Flash for Freedom (The Flashman Papers, Book 3) by George MacDonald Fraser - PPPP

Flash for Freedom is the third book in a series of twelve comprising the memoirs of a fictional Brit making his way through actual historical events beginning in the early-mid 19th century.

Harry Flashman, our favorite cowardly yet narcissistic psychopath, is at it again in the third installation of this magnificent series.

After a card game goes awry, Flashy is forced to flee London and is launched on an outrageous odyssey where he reluctantly plays a role in the U.S. slave trade, including slave dealing and slave driving. And while I say ‘reluctantly,’ I should point out that it’s not altogether un-reluctantly. This is, after all, the infamous scoundrel Flashy we’re talking about here.

On the journey, Flashy of course finds himself in a pickle or two courtesy of his insatiable sexual appetite and his utter disregard for the sanctity of marriage. When in such a pinch, he cuts to his very essence when he informs us: I doubt if there’s a man living who can move faster with his pants round his ankles than I can.

Fraser once again demonstrates his writing chops by weaving a compelling narrative filled with vivid descriptions, insightful observations, and incisive wit.

Further, he masterfully captures a range of Victorian English, Scottish, and American dialogues, portraying with great expertise the vernacular and accents of the time with such skill that the characters pop off the page. Well, I think he did anyway. I have no fucking clue what people talked like in those days, but it seemed pretty spot on to me.

It goes without saying that there are plenty of small, medium, and big-sized LOL’s, and while it’s impossible to have the same impact as the first book, when I had no idea what to expect from Fraser or Flashy, it’s first-rate comedic literature that I highly recommend to fans of the first two as well as anyone with a sense of humor and at least a slight interest in history.

4 Pearls.

As of the writing of this review (10/2019), Flash for Freedom has earned the #6 spot on my Top 10 Comedic Novels. If I keep reading and rating all twelve of these magnificent tales, there’s a chance they’d take over the Top 10 like Hitler took over Europe. Much like France, John Dies at the End surrendered this time without even a fight. As such, while I’ll keep reading and reviewing, I’ll limit to three the number of Flashman Chronicles that can make the coveted list.

Bonus quote: ”Oh, the holy satisfaction of the godly—when it comes to delight in cruelty I’m just a child compared to them.”