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Adventures of Thomas Flashman #8
Flashman and the Golden Sword
The Most Fearsome Enemy He Ever FacedOf all the enemies that our hero has shrunk away from, there was one he feared above them all. By his own admission they gave him nightmares into his dotage. It was not the French, the Spanish, the Americans or the Mexicans. It was not even the more exotic adversaries such as the Iroquois, Mahratta or Zulus. While they could all make his guts churn anxiously, the foe that really put him off his lunch were the Ashanti.
“You could not see them coming,” he complained. “They were well armed, fought with cunning and above all, there were bloody thousands of the bastards.”
This eighth packet in the Thomas Flashman memoirs details his misadventures on the Gold Coast in Africa. It was a time when the British lion discovered that instead of being the king of the jungle, it was in fact a crumb on the lip of a far more ferocious beast. Our ‘hero’ is at the heart of this revelation after he is shipwrecked on that hostile shore. While waiting for passage home, he is soon embroiled in the plans of a naïve British governor who has hopelessly underestimated his foe. When he is not impersonating a missionary or chasing the local women, Flashman finds himself being trapped by enemy armies, risking execution and the worst kind of ‘dismemberment,’ not to mention escaping prisons, spies, snakes, water horses (hippopotamus) and crocodiles.
It is another rip-roaring Thomas Flashman adventure, which tells the true story of an extraordinary time in Africa that is now almost entirely forgotten.
“You could not see them coming,” he complained. “They were well armed, fought with cunning and above all, there were bloody thousands of the bastards.”
This eighth packet in the Thomas Flashman memoirs details his misadventures on the Gold Coast in Africa. It was a time when the British lion discovered that instead of being the king of the jungle, it was in fact a crumb on the lip of a far more ferocious beast. Our ‘hero’ is at the heart of this revelation after he is shipwrecked on that hostile shore. While waiting for passage home, he is soon embroiled in the plans of a naïve British governor who has hopelessly underestimated his foe. When he is not impersonating a missionary or chasing the local women, Flashman finds himself being trapped by enemy armies, risking execution and the worst kind of ‘dismemberment,’ not to mention escaping prisons, spies, snakes, water horses (hippopotamus) and crocodiles.
It is another rip-roaring Thomas Flashman adventure, which tells the true story of an extraordinary time in Africa that is now almost entirely forgotten.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
47 people are currently reading
35 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2021
Robert Brightwell has done another wonderful job of researching and writing a Flashman adventure story. This time he has brought back an old "friend" from Flashy's days fighting the French in Spain. Certainly old fans will remember the fun loving Irish sergeant who wouldn't let Thomas miss the best part of the Battle of Busaco with the the Connaught Rangers back in September 1810.
Here's Flashy's account from Flashman in the Peninsula:
Yep, in this eighth packet of his memoirs, Thomas Flashman details his misadventures on the Gold Coast of Africa in 1823 with Sergeant O'Hara as his faithful wingman and orderly. Together they pool their daring and combat experience (fortified every step of the way with Irish poteen) to save the lightly garrisoned British colony from the overwhelming hordes of bloodthirsty Ashanti warriors.
Of course it's not all blood and thunder. Flashman manages to seduce the delectable Mrs. Bracegirdle and incite a drunken orgy at a religious service as well. Rousing battle scenes, clever escapes and plenty of authentic period detail make this another thrilling romp.
Come now people, you don’t want to miss the fun.
Here's Flashy's account from Flashman in the Peninsula:
"I looked down at the blood still covering me and decided that I would let them hurtle down the hill without me, and then I would feign a limp as I went slowly after them. A blood soaked and wounded Flashy, hobbling into battle despite his wounds; it would fit my reputation like port and cigars. “Charge,” shouted the colonel."
“Huzzah, forward you brave fellows,” cries the gallant Flashy, flourishing his blade in the air too, but only staggering forwards a few paces and watching the backs of the others recede before him.
Before I had gone more than a yard, I was aware of the Light Company men coming up from behind. The first few soldiers jostled past, but then I felt an arm lift me at my right elbow followed immediately by another at my left. My feet were lifted off the ground and a voice called in my ear, “Don’t you worry sor, we’ll help you down all right, so we shall.” With that I was carried off down the slope at an alarming speed, my arms in vice-like grips, my feet in the air and my sword waving futilely in my hand.
Some had seen that the blood I was covered in was not mine and when I started to hobble away the evil-minded villains saw straight through my charade. Laughing with glee, they picked up one of their English masters and cruelly deprived him of his honest right to shirk his duty. I realised this in the first twenty yards when they ignored my raging and a voice called in my ear, “Come now sor, you don’t want to miss the fun.”
Yep, in this eighth packet of his memoirs, Thomas Flashman details his misadventures on the Gold Coast of Africa in 1823 with Sergeant O'Hara as his faithful wingman and orderly. Together they pool their daring and combat experience (fortified every step of the way with Irish poteen) to save the lightly garrisoned British colony from the overwhelming hordes of bloodthirsty Ashanti warriors.
Of course it's not all blood and thunder. Flashman manages to seduce the delectable Mrs. Bracegirdle and incite a drunken orgy at a religious service as well. Rousing battle scenes, clever escapes and plenty of authentic period detail make this another thrilling romp.
Come now people, you don’t want to miss the fun.
November 28, 2022
Some people like to read romance novels. I like historical action/fantasy like the Flashman series. This one is a "new" series re: Thamas Flashman, uncle of the notorious Harry Flashman. While still a rake and a bit of a coward, Thomas has less of those qualities than his nephew. Indeed, in this novel he demonstrates military initiative and bravery, even if he is blotto drunk in the process. This book is centered on the Firist Ashanti War 1823-24, so like all of the Flashman series, it incorporates historically verified facts along with imaginative speculation. Very enjoyable.
October 18, 2018
Thomas Flashman (Harry's uncle) continues his adventures and mis-adventures this time on the Gold Coast of Africa.
In the last installment Thomas' ship had sunk and with a dubious character where heading off for land. Thomas, thinking he is the only survivor finds himself captured by a tribe, whose king just happens to be his partner who did survive.
Saved Thomas winds up by a small British colony, who hopes to deal with the Ashanti king, which turns into a near massacre with Thomas now captive of the Ashanti. Harrowing escape from captivity leads him and his band of escapees back to the British containment with the Ashanti armies hot on their heels.
Certainly the best of al the Thomas Flashman novels. There have been a lot of 'Flashman' knock off since the death of George MacDonald Fraser but Mister Brightwell keeps the true Flashman flame alive and healthy.
Highly recommended.
In the last installment Thomas' ship had sunk and with a dubious character where heading off for land. Thomas, thinking he is the only survivor finds himself captured by a tribe, whose king just happens to be his partner who did survive.
Saved Thomas winds up by a small British colony, who hopes to deal with the Ashanti king, which turns into a near massacre with Thomas now captive of the Ashanti. Harrowing escape from captivity leads him and his band of escapees back to the British containment with the Ashanti armies hot on their heels.
Certainly the best of al the Thomas Flashman novels. There have been a lot of 'Flashman' knock off since the death of George MacDonald Fraser but Mister Brightwell keeps the true Flashman flame alive and healthy.
Highly recommended.
December 9, 2019
I just finished Flashman and the Golden Sword by Robert Brightwell. I have long been a huge fan of the Flashman books by GM Fraser. Since his death a decade ago, I have discovered and read many books purporting to be a continuation or a parody of the series. None of these has entertained be nearly so well as the stories of Flashman's uncle Thomas by Robert Brightwell. He seems to have captured the essence of the original books. And the portrayal of Thomas Flashman makes it so easy to believe he is the uncle of the original. As best as my limited research shows, the books so accurately follow actual historical events. If you like Fraser's Flashman, then I strongly recommend Brightwell's Flashman. I'll be starting Flashman at the Alamo tomorrow. Please keep writing them, Robert.
October 6, 2018
Flash for colonisation!
It is now official: Thomas Flashman is my favourite member of the Flashman clan. Sorry about that, Harry, old chap. Your uncle is as fond of a roll in the hay as you are, but when necessary, he can be a real soldier too. Even if he has to get roaring drunk to do it. This volume sees Thomas in Africa, where he gets caught up in improbable (but never quite impossible) adventures. So where can he go from here? There was this secret society in the first few volumes that just faded from the picture. Will that theme be picked up again to focus on British domestic issues? Who knows, with Flashmen, anything is possible.
It is now official: Thomas Flashman is my favourite member of the Flashman clan. Sorry about that, Harry, old chap. Your uncle is as fond of a roll in the hay as you are, but when necessary, he can be a real soldier too. Even if he has to get roaring drunk to do it. This volume sees Thomas in Africa, where he gets caught up in improbable (but never quite impossible) adventures. So where can he go from here? There was this secret society in the first few volumes that just faded from the picture. Will that theme be picked up again to focus on British domestic issues? Who knows, with Flashmen, anything is possible.
Read
December 20, 2025Flashman never disappoints. Brightwell’s books are easy to pick up and hard to put down. His often accurate portrayals of historical eras add to the fun. Flashman changes the course of history at Waterloo? With a chap you may have heard of —Napoleon? Flashman ducks out the back door at the Alamo? I’ve read all 11 of Brightwell’s novels about Thomas Flashman and I intend to start reading all 11 of them again. But first I will take his recommendation and explore Harry Flashman and his extraordinary adventures.
December 12, 2018
Dastardly deeds in darkest Africa
Another thrilling romp with Thomas Flashman as he dailies with a missionary’a wife and a femme fatale interpreter while being threatened on all sides by incompetent British officers, dangerous beasts and angry native warriors. Rousing battle scenes, clever escapes and plenty of authentic period detail make this another great read in the Thomas Flashman chronicles.
Another thrilling romp with Thomas Flashman as he dailies with a missionary’a wife and a femme fatale interpreter while being threatened on all sides by incompetent British officers, dangerous beasts and angry native warriors. Rousing battle scenes, clever escapes and plenty of authentic period detail make this another great read in the Thomas Flashman chronicles.
April 18, 2019
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"The author has included many of the known participants and their experiences – and put together an enjoyable novel in the wake of a fine tradition started by George MacDonald Fraser."
founder #DDRevs
"The author has included many of the known participants and their experiences – and put together an enjoyable novel in the wake of a fine tradition started by George MacDonald Fraser."
September 14, 2024
Flashman gets shipwrecked on the coast of Africa, saves himself from death at the hands of one set of natives by killing one of his fellow shipmates and pretending to be a Mason. Then ends up in what looks to be a hopeless defense of a British outpost and acquits himself well.
October 16, 2018
A good read. Thomas Flashman at his best.
A good read. Thomas Flashman at his best. Looking forward to more in the series. Where will he go next.
A good read. Thomas Flashman at his best. Looking forward to more in the series. Where will he go next.
July 26, 2020
Best yet
Thomas Flashman’s best adventure yet. The author Robert Brightwell hits his stride with this installment. Couldn’t put my kindle down.
Thomas Flashman’s best adventure yet. The author Robert Brightwell hits his stride with this installment. Couldn’t put my kindle down.
November 19, 2022
Another great adventure from the Flashman.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews