Robert Brightwell
AUTHOR

Robert Brightwell

Literature & Fiction | Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Tap the gear icon above to manage new release emails.
I am a firm believer in the maxim that history is stranger than fiction. There are countless times when I have come across a character or incident that has been so hard to believe, that I have had to search out other sources for confirmation. Thomas Cochrane, who features in my first and seventh books is one of those, his real-life adventures seem ridiculously far-fetched for a fictional character. The Begum of Samru from my second book is another: a fifteen-year-old nautch dancer who gained the confidence of an army, had a man literally kill himself over her and who led her soldiers with skill and courage, before becoming something of a catholic saint. History is full of amazing stories. In my books I try to do my bit to tell some of them. When I thought of a vehicle to do so, the Flashman series from George MacDonald Fraser came to mind. The concept of a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events, while not unique, has rarely been done better. I therefore decided to create an earlier, Napoleonic era, generation of the family. My Thomas Flashman character is not exactly the same as Fraser’s Harry Flashman. They both have the uncanny knack of finding themselves in the hotspots of their time. They have an eye for the ladies and self-preservation. Yet Thomas is not quite the spiteful bully his nephew became, although he does learn to serve a vicious revenge on those who serve him ill. The new ‘Assignment’ series, featuring war correspondent Thomas Harrison, introduces a fresh new character for adventures a generation later, starting in 1870. His employment ensures that he is at the heart of the action, although his goal of being an impartial observer is invariably thwarted. In both series I aim to make the books as historically accurate as possible. My fictional central character is woven into real events, so that he is fully engaged in the action, but is not allowed to alter the ultimate outcome. He is also not allowed to replace a known historical figure. But where the person is unknown or events are unexplained, he can provide the explanation. In short, I am trying to provide real history in the form of a ripping yarn! For further information check out my website: www.robertbrightwell.com
Read more Read less

Flashman and the Seawolf

Most popular
View Details

The Best Fiction Podcasts for Listeners Who Love a Good Story

You can’t beat a good story. Luckily, humans are great at storytelling, and the best fiction podcasts are all the proof that the modern listener requires. Get the popcorn ready; it’s storytime.

Featured Article: The Best Fiction Podcasts for Listeners Who Love a Good Story

Best Sellers

Product list
  • Flashman and Madison's War cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman and the Seawolf cover art

    Price: $26.40 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $26.40 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman and the Cobra cover art

    Price: $33.01 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $33.01 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman in the Peninsula cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman's Escape cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman's Winter cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman and the Zulus cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman's Waterloo cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman and the Emperor cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman and the Golden Sword cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00
  • Flashman at the Alamo cover art

    Price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Sale price: $31.26 or 1 Credit

    Try for $0.00