Rating: 
Summary: Exceptional extension of Flashman into American History
Review: This book is one of Fraser's best in the Flashman series, especially for American readers. It is superbly crafted, moving from where the story ended in Royal Flash, with Flashman in America, through his travels to the American West in 1840's, then jumping several decades to Custer's ill fated Souix campaign. Fraser's research of the West is typically perfect, and the story is tight, fun and suspenseful. In typical Fraser fashion, Flashman mentions past and future adventures, spicing the true Flashman fans' craving for other books in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Harry among the Braves
Review: This is the sixth volume that I read in my chronological survey of the life and times of Sir Harry. In despite of his self confessed lack of any conscience, Flashman remains a singularly engaging personality in the two closely linked tales in this volume.Here Harry is both a '49er and a '76er and his forays into the West in the gold rush and into the battle at Little Big Horn allow for many a lesson in American history and provide a scenic background for Flashy's cowardly and lustful deeds. Fraser needs to be commended for the two-part structure of this book. While he had ventured in some counterpoint by including Elspeth's diary entries in "Flashman's Lady", here the author seems to be going out on a limb, before neatly tying the strands together. This novel ranks with the best in the Flashman series: accurate history and humor make this a superbly entertaining read. On top of that, Flashman's character flaws are at the center of this book with a central plot that has more in common with Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" than Dostojewsky's "Crime and Punishment". Yet, it is a sign of Fraser's expert authorship that the title "lovable rogue" given by one of my fellow reviewers is right on the money. Another great read by Fraser, light years beyond the books by Karl May, still Germany's best read writer, that I read in my childhood. Flashman Forever!
Rating:
Summary: An historical novel that is both insightful and irreverent.
Review: Those familiar with the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser will vastly enjoy this offering which spans the anti-hero's escapades across the American west in 1849, and again in 1876. Fraser proves himself the master of comedic dialogue, both internal (as Flashy ponders his latest predicament) and with various notables of the period. The terrified Flashman's conversation with the Apache chief Mangas Colorado is one jewel that stands out among the many in this work. In addition to his comedic genius, Fraser should not be disregarded as an historian. Like the rest of the Flashman series, this work does not shy away from historical controversies (such as what happened from the time Custer split his command at the Little Bighorn). Fraser's conclusions are well-researched and just as plausible (perhaps more so) than any more "serious" historical work. Fraser is at the top of his form, here. I feel genuinely sorry for anyone who cannot have access to all of the Flashman books, but this one is certainly a "must."
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