Robert Brightwell is a respected author and amateur historian who is known for his fascinating portrayal of historical characters and events in his books. He has a deep belief that history is stranger than fiction and often comes across characters and incidents that are hard to believe, requiring him to seek confirmation from multiple sources.
One of the most intriguing characters in his works is Thomas Cochrane, who is featured in his first and seventh books. Cochrane's real-life adventures seem too far-fetched to be true, yet they are based on historical facts. Another remarkable character is the Begum of Samru, a fifteen-year-old nautch dancer who gained the confidence of an army and became a Catholic saint. Brightwell's books are a testament to his commitment to sharing the amazing stories of history with his readers.
Brightwell's writing style is influenced by George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman series, which features a fictional character witnessing and participating in real historical events. Brightwell's Thomas Flashman character, who is an earlier generation of the Flashman family, is not an exact replica of Fraser's Harry Flashman. While they share certain traits, such as an uncanny knack for finding themselves in the hotspots of their time and an eye for the ladies, Thomas is not as spiteful or villainous as his nephew.
Brightwell's goal is to make his books as historically accurate as possible while still providing an engaging and entertaining reading experience. He weaves his fictional central character into real events, ensuring that they are fully engaged in the action without altering the ultimate outcome or replacing a known historical figure. Instead, his character provides explanations for unexplained events or unknown historical figures.
In summary, Robert Brightwell is a talented author and historian who brings history to life through his captivating portrayal of historical characters and events. His writing style is influenced by the Flashman series, and he strives to make his books as historically accurate as possible while still providing an engaging reading experience. Through his works, Brightwell shares the amazing stories of history with his readers, leaving them eager to learn more.