Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Flashman

I've recently started re-reading the Flashman books, in no particular order. Just finished "Flashman and the Mountain of Light" set during the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46). I enjoyed it, though of the twelve Flashman books I'd have to place in the bottom six as far as my favorites go. I've realized that all my favorite books have Elspeth in them, even if only for a short spell. If I had to rank the books in order of my favorites, it would probably be thus:

Flashman and the Angel of the Lord - no. 1. This is the book I'm currently re-reading, and it's just as good as I remembered, from the opening scene of Flashman playing with his great grandchildren and reminiscing with them about famed abolitionist John Brown, till the climax at Harper's Ferry, this is, imo, the best of all the Flashman books.

Flashman - no. 2. To me, the very first book in the series is still one of my favorite reads. I've lost count of how many times I've re-read it, but it has to be approaching double digits.

Flashman's Lady - no. 3 The excerpts from Elspeth's diary are priceless, and I wish Frasier had written more adventures with her in them or at least her viewpoints.

(to be continued)

Finally...Summer

Summer is finally here for the Hollywood household. The animal whisperer completed summer school, and we get to go on vacation for a few days...all I can say is "Yay!"