Flashman and the Redskins

Fraser's Flashman #7. This time a novel in two parts covering the USA and Flashy's experiences in the 1849/50 gold rush to California (albeit he doesn't reach the destination) and then again in 1875/76.

As always Fraser is able to insert Harry Flashman into accurate history in a faultless way. More than once in this novel alone Flashman and his narrative steps in to resolve aspects of history, albeit in a fictional way - so very clever, Fraser has no equal in this genre.

Flashman continues to be a scoundrel in this novel, and while he remains a self-confessed coward, when his back is to the wall he still show more courage in his self preservation than the average man. But yes, he continues to exhibit some appalling behaviour (particularly towards women) throughout this book, although he is very close to getting his comeuppance (once again)!

As is the case as well as an accurate historical setting Fraser treats us to Flashman interacting with a cast of real people. In the first timespan he travels with Richens 'Uncle Dick' Wooten, to Bent's fort (a renowned frontiersman and guide); becomes entangled with s gang of scalp hunters, led by Grattan (also known as John Glanton); then falls in with the Apache's themselves where he becomes the son-in-law of chief Mangas Coloradas, and befriends the famous Geronimo. Moving on the travels with Kit Carson and Spotted Trail, a Sichangu Lakota tribal chief. At his point Flashman meets Spotted Tails young nephew, who is to grow up to be Crazy Horse.

In the second timespan Flashman again meets up with Spotted Horse, President Ulysses S. Grant, but it is his time with George Custer, his brothers and other soldiers and his presence at the Battle of Little Big Horn, then his relationship with Frank Grouard (Standing Bear) that stands out. As the novel draws to a close he meets up with old friend Wild Bill Hickok.

For a part of the second timespan Flashman's possibly cheating wife Elsbeth travels with him until she heads off to do her own thing, and Harry is left to his own devices. There is a great twist at the end for Harry to deal with, but I don't intend to spoil it for other readers.

Another great read at 4*