Customer Reviews
If its Tuesday, it must be Balaclava - By: C. Young, 07 Jun 2008 
Its beginning to look like the superbly structured Flash for Freedom!, this book's immediate predecessor, was the high point of the series. Flashman gets three-and-a-half stars just for being Flashman, of course, but this tale starts at a leisurely pace before bursting into action at Balaclava, then tailing off again. Those who have read the series so far will be familiar with our anti-hero's historic tourism, romping through bit-partsin the major events of the nineteenth century. This time it is the Charge of the Light Brigade. It has to be said GMF writes battle & action scenes brilliantly, thoughin this case a detailed knowledge of the Crimean campaign, characters, & controversies (or at least access to Wikipedia) would be helpful. The Charge is a hard act to follow & for the rest of the book, Flashman more-or-less meanders eastwards, getting into various scrapes. There are a few exciting set pieces, of course, & some interesting insights into the brutality of Imperial Russia, & its expansionist ambitions. GMF's meticulous research shines a revealing light on more recent events. The ending, as Flashman returns `home' to India is satisfying, too.
Incredible! - By: Chris P. Coffey, 25 Mar 2008 
Im currently on my 7th Flashman book but anytime i think of my favourite(As almost impossible a question that may be) i inevitable come back to this episode. Its almost perfectionin bringing together the the ingredients that make the flashman books so brilliant which would bein my humble opinion, historical realism, empathy for the main character(come on who says they wouldnt do the same thing), action & both excellent characters & character dialogue. For a prime example of the Brilliance that is Flashman, see here & Damn your eyes if you think otherwise!
Probably the cleverest of all the flashy's - By: Peter Symonds, 25 Jan 2008 Flashman at the charge is one of the late George McDonald Fraser's greatest works. The plot, with Flashman being disgracedin London, ending upin the Crimea where he charges with the heavy brigade, stands with the thin red line & then charges with the light brigade before being captured by cossacks & ending upin central asia where he saves India from Russian invasion is a proposterous as you'd imagine.... except it fits all the facts.
The genius of GMF is his historical research. When he wrote the first Flashman the author must have sketched out the plots for 10 books, checked time lines then researched like no other historical researcher ever. Its amazing how many historical photos exist of famous Kings & Generals with an unknow stranger with big cavalry whiskers standingin the background. My father has a painting 'the thin red line' depicting the Highlanders stand at Balaclava... & wouldn'y you know it- there's a big chap with cavalry whiskersin the corner of the picture. It always makes me laugh.
If you've never read Flashy start with 'Flashman' then read this one. Because they're written as packets they stand alone very well.
Probably the best Flashman book! - By: Peter, 16 Aug 2007 I was looking at the Flashman books on my shelf & trying to decide which one was my favourite. Whilst Redskins & the Great Game are very enjoyable, the Charge is probably my favourite.
Macdonald Fraser was on top form with this novel; not only do we have the usual mix of historical & fictional events, but there are great heros, heroines & villains. The story ranges from the pool halls of London to Asia via Crimea! Flashman also plays a more active rolein events (in some of the latter books he is more of a passive spectator of what's happening).
If you have come across the Flashman series for the first time, then this is fantastic book.
One of Sir Harry's best - By: M. B. Edwards, 17 Apr 2007 I love the Flashman series, & like the other reviewers this is one of my favourites along with "The Great Game" & "The Redskins".
In this instalment Sir Harry gets involvedin the warin the Crimea,in his words "playing nursemaid to some little German pimp". Naturally his cowardly, womanising & sycophantic nature comes to the fore, & before long a stomach upset sees him (hilariously) joining the light brigade for their famous action.
McDonald Fraser's books never fail to keep me entertained with their humorous approach, & yet I always seem to come away from having read them with an increased knowledge about the period of history he's writing about. This, the seventh instalment, is one of the series best.
