What do You think about A Close Run Thing (2000)?
We've had Sharpe (Bernard Cornwell) and Rifleman Dodd (C. S. Forester) in the infantry of Wellington's Army and the formidable mix of Aubrey (Patrick O'Brian), Bolitho (Alexander Kent), Delancey (C. Northcote Parkinson), Drinkwater (Richard Woodman), Hornblower (C. S. Forester) and Ramage (Dudley Pope)to cover the Battles at Sea. Now, Mallinson, a cavalryman himself in a different type of cavalry, tells the story of the light dragoons at Toulouse and Waterloo.Not only is this the only series on Napoleonic cavalry (and beyond), but it is unique in that it starts with Napoleon's first surrender and takes you through Waterloo. As a result, future adventures will take place in India and other colonies.Another unique feature of this series is that it takes place in the 6th Light Dragoons who had an unusually positive perspective on faith for the era and for the service. The book is replete with Biblical references and discussions of the differences between Catholics, Church of England, and dissenters.In addition to the realistic action, worthy portrayal of the atmosphere of the times, and engaging subject matter, I liked such things as the following line: "A Stoic's praise was worthy, but a Corinthian's was an inspiration." p. 212
—Johnny
Cornwell has done it for the infantry (Sharpe), O'Brian for the navy (Aubrey-Maturin) and Mallinson for the cavalry. The style is more O'Brian than Cornwell, and overall the narrative is atmospheric, and full of lots of wonderfully authentic details (you will learn possibly more than you want to know about Napoleonic veterinary practices or the minutiae of the Anglican ecclesiastical calendar). I would have given it 4 stars - because I love this kind of thing -but for me it stumbles with the character of the hero. He's just too squeaky clean for my liking - none of Sharpe's rough edges, or Aubrey's ponderous witticisms, or Maturin's bloody mindedness (all features which make those characters come alive) - Hervey is just too bloody perfect, and comes across as a bit of a prig. But that aside, if you like historical fiction set during the Napoleonic wars you cannot fail to enjoy this (unless your attention span is very short - this is not a novel for cheap thrills).
—Monty Milne
