Marvellous Asterix adventure, one of the best in the series. The opening pages are a treat for long-running fans with cameos of some friends of previous adventures. They are visiting the Gauls to take part in anniversary celebrations of the victory of Gergovia, where they beat up local Roans (the Romans slink away and go on manoeuvres - their nervousness is very funny). They come across a Corsican bandit who is held prisoner and accompany him back home. What makes this so good are the gentle digs at Corsicans - proud, independent, determined to have their siesta, not too keen on hard work, non-emotional, prone to havelong-standing feuds at the drop of a hat, very protective of their women. The portrayal of Corsica itself is fun, too: a beautiful island with troublesome natives, garrisoned by the worst in the Roman army (one of them is a Corsican - a hilarious face), run by a corrupt governor. I love how the Corsicans take to Obelix because he is touchy, loves to stuff his face and likes naps. I still get a chuckle from one of the lines at the end: "Let's have a party!" "Oink!" (I know this doesn't sound funny here, but in the book it is.)
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