Point of View

Author George MacDonald Fraser uses octogenarian Sir Harry Paget Flashman, V.C., as a memoirialist, reviewing a long and seemingly illustrious career. Fraser claims to be a technical editor who adds historical and cultural endnotes to help the reader. The present novel is the fifth packet of "Flashman Papers" discovered in 1965 by Fraser. Flashy assumes that readers are familiar with his exploits and his foibles both before and after the current action, and reminds them often of how his reputation as a soldier is at odds with reality. Flashy readily admits to crippling fear and following the impulse to flee danger.

Because the novel is told as a written memorial, there is no need for changes of perspective between the third person and the first person omniscient, although occasionally for rhetorical purposes, Flashy refers to himself in the third person. Once the dramatic moment passes, he...