George MacDonald Fraser Flashman on the March

Flashman on the March

George MacDonald Fraser

Knopf, Nov 2005, $24.00

ISBN: 1400044758

In 1867 on the voyage from Mexico bearing the body of Emperor Max, Sir Harry "Flashy" Flashman seduces the royal niece of an Austrian Admiral. In Trieste, his hosts become upset with his dalliance, but the resourceful cad escapes prosecution or execution when he fortunately for him meets a friend from the British Foreign Office, who explains that a rescue mission needs a diplomat. Flashman volunteers as the British envoy on a dangerous mission led by General Robert Napier to exchange silver for the freedom of several hundred European hostages held by Abyssinian King Theodore.

However, as always is the case when Flashman becomes involved in an escapade, nothing goes right. Making matters more complex is Theodore is crazy taking immense pleasure at providing minor stings that annoy Queen Victoria and her retinue. Still Britannia Rules the globe with the sun never sets and all that bloody rot motivating the rescuers that is except Flashman, who is more interested in the charms of the female natives than saving imperialists.

The historical aspects feel genuine perhaps because the racial superior attitude of the British comes across so loud and in one's face. The mission and rescue efforts of Napier come from the history books, but are presented as fascinating tidbits. However, as usual Flashman is politically incorrect even in a ninetieth imperialist century context as he, as an aging Lothario, chases women around the globe. His misadventures enhanced by a realistic glimpse at the Whiteman's Burden theology provide a powerful delightful entry in one of better historical series on the market today.

Harriet Klausner