Sun 7 Mar 2021
Reviewed by Dan Stumpf: GEORGE McDONALD FRASER – Flashman and the Tiger.
Posted by Steve under Reviews[9] Comments
GEORGE McDONALD FRASER – Flashman and the Tiger. Knopf, hardcover, 2000. Anchor, paperback, 2001.
Flashman and the Tiger‘s a collection of three bits Fraser apparently hasn’t the energy to work up into full-blown Novels, but an entertaining collection nonetheless. “The Road to Charing Cross” revisits Bismarck and some of the players in Royal Flash, with Flashman unwillingly (of course) involved in thwarting an attempt on the life of Emperor Franz Joseph. The twists are pretty easy to see coming, and Fraser missed an opportunity for an interesting footnote about Valentine Baker, but it’s still fun.
The second bit, “The Subtleties of Baccarat,” is a Henry-Jamesish thing, the story hinging on self-righteousness, public opinion and the subtle agendae so dear to James’ heart. Imagine The Ambassadors with sex and a sense of humor and you get the idea.
Best of the lot, though, is “Flashman and the Tiger.” Holmes enthusiasts will see the resolution marching down Baker Street, but it’s an enjoyable thing, and Holmes’ cameo appearance is truly hilarious. Seek it out.
March 7th, 2021 at 1:51 pm
I’m a big fan of Fraser and Sir Harry. I have this on the shelf, but didn’t remember (or know?) that it was three separate stories. Gotta get to it soon.
March 7th, 2021 at 5:12 pm
Non est similis praesens tempus!
March 7th, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Even the least of Flashman is still better than the best of so many others. Flashy’s opinion of Holmes and Watson is a delight.
The only downside is being reminded how much I would give for one more Flashman adventure to look forward to, and how much I treasure what we have.
March 7th, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Fraser has a special place in my memory, and his work is always a delight.
March 8th, 2021 at 1:59 pm
I keep trying to guess what Flashy did during the American Civil War. Maybe he was responsible for union troops finding a copy of Lee’s battle plans wrapped around some cigars in the lead up to Antietam? Or, having to escape a vengeful JEB Stuart he’s forced to join Pickett’s Charge?
Some speculate that Fraser didn’t plan on a civil war book, since a Englishman wouldn’t consider this backwoods American war that important. But, considering that Sir Harry died at the western front, you could imagine him writing out this last memoir recalling how he had gone through this sort of trench warfare during the siege of Richmond?
Fraser must have written some notes on this? A ghost written book would not be expected to be as good as what Fraser would have written, but it could bring Flashman’s story to a close?
March 8th, 2021 at 4:40 pm
I have always believed Royal Flash, the best of the series. The dedication, for Kath, and Ronald Colman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone, Louis Hayward, Tyrone Power, and all the rest of them. following this to its logical conclusion, I was in touch with Mr. Fraser and remained so for the remainder of his life, he never failing to send each new book in the series, plus The Hollywood History of the Word, 2nd Edition, amended to include a special reference to Louis.
March 8th, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Barry, I agree on ROYAL FLASH. After that my favorites include FLASHMAN’S LADY, …AT THE CHARGE, and … IN THE GREAT GAME.
Though as much as I love Flashy, MR. AMERICAN is one of my favorite books of all time.
March 8th, 2021 at 9:15 pm
Mr. American is just great, David. I do not believe it was as well-received as Flashman. Should have been.
March 9th, 2021 at 2:25 am
Fraser had many talents – Black Ajax (which features Flashman’s equally wicked father) – is an other fine novel, his war memoir Quartered Safe Out Here is very good and his two books about 16th century Scotland – The Candlemas Road and the The Steel Bonnets – history, not fiction – are good too.
Never mind recommendations! Just get hold of a Fraser bibliography and work your way through it!