Harry Flashman is one hell of a chap. He possesses no morals, no shame and has the largest yellow streak running through his veins, the size of the Nile in fact. But he is a shining example of Blighty’s Imperialist fodder. God bless you Harry !
During my reading exploits I always take a deep shine to my page turning heroes, whether it be Bertram Wooster or Biggles. They all share a certain English-ness that overflows with certain lost attributes that today’s White Cliff edged shores has lost. I often think we went through the Blitz to give freedom to a bunch of horrid half wits, hell bent on hanging, drawn and quartering our noble heritage. Woman folk drinking Lager and parading without the use of stockings (and knickers) gets a bit thick after a while. Still piffle to all that. We can still find our paradise lost within others exploits, no matter how inflated they may be. Flashman is the worst kind of hero; a horrid term to pen but he is truly the ultimate anti hero. Within his exploits he manages to have a hand in some of the greatest historical endeavors. From the unification of Germany to the charge of the Light Brigade, Flashman was there always unwilling and looking for a way out, sharpish! Who would have thought the intolerable bully from Tom Brown’s schooldays could create such a wonderful storm when left to his own devices.
So Mr Flashman VC. I salute you most humbly!!
