Christopher Hitchins writes in the National Review Online of the demise of the author of the Flashman novels, George MacDonald Fraser, dead at age 81. Taking a minor character from the earlier novel Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes, Fraser asked himself what happened to the bully Flashman after he left school.
Fraser's answer to this question was deeply subversive. His grown-up Flashman was a coward and a rotter who did very well in life, earning many kudos and awards which he did nothing to merit. As a reader of the Flashman chronicles, I had to conclude that Fraser believed many of the honored heroes of the British Empire were in fact four flushers and con artists. If Flashman could do it, why not other iconic figures of the 19th century British Empire?
People who've read one or more books in the series are never indifferent, you either loved Flashman or hated him. I thought the books were great fun, the other DrC couldn't stand them. I am sad that there will be no more of them, alas.
Brigadier Sir Harry Paget Flashman, V.C., K.C.B., K.C.I.E., Chevalier, Legion of Honour; rest in peace, you old scoundrel.
