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David McK (3801 KP) rated Flashman (The Flashman Papers, #1) in Books

Jan 28, 2019

First entry in George MacDonald Frase's Flashman series, in which he (re)introduces us to Harry Flashman: a totally reprehensible anti-hero, who (through the entire series) cheats, lies and connives his way through Victorian society and the great events of the era: in this case, the disastrous retreat from Kabul.

By all accounts, the history of the books are actually pretty accurate: most of the people Flashman meets and interacts with were real personages of note, and the novels contain several footnotes providing yet more historical info on the events described. While it is taken to extremes, I think it's also fairly safe to say that the character of Flashman and the way he behaves probably isn't really that far away from the way some members of society did ...

(oh, and trivia note: MacDonald Fraser wrote the screenplays for 1973s "The Three Musketeers" and it's sequel "The Four Musketeers" as well as the James Bond film "Octopussy", amongst others)

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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Notes on a Nervous Planet in Books

Apr 27, 2020

Notes on a Nervous Planet

Matt Haig | 2018 | Health & Fitness, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences, Science & Mathematics

9.4

(5 Ratings)

Book Rating

Nothing but the truth

After having read Matt Haig's previous book Reasons to Stay Alive, this was a future recommendation to try and considering the current climate in the world right now, it seemed like a wise choice!

This is definitely very relevant to today's society and it really is fascinating. Nothing Haig says in this is particularly surprising - it's all really just plain and simple common sense - and this is my sole criticism. However it's well written, engaging and full of interesting and intriguing facts. It really is the truth about modern society and it's all rather scary. And worst of all its depressing how true this is. This is a wonderfully straight and open commentary on modern life and it's refreshing to read something so brutally honest.

This has definitely made me think again about all of my social media usage and reading news apps. It really isnt helpful for your mental health!