Flashman's Waterloo

Adventures of Thomas Flashman, Book 6

By: Robert Brightwell

Narrated by: Henry Clore Harrison

This sixth packet of memoirs from the notorious Georgian rogue Thomas Flashman covers the extraordinary events that culminated in a battle just south of Brussels, near a place called Waterloo.

The first six months of 1815 were a pivotal time in European history. As a result, countless books have been written by men who were there and by those who studied it afterwards. But despite this wealth of material, there are still many unanswered questions including:

• Why did the man who promised to bring Napoleon back in an iron cage, instead join his old commander?
• Why was Wellington so convinced that the French would not attack when they did?
• Why was the French emperor ill during the height of the battle, leaving its management to the hot-headed Marshal Ney?
• What possessed Ney to launch a huge and disastrous cavalry charge in the middle of the battle?
• Why did the British Head of Intelligence always walk with a limp after the conflict?

The answer to all these questions in full or in part can be summed up in one word: Flashman.

This extraordinary tale is aligned with other historical accounts of the Waterloo campaign and reveals how Flashman’s attempt to embrace the quiet diplomatic life backfires spectacularly. The memoir provides a unique insight into how Napoleon returned to power, the treachery and intrigues around his hundred-day rule and how ultimately he was robbed of victory. It includes the return of old friends and enemies from both sides of the conflict and is a fitting climax to Thomas Flashman’s Napoleonic adventures.

©2016 Robert Brightwell (P)2019 Henlow Publishing Ltd

Excellent story and narration

Can't get enough of Brightwell's books. His research is impeccable, his narrative thrilling, and Flashy is just as much a scoundrel as ever.

The narrator manages to be appropriately sardonic an poignant as needed, and brings Flashy's world to life.

Wonderful

Not quite as good as the books about his nephew, Harry Flashman, they are the next best thing. I have enjoyed every one of the audio books and I am anxiously waiting for more.

Saga Continues

Everything Flashman does puts him in harms way. Or into some bed with a female of whom he should probably shy away from. Well written and very well read this book is a delight. And considering that much of the detail is factual makes it even more amazing. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next. I highly recommend.

Excellent

The series keeps getting better and better. I was skeptical at first. The original series are some of my favorite books ever written. While not quite as good (surely an impossible task) as the originals, this series is very close. I can heartily recommend it.

I had trouble with the narrator's pronounciation of French names

The book was ok but a bit "pat" in the way Flashy wanders about a battlefield managing to be in the right place at the right time. The events around Quatre Bras and Waterloo were too complicated for that to work.
Also, the narrator couldn't be arsed to learn how to pronounce French names or place names, some of which came out unrecognizable. I speak French well and by "unrecognizable" I am not joking.