Flashman and the Seawolf

Adventures of Thomas Flashman

By: Robert Brightwell

Narrated by: Henry Clore Harrison

New improved recording uploaded April 2020

Following the popularity of the memoirs of Harry Flashman, the Victorian scoundrel who got himself embroiled in many events of his age, this book introduces a new generation of the family: Thomas Flashman, whose career covers the Napoleonic and Georgian era.

This first book covers his adventures with Thomas Cochrane, one of the most extraordinary naval commanders of all time. From the brothels and gambling dens of London, through political intrigues and espionage, the action moves to the Mediterranean and the real life character of Thomas Cochrane.

This book covers the start of Cochrane's career including the most astounding single ship action of the Napoleonic war. Thomas Flashman provides a unique insight as danger stalks him like a persistent bailiff through a series of adventures that prove history really is stranger than fiction.

This is the first in a series of books stretching from 1800 to the late 1830’s, all firmly based on historical fact and often less well known but extraordinary characters and events.

©2012 Robert Brightwell (P)2016 Henlow Publishing Limited

very well told story

if you like a book with a good plot, adventure and a bit of humour this is the serries for you.

Prequel to Harry Flashman Series

This novel is the first in the Thomas Flashman series. This series is, chronologically, a prequel to the series by George MacDonald Fraser featuring the Victorian scoundrel and rogue Harry Flashman, nephew of Thomas. I loved the original Flashman series and this is a nice follow-up. I strongly recommend it to Flashman fans and to new readers.

However, Thomas is a relatively pale reflection of his nephew -- not nearly as much of a scoundrel and rouge. Thomas is more politically correct than Harry, which is not hard since Harry may be the least politically correct character in all of modern fiction. For example, while Thomas likes chasing the ladies and is a frequent visitor to brothels and bordellos, he draws the line, unlike Harry, at coercion and sexual assault.

This series is more like a cross between the original Flashman series and the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. Thomas Flashman is pleasantly and plausible cowardly, self-interested, lewd, and licentious but he is fundamentally a positive character.

What this series has in common with the original Flashman series is its careful attention to historical accuracy. It is a wonderful way to learn history.

History (almost) with a comic flair

The hero alternately romps and staggers through a series of loosely historical events, surrounded by characters from the British government and Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. The book is not always humorous, as the scenes describing Algerian prisons and torture methods bring a shudder. The women in the story are there only to titllate; Thomas Flashmen lives in a world of brothels full of beautiful women who are happy in their work, and their caring, doting employers. Other than the few pointless brothel scenes, it is good storytelling.

truly excellent!

very informative, well researched, and entertaining ! I look forward to the other books in the series

A Fun Adventure

I really liked the author's dry wit. The narrator does a great job. I look forward to other books in this series.

should be made into a movie better than Indiana Jo

Can't wait to hear the next book brilliant you must put this on when you are out walking you will walk for miles

Interesting but not essential

Historically interesting but I didn't enjoy the narration it the writing. Glad the author made the attempt but not a book I would recommend.

Great adventure

The historical details and humorous writing provides entertainment that will cause you to drive past your destination.

Exciting Navel Fiction: Based on Historic Record

I've enjoyed the adventure books written by George MacDonald Frasier and Patrick O'Brian. ``Flashman and the Seawolf'' is a wonderful blending of these two authors. Not as technical as O'Brian and not as bawdy as Frasier.
The author, Robert Brightwell, tells a story which seems to be pure fiction, but by including historic notes within the book and in the afterward, he shows the truth can really be stranger than fiction.
The reader handles the voices of the book's many characters with skill.
I have become a big fan of this author and look forward to listening and reading the next 10 books in the series. I have already ordered the printed copies of the next three in the series. I listen on Audible when I walk and drive, and read the book when I have time at home.
Thanks to Robert Brightwell for his most engaging book!

Not the nephew

A more PC Flashman. Like the Flashman of old this one also finds himself rubbing shoulders with every historical personage of his day but he’s more Forest Gump than antihero. The narrator is no David Case (Frederick Davidson) and doesn’t differentiate character voices well which is a shame. One eventually gets past the narration and the fact that this is not a Harry Flashman bodice ripper. The historic situations promised in the rest of the series interest me sufficiently to try the next.