by George MacDonald Fraser, 1969

This book is a very interesting account of the adventures of a scoundrel in the British army who ends up participating in many fascinating historical events.  This is the first of the series and it starts with Flashman at a boarding school and explains how he subsequently joins the army and is shipped off to India and Afghanistan as an officer.  The predicaments he gets into and, just as entertaining, how he gets out of them, are the basis of the story.

The book’s historical backdrop is probably its most redeeming value.  Flashman is so decadent, however, that I found myself glad that my children didn’t read it when they were growing up and I hope my grandchildren don’t ever get their hands on it.  He is definately not a role model for young people to emulate.

The book is not politically correct in terms of today’s standards.  His view of women as objects to be defiled and the books use of the “n” word to refer to Afghan natives are definately not to be admired, even though one might argue that these practices are both accurate from an historic perspective.

The book is well-written and entertaining; I think I may come back and read other books in the series at some future date.