Flashman in the Peninsula

Adventures of Thomas Flashman, Book 3

By: Robert Brightwell

Narrated by: Henry Clore Harrison

This is the third installment in the memoirs of the Georgian Englishman, Thomas Flashman, which were recently discovered on a well-known auction website. Thomas is the uncle of the notorious Victorian rogue, Harry Flashman, whose memoirs have already been published, edited by George MacDonald Fraser. Thomas shares many of the family traits, particularly the ability to find himself reluctantly at the sharp end of many major events of his age.

While many people have written books and novels on the Peninsular War, Thomas Flashman's memoirs offer a unique perspective. They include new accounts of famous battles, but also incredible incidents and characters almost forgotten by history. Flashman is revealed as the catalyst to one of the greatest royal scandals of the 19th century, which disgraced a prince and ultimately produced one of our greatest novelists. In Spain and Portugal, he witnesses catastrophic incompetence and incredible courage in equal measure. He is present at an extraordinary action where a small group of men stopped the army of a French marshal in its tracks. His flatulent horse may well have routed a Spanish regiment, while his cowardice and poltroonery certainly saved the British army from a French trap.

Accompanied by Lord Byron's dog, Flashman faces death from Polish lancers and a vengeful Spanish midget, not to mention finding time to perform a blasphemous act with the famous Maid of Zaragoza. This is an account made more astonishing as the key facts are confirmed by various historical sources.

©2014 Robert Brightwell (P)2017 Henlow Publishing Ltd

Great history

While I was dubious about this author having appropriated the, “Flashman” franchise for a series of “prequel” books, he soon won me over with his superb recounting of the military history of the War of the Peninsula. While this author does not provide the rapier wit, and biting cynicism of the original series by George McDonald Fraser, and the narrator is inferior to the excellent David Case, Brightwell still presents an entertaining, fast-paced, page turning novel; —packed with real, detailed and fascinating historical substance.

Great

Like all the Flashy stories this is great historical entertainment, especially for a long drive using earbuds.

Another fantastic adventure by Brightwell

Where does Flashman in the Peninsula rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The original Flashman books are some of my absolute favorite audiobooks, and Brightwell's tales are every bit as good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Flashy, of course, followed by Cuesta and the Maid of Zaragotha. Wellesley is portrayed perfectly, of course, with the dry wit one would expect from him.

What about Henry Clore Harrison’s performance did you like?

He has an excellent pace and manages to differentiate each character's voice so that you can easily follow a conversation between even two similar characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Flashy "rescued" the Maid of Zaragotha, and she later told her story of growing up near the soldiers' barracks.

Any additional comments?

It's an excellent tale throughout, and once again, Brightwell does his homework on the war so that most historically-minded readers aren't disengaged *and* still tell an ofttimes funny, often poignant tale of war and misadventure. It's engaging from start to finish and I'll be buying every one in the series.

Great series, fun read with good historical notes

Love it and the whole series. The hero is by turns a coward and a fearless fighter. More true to life than puffed up popinjays.

Continued Enjoyment

Third book and I am as enthused now as I was after the first book. Story line continues with great detail and time period statements. I highly recommend.

Flashy rides again!

A really enjoyable romp, enabling us to take the joy of Flash back in time. Really well written in the authentic manner, meticulously researched and by turns funny and vivid.

History should be entirely taught by means of Flashman! This is a superb use of a credit.

Fills The Hole Left By GMF

Very enjoyable, almost as good as the Harry Flashman books. Henry Clore Harrison is doing an excellent job of narration now! The stories are much more interesting and has me researching background material, much like the Harry Flashman books did.