Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Complete Brigadier Gerard: Stories (Canongate Classics Book 57)

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A Story Collection That Reads Like a TV Series

Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2020

The stories in this collection are filled with action, romantic dalliances, swordplay, intrigue, unexpected twists. The main character is swashbuckling, has some conceit, and a lot of bravado. I’m surprised that this collection hasn’t been turned into a tv series. The stories read like one.

Doyle’s writing is highly descriptive. Doyle is famous for Sherlock Holmes, but without Holmes these stories would earn Doyle a deservingly good reputation as a writer and storyteller who excels with the short story.

I thought the best takes involved Napoleon’s retreat. The tables have turned on the French; the occupier becomes the hunted. This heightens the danger to the exploits of Gerard.

A nice aspect to this collection is that these are adventure stories of the Napoleonic wars from the perspective of a French officer. Doyle’s choice not to to tell these tales from the perspective of an Englishman; thus, the French are not villainous and Gerard is a likable, sympathetic character. And the English attachment to fox hunting and cricket as related by Gerard is fun.

4 people found this helpful

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Ben

Hilarious stories, but this edition needs an update

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017

Doyle's wit as a humorist will have you wondering why Sherlock Holmes ever came to be. The only reason I gave it three stars is that this particular edition for Kindle is full of typos; nothing that really obscures the meaning, just annoying mistakes that are not infrequent (such as connecting two separate words). Itgets oldafter awhile.

15 people found this helpful

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JCS

A Story Collection That Reads Like a TV Series

Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2020

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4 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

A Delightful Collection

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020

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The vain and self-glorifying Etienne Gerard is a French cavalry officer who has many tales to tell. They are not mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, but war stories. I would have enjoyed the volume more if the stories had been placed in chronological order. But they have their own charm as the musings of a pensioned soldier sharing his random reminiscences. They are well written, interesting, and humorous at the same time. Doyle's subtle and ironic humor lay as a foundation under the stories. He got thoroughly into the character of Gerard and gave a consistent portrayal. An enjoyable read!

3 people found this helpful

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Ben

Hilarious stories, but this edition needs an update

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017

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15 people found this helpful

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N. Moore

Mildly entertaining, but oldfashioned

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020

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Anyone expecting the bite of Sherlock Holmes will be disappointed. Some reviewers said that this Brigadier was the inspiration for Harry Flashman, but if so, the child is far more entertaining than the parent! Rather go and read the adventures of Flashman rather.

One person found this helpful

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Lisa K. Wiggs

"Old soldiers never die" - not with stories like these!

Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2004

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Well now, I know you have been here: You have found a book that is so delightful that you just cannot bear to put it down. I know that we all have experienced this. But folks, I will tell you in all honesty that I became quite ridiculously attached to this book to its final page. I brought it to work to be my next " On my break read.." but found that the first night I drove home after having left it in my locker ( as is my custom ) I felt compelled to return to work and fetch it. Thanks goodness I live about 3 miles from my workplace! Well, certainly many of us carry books with us to stores and such so that we have something to read when we are caught in the "express" lane ( ! ) and this became another one of those.
But I found myself reading it at stop lights and becoming irritated when the light changed before I had a chance to really GET anywhere...Now I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would like this character Gerard as much as I do, given that, in my mind, he stood in Sherlock's shadow, but I have become quite smitten with him! I fancied myself a Doyle fan, but had never read this series, as I was too enraptured by the mysteries and dectective stories. How sad that I waited so long to try these wonderful stories! No doubt that some of you ladies out there might be thinking that a series of stories about a soldier in Napoleon's army might be as interesting as televised fishing, or that they would only appeal to a man, but nay! Not so! If you are a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock, then you will be every bit as entertained by Gerard. Doyle's style is no different, it is just as voluptuous. Only his main character has changed. He is an entirely different sort of fellow from our man Sherlock, but no less exciting in his own way...Very much like... if you were to, perhaps, put Dr. Watson's character in Gerard's place. Oh but I cannot tell you how very enjoyable these stories are, and it has been awhile since I have felt so passionate about a character...I kept longing for more..At times there would be a turn of the phrase that would make me laugh out loud, and then a bit later perhaps I would be curled on my chair with my hand across my chest, eyes wide in amazement! - as if being TOLD these stories by an old war hero! At times the events are so marvelous ( unbelieveable bits of luck and chance..) that I am reminded of Michael Palin's "Ripping Yarns," when an entire escape scene is deleted and Micheal returns to the camera and exclaims, " What an AMAZING escape!" There is that gaffy quality to it...But at the same time, there are "scenes" where this character's humanity is so full and well spent that one feels a sincere warmth for him..
But I have prattled on long enough. If you are looking for a good read, with nearly everything a story depends upon to be a real page-turner, then by all means, DO check this book out! It is, as they say over the pond, " Ripping good stuff. "

23 people found this helpful

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Motley moe

Comedic - Conon Doyle at his best.

Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022

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This book is a comedic romp! Sorry Sherlock. This is Doyle's best.

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David Ross

My Favorite Book of All Time......

Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2011

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Truly a magnificent book, one that I have read countless times since I was a boy. A collection of stories about the inestimable Brigadier Gerard, a self-absorbed yet lovable Hussar during the Napoleonic wars. Each story is a treasure, with humor, love, tragedy, and in the end, a message for the ages. I almost cried when the book ended, as I felt like I had lost a good friend. Worth 10 times the price Amazon is asking.....

9 people found this helpful

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Norman Y

Strange writing style.

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2022

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Writing style is awkward. Did not get through the first chapter.

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Victor LaBruna

It the best I’d Christie but OK

Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022

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Her wit and timing are on par but the stories tend to feel drawn out too long. A good quick read before turning out the light.

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Matthew W. Monk

Worthy and Beyond

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2005

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Astounding. One of the best books I've ever read. Teaming with charm and intelligence. A.C.D. is a true Master. These stories are every bit as worthy as the impeccable Holmes tales. I even believe that Doyle's writing had matured beyond Holmes by the time he penned these tales. These stories contatin all the rich characterization and masterful plots of Holmes, but are infused with deeper insightfulness, well-conveyed through poetic language. Fully satisfying.

5 people found this helpful

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The Complete Brigadier Gerard: Stories (Canongate Classics Book 57)

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The Complete Brigadier Gerard: Stories (Canongate Classics Book 57)

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