Flashman and the Dragon

After reading Hornblower and Bolitho, I thought I would give the army a try. Fraser is an excellent teller of historical fiction with a touch of Jeffery Deaver for fun! Quite graphic in his portrayls of the characters and events, Flashman delves into the whys and not just the hows. Yes, Flashman is a roque, but if given the chance - wouldn't we all?

Another one of the great books on that Cad Sir Harry Flashman VC. Mr Fraser is to be complimented on his wonderful editing of the old soldiers memoirs ! I just hope that he finds the time to keep up the excellent work!

I could barely put this book down from the time I opened it. Hilarious, interesting and entralling. Not only did I get to learn about a part of history I previously had no knowledge of, but I got to laugh and laugh and laugh while doing it. This is my second Flashman book and I cannot wait to complete the series.

Maybe. I don't care and you won't care. You'll be grateful for another one. This one. And if you are smart you'll be wondering what you're going to do with yourself when you finish the series. Join the club.

Make no mistake, Flashy's still the spineless poltroon he always was, but for me the most interesting feature of this book is the way in which he has evolved into a more calculating coward. His bowels still turn to water at the merest hint of danger, yet he has honed his fiendish cunning and learned to wear the mask of cool calculation. Thus, when threatened with death, dismemberment, or exposure, he can present a collected front while all the while his mind is feverishly plotting an escape.Let's just say he's learned tactics and no longer panics, soils himself and flees... He's learned to use his entirely undeserved heroic reputation to advantage instead of bolting from one horrendous situation to the next. Still lucky, he now modifies his chances through judicious posturing and careful shaving of the odds. A real treat to see him mature, if that is the correct word. Still a despicable cad, but one who has learned the art of survival with style, if not grace.Amusing to see that even cads, bounders and cheats are suceptible to character development. Well done to Mr. Fraser for allowing Flashy to grow a little - and not improve one whit!