.
eiridium's review
4.0
A quick review of a re-read.
It's been a couple decades since first reading the series and by and large it has stood well the test of time.
The historical context of the publishing of the novel always remains a good tale.With an eye to appreciate whether this novel was believable as being based on authentic recovered diaries at the time bears consideration. The footnoting, which becomes an enduring aspect of the Flashman series provides some support for this believability. But the rather ribald presentation of the narrative as well as the notes must have lent some questioning of its veracity. Nonetheless it has spawned fascinating debate over time as to why this and other NeoVictorian novels are able to capture this believability. The other aspect has to be the sheer iconoclastic nature of this tell-all style and brutal honesty about the oft questioned Victorian ideals of propriety, honour, chivalry and decency that just seem a little too perfect. In Flashman, there is a desired corrective.
At its essence though, I have always treasured Flashman novels as wonderfully approachable history lessons. The narrative is generally well told, but there is some over-embellishment and dragging in the delivery - arguably to reinforce its Victorian flavour. There is an abundance of detail, a cast of colourful characters and an engaging story. This first tale is chockfull and certainly designed to both set the grounds for subsequent tales as well as tease enough to get the series rolling.
It was a good re-read but have to say my favourite of this series is Flashman at the Charge and this will be the tell as to how well these stand up.
It's been a couple decades since first reading the series and by and large it has stood well the test of time.
The historical context of the publishing of the novel always remains a good tale.With an eye to appreciate whether this novel was believable as being based on authentic recovered diaries at the time bears consideration. The footnoting, which becomes an enduring aspect of the Flashman series provides some support for this believability. But the rather ribald presentation of the narrative as well as the notes must have lent some questioning of its veracity. Nonetheless it has spawned fascinating debate over time as to why this and other NeoVictorian novels are able to capture this believability. The other aspect has to be the sheer iconoclastic nature of this tell-all style and brutal honesty about the oft questioned Victorian ideals of propriety, honour, chivalry and decency that just seem a little too perfect. In Flashman, there is a desired corrective.
At its essence though, I have always treasured Flashman novels as wonderfully approachable history lessons. The narrative is generally well told, but there is some over-embellishment and dragging in the delivery - arguably to reinforce its Victorian flavour. There is an abundance of detail, a cast of colourful characters and an engaging story. This first tale is chockfull and certainly designed to both set the grounds for subsequent tales as well as tease enough to get the series rolling.
It was a good re-read but have to say my favourite of this series is Flashman at the Charge and this will be the tell as to how well these stand up.
davebob3's review against another edition
2.0
Not for me.
I have a criteria on humor based on objectionable material - almost anything is acceptable as long as it's funny. This book was just not funny enough to overcome the negative feelings I had about Harry Flashman.
From a technical standpoint, I had to remind myself that this book was written in the 1960s, because it felt very much like it was written in the time period. Excellently done - I just hated it.
I have a criteria on humor based on objectionable material - almost anything is acceptable as long as it's funny. This book was just not funny enough to overcome the negative feelings I had about Harry Flashman.
From a technical standpoint, I had to remind myself that this book was written in the 1960s, because it felt very much like it was written in the time period. Excellently done - I just hated it.
knod78's review
5.0
Well, I can’t believe it. I ended up liking this damn book a whole lot. The main character Flashman is probably one of the worst human beings ever, especially as a female reader. But I rooted for him. I was so enthralled with the book and the plot and the craziness of everything that happens (or doesn’t happen depending on your perspective), you forget what a scoundrel he can be. It did start out kind of slow, but I think that was me getting used to the writing and this character. I plan to read the other books in the series.