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Adventures of Thomas Flashman #4
Flashman's Escape
This book covers the second half of Thomas Flashman's experiences in the Peninsular War and follows on from Flashman in the Peninsula. Having lost his role as a staff officer, Flashman is left commanding a company in an infantry battalion. In between cuckolding his soldiers and annoying his superiors, he finds himself at the heart of the two bloodiest actions of the war. With drama and disaster in equal measure, he provides a first-hand account of not only the horror of battle but also the bloody aftermath. Hopes for a quieter life backfire horribly when he is sent behind enemy lines to help recover an important British prisoner, who also happens to be a hated rival. His adventures take him the length of Spain and all the way to Paris on one of the most audacious wartime journeys ever undertaken. With the future of the French empire briefly placed in his quaking hands, Flashman dodges lovers, angry fathers, conspirators and ministers of state in a desperate effort to keep his cowardly carcass in one piece. This extraordinary account brings together various historical events, while also giving a disturbing insight into the creation of a French literary classic!
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
49 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Robert Brightwell
24 books63 followersI am a firm believer in the maxim that history is stranger than fiction. There are countless times when I have come across a character or incident that has been so hard to believe that I have had to search out other sources for confirmation. Thomas Cochrane who features in my first book is one of those, his real life adventures seem ridiculously far fetched for a fictional character. The Begum of Samru from my second book is another: a fifteen-year-old nautch dancer who gained the confidence of an army, had a man literally kill himself over her and who led her soldiers with skill and courage, before becoming something of a Catholic saint.
History is full of amazing stories and in my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. Most of what I know of the Victorian era was prompted by his books. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better.
George MacDonald Fraser was an exceptional writer and he developed a character that he took from Tom Brown's School Days into a truly legendary figure. While Harry Flashman might not have been a typical Victorian, he certainly brought the period to life. For me, the Regency/Napoleonic era was one of even greater colour and extremes and so I have created a new earlier member of the family: Thomas Flashman.
There are similarities between the generations in that they both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time, often while endeavouring to avoid them. Thomas though is not exactly the same character as Harry Flashman, this is partly accidental and partly deliberate.
For example, Harry Flashman makes prolific use of the 'n' word which will never appear in my work. This is not just political correctness but reflects the different times the two fictional characters occupy. While Harry Flashman in India thrashed and abused the natives; in Thomas' time many British were in business with Indian partners or had Indian wives. The British Resident of Delhi went so far as to marry a harem of thirteen Indian women who used to parade around the city every evening on elephants.
As several reviewers have pointed out Thomas is not quite the vicious villainous rogue his nephew became, at least in the first book. But the character develops more in the subsequent books with increasing levels of skulduggery. The genius of George MacDonald Fraser was to create a spiteful bully that the reader could still relate to. I have tried to convey a character that lived in his time and who balanced cowardice, pride, lust etc with the need to bring the reader with him.
For more information, check out my website, www.robertbrightwell.com
History is full of amazing stories and in my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. Most of what I know of the Victorian era was prompted by his books. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better.
George MacDonald Fraser was an exceptional writer and he developed a character that he took from Tom Brown's School Days into a truly legendary figure. While Harry Flashman might not have been a typical Victorian, he certainly brought the period to life. For me, the Regency/Napoleonic era was one of even greater colour and extremes and so I have created a new earlier member of the family: Thomas Flashman.
There are similarities between the generations in that they both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time, often while endeavouring to avoid them. Thomas though is not exactly the same character as Harry Flashman, this is partly accidental and partly deliberate.
For example, Harry Flashman makes prolific use of the 'n' word which will never appear in my work. This is not just political correctness but reflects the different times the two fictional characters occupy. While Harry Flashman in India thrashed and abused the natives; in Thomas' time many British were in business with Indian partners or had Indian wives. The British Resident of Delhi went so far as to marry a harem of thirteen Indian women who used to parade around the city every evening on elephants.
As several reviewers have pointed out Thomas is not quite the vicious villainous rogue his nephew became, at least in the first book. But the character develops more in the subsequent books with increasing levels of skulduggery. The genius of George MacDonald Fraser was to create a spiteful bully that the reader could still relate to. I have tried to convey a character that lived in his time and who balanced cowardice, pride, lust etc with the need to bring the reader with him.
For more information, check out my website, www.robertbrightwell.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 2, 2016
I've been very happy with Mr. Brightwell's versions of the Flashman books. This one was no exception. Good solid historically based story, with lots of thrills and chills. If I have any slight problem with his version (and it is slight!) it's that I just don't feel that the character of Thomas Flashman is well defined. At the end of the Day, Harry Flashman always comes out the hero, but no one would want him for a friend! Thomas on the other hand, for all his bluster of what a bad person he is (was) really isn't a bad guy at all no matter how hard he tries to tell you that he is. So you're asking "why does that bother you?" I don't know exactly, but it just feels like there's a dimension missing. I thought he was on the right track when he got himself a companion (of sorts) in the previous book who was sort of a scoundrel, but alas, that "character" is no longer in the books. Maybe something of that sort again would help flesh out Thomas?
Again, despite what I said about the character, I really enjoy my history lessons in this format because they're fun! If you've ever been curious about the French Revolution, these may well be of help, and the next volume takes place in the United States, so that should be interesting.
Keep up the good work Mr. Brightwell!
Again, despite what I said about the character, I really enjoy my history lessons in this format because they're fun! If you've ever been curious about the French Revolution, these may well be of help, and the next volume takes place in the United States, so that should be interesting.
Keep up the good work Mr. Brightwell!
January 13, 2018
In this second part of Thomas Flashman's memoirs of the Peninsular Campaign, our notorious scoundrel finds himself fighting in two violent and bloody battles, before he ends up babysitting his new nemesis Colquhoun Grant.
This is another great novel of the series by Robert Brightwell, well and witty written. Flashman is at his best, hiding from battles only to find himself right in the middle of them, cuckolding husbands and even plotting to kill Napoleon.
I have to say, the scene with that cold fish Grant and the dairy maid still makes me lough when I think of it.
Great read!
This is another great novel of the series by Robert Brightwell, well and witty written. Flashman is at his best, hiding from battles only to find himself right in the middle of them, cuckolding husbands and even plotting to kill Napoleon.
I have to say, the scene with that cold fish Grant and the dairy maid still makes me lough when I think of it.
Great read!
January 29, 2021
A highly enjoyable and historically accurate romp through the Napoleonic Wars. Brightwell has really hit his stride. Thomas Flashman is a very worthy addition to the disreputable Flashman clan.
May 20, 2021
Worthy successor to the GMF series!
February 2, 2021
Flashman's Escape is the fourth installment of Thomas Flashman’s memoirs to be "edited" by Mr. Brightwell. In his papers, Thomas Flashman, an early 19th century English gentleman gives us an account of his adventures around the world during the expansion of the British Empire. This installment takes up where Flashman in the Peninsula leaves off.
It all begins with Flashy right in the middle of the action as an infantry company commander in the the 3rd Regiment of Foot (aka "the Buffs"). They are chasing the starving and disease-ridden French forces out of Portugal. Their objective is to relieve the besieged Spanish army at Badajoz.
Flashman no longer enjoys the foot loose and fancy free life of an officer on Wellington's staff because his job as liaison to the Spanish forces has faded away. Wellington wants nothing more to do with these unreliable allies and he sends Flashman where he thinks he'll be of more service.
Flashman's thoughts on the subject:
Thus in April 1811, Flashy finds himself slogging through a scorched-earth wasteland at the head of his troops trailing a vicious, starving mob of Frenchmen who kill and torture Spanish peasants to find their hidden food supplies. Then the Spanish commander at Badajoz sells that city to the French and what looked like an easy occupation mission for the British turns into a real combat mission. Of course Flashy is not happy abut this at all.
Nonetheless, Flashman acquits himself well in two bloody and hard fought battles - Albuera and the Storming of Badajoz. Additionally, he barely survives a musket ball being shot into his back and exiting through his chest - plus the resulting not-too-tender ministrations of the regimental surgeon.
Before it's all over, Wellington calls upon our hero to rescue the very officer who usurped Flashy's position on the general's staff from torture at the hands of French intelligence service in Paris. Along the way Flashman manages to rekindle the romance with Agustina de Aragon (yes, the same real life gal with whom he celebrated midnight mass in the the Seville Cathedral), only now that she leads a guerilla band she has a darker side. Seems her new hobby is eviscerating French prisoners of war and then nailing them to trees.
Flashman also meets the seven-year-old Victor Hugo during his time in the French capital. Whether Flashman’s fanciful explanation of the facts of life and the noise lovers make played any part in inspiring Hugo’s classic The Hunchback of Notre-Dame will never be known.
Flashman's Escape is a ripping good read. What's not to enjoy in this romp through Spain and Paris during the Napoleonic wars? Flashman, as ever, is amusing and unscrupulous. This adventure is highly entertaining highly educational, and highly recommended.
It all begins with Flashy right in the middle of the action as an infantry company commander in the the 3rd Regiment of Foot (aka "the Buffs"). They are chasing the starving and disease-ridden French forces out of Portugal. Their objective is to relieve the besieged Spanish army at Badajoz.
Flashman no longer enjoys the foot loose and fancy free life of an officer on Wellington's staff because his job as liaison to the Spanish forces has faded away. Wellington wants nothing more to do with these unreliable allies and he sends Flashman where he thinks he'll be of more service.
Flashman's thoughts on the subject:
"Previously I had some freedom to roam around the battlefield, doing my best to avoid the action. Now I was obliged to lead my men into battle, which gave me much less scope for honourable evasion."
Thus in April 1811, Flashy finds himself slogging through a scorched-earth wasteland at the head of his troops trailing a vicious, starving mob of Frenchmen who kill and torture Spanish peasants to find their hidden food supplies. Then the Spanish commander at Badajoz sells that city to the French and what looked like an easy occupation mission for the British turns into a real combat mission. Of course Flashy is not happy abut this at all.
Nonetheless, Flashman acquits himself well in two bloody and hard fought battles - Albuera and the Storming of Badajoz. Additionally, he barely survives a musket ball being shot into his back and exiting through his chest - plus the resulting not-too-tender ministrations of the regimental surgeon.
Before it's all over, Wellington calls upon our hero to rescue the very officer who usurped Flashy's position on the general's staff from torture at the hands of French intelligence service in Paris. Along the way Flashman manages to rekindle the romance with Agustina de Aragon (yes, the same real life gal with whom he celebrated midnight mass in the the Seville Cathedral), only now that she leads a guerilla band she has a darker side. Seems her new hobby is eviscerating French prisoners of war and then nailing them to trees.
Flashman also meets the seven-year-old Victor Hugo during his time in the French capital. Whether Flashman’s fanciful explanation of the facts of life and the noise lovers make played any part in inspiring Hugo’s classic The Hunchback of Notre-Dame will never be known.
Flashman's Escape is a ripping good read. What's not to enjoy in this romp through Spain and Paris during the Napoleonic wars? Flashman, as ever, is amusing and unscrupulous. This adventure is highly entertaining highly educational, and highly recommended.
August 31, 2023
More Thomas Flashman - and more adventures with some of history's wackiest characters and events; this time focusing on one of Wellingtons special agents who decides to hand himself over to Paris for torture, and then tries to escape while wearing his red British uniform.
Robert Brightwell is doing an excellent job keeping the Flashman heritage alive in an adjacent period to that of Harry Flashman of the GMF books. Great stuff.
Robert Brightwell is doing an excellent job keeping the Flashman heritage alive in an adjacent period to that of Harry Flashman of the GMF books. Great stuff.
December 29, 2017
Has anyone ever made a Flashman movie? These books would make a marvelous subject, maybe more PBS than big screen.
March 7, 2022
The second half of the Napoleonic wars. Well written, but too much blood and gore.
November 10, 2022
love these books.
January 12, 2024
A real grip on history
Enjoyable story of dearing don't in the Peninsula Wars. Illustrates very well the bravery of nearly all concerned, except of course, Captain Flashman.
Enjoyable story of dearing don't in the Peninsula Wars. Illustrates very well the bravery of nearly all concerned, except of course, Captain Flashman.
May 30, 2024
Very quick read, following up on the previous volume. Not as engaging, seems more designed to get from the last book to the next than fully fleshed out.
December 23, 2014
Well done Robert Brightwell!
Yes it is sad that no more Flashman adventures will spring lecherously forth from GMFs imagination. But this series, the adventures of Harry's uncle Thomas, really is worth giving a go.
Brightwell is really finding his feet with the character and each book has been better than the last.
Despite my initial misgivings about the project I am now firmly behind it and look forward to each instalment.
Yes, it isn't Harry Flashman, and it doesn't rise to the heights of GMF. But then... what could?
It is inevitably a bit of a pastiche. But if you are reading this review then I suspect that is what you are looking for.
Much better than it has any right to be. Recommended highly.
Can't wait to see what happens next. But I won't spoil the ending for you
Yes it is sad that no more Flashman adventures will spring lecherously forth from GMFs imagination. But this series, the adventures of Harry's uncle Thomas, really is worth giving a go.
Brightwell is really finding his feet with the character and each book has been better than the last.
Despite my initial misgivings about the project I am now firmly behind it and look forward to each instalment.
Yes, it isn't Harry Flashman, and it doesn't rise to the heights of GMF. But then... what could?
It is inevitably a bit of a pastiche. But if you are reading this review then I suspect that is what you are looking for.
Much better than it has any right to be. Recommended highly.
Can't wait to see what happens next. But I won't spoil the ending for you
November 7, 2014
The Thomas Flashman series comes into it's own in this, the fourth book. The story picks up from the previous book Flashman in the Peninsula, where Thomas was an up and coming aide to Lord Wellington. This book builds on that only this time Thomas is beset with twin disasters of the battles of Albuera and Badajoz, in which he takes part.
When Wellington's new aide (and real person) Colquhoun Grant is captured it's up to Flashman to get him out of France and back to Wellington. What follows is worthy of George MacDonald Fraser and Sir Harry himself.Will be in line for the installment in this series.
When Wellington's new aide (and real person) Colquhoun Grant is captured it's up to Flashman to get him out of France and back to Wellington. What follows is worthy of George MacDonald Fraser and Sir Harry himself.Will be in line for the installment in this series.
January 12, 2017
Excellent Story
This story about Thomas Flashman takes the reader from the Peenninsular Campaign to the streets of Paris as Flashman attempts to evade The French police and return to Spain. The action, dialogue, settings, and plot are all well-written.
This story about Thomas Flashman takes the reader from the Peenninsular Campaign to the streets of Paris as Flashman attempts to evade The French police and return to Spain. The action, dialogue, settings, and plot are all well-written.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews