Bulletin Board

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, Just wanted to say the Sharpe series is great. I'm about halfway through them for the first time, and I think the stories are riveting, the battles intense, and your writing style always a pleasure to read. I'm a bit of a writer myself (you probably hear that a lot), and I was digging through some books on the shelf trying to see how different authors start their novels. Well, I pick one of my wife's suspense novels up and half fall asleep after the 1st paragraph. Then I pick up Sharpe's Tiger, and I'm into page 5 or 6 before I realize what I'm doing! Anyway, excellent series. Look forward to reading all the Sharpe books and your Hundred Years War series, of which I just bought the first book. Thanks! -Scott


Q

Further to my e-mail of December about Wellington's plaque in Salamanca. The Times yesterday Jan 7 had an article about a proposed road through the battlefield. A bypass around the Arrapilles. Also a local archaeologist was having problems with uncovered grave pits. Thought you might be interested. Happy New Year. Nigel James

A

How terrible! I was there last year and there is a newish road that runs well east of the Arapiles - I can't think they'll cut across that part of the battlefield because it ain't on the way to anywhere. Still - if anyone has the Times article I'd love to know more.


Q

I feel really strong that you should make your "Warlord series" (about Arthur and Derfel) into movies... I think that they are the best books I've ever read in my entire life!! and I'm serious they are amazing, but anyways... I would love it if you made the series into a movie... I would watch them all maybe 20 times... please try thank you. Neil

A

Thanks Neil, I would love it too. But I'm not a filmmaker, so it's up to someone else to try.


Q

Hi Bernard (I hope you don't mind the familiarity, but after all these years..........) I am so pleased to find your web site and to get this opportunity to thank you for the years of pleasure your work has given me. I have a young family and a busy working life, which reduces the time I have for reading, other than talking books in the car (William Gaminara is my favourite "Sharpe" reader). However, I do enjoy saving your books for uninterupted reading on holiday, despite the protestations of my wife at the "wasted" space in our bags, taken up by all of the hard cover books!! I have such admiration for the way you bring your characters to life and place them in such historically detailed environments. I have been a fan of historical fiction for over 35 years and very few authors come close to you, although recent books indicate they are learning from you. Once again thank you. Well that's it, sorry its so sycophantic but I just wanted you to hear the applause of one of your happy readers. Best wishes John Rathbone

A

Many thanks for your kind words.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell , Happy New Year ! My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting you at Hatchards in Oct.. This is the first time I have ever written a "fan" letter. I'm writing because your books have given me many hours of enjoyment. I devoured the Sharpe series as soon as they were available. Like many fans I look forward to the next "Starbuck" novel. You do a marvelous job in capturing the American Civil War. I am a recently retired NYPD Detective and your books have been a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of Law enforcement. Especially after 9/11. I lost a number of friends and collegues and worked the recovery. Thank you for your wonderful stories. Keep up the good work! I am a budding playwrite, and find inspiration in good stories and great diologue wherever I find it. Particularly in your books. Oh, and sorry about the Redsox this past year, and congratulations on The Mighty Patriots!! Great win last night! Yes, my wife and I were thrilled to be speaking with you about The Sox and The Pats. We are METS fans, but have affection for those two teams. Go PATS!! Thank you for your time and I look forward to reading more of your works in the future and perhaps meeting you again. Sincerely, Patrick

A

Hello Patrick, nice to hear from you - thanks for writing. I hope we will meet again.


Q

Mr Cornwell I have much enjoyed all of the Sharpe Novels. However I am surprised that no major Film has yet been produced regarding some of these gripping adventures, especially now where Digital Technology can enhance battle scenes etc. Have you ever been approached to consider this. I found the TV Series was good but did not capture the scent of battle, fear and tension which the books so impeccably. I am a big fan of a film called the Duelists, which was set over a number of years in the Napoleonic period. Have you heard of this story? Perhaps similar justice could be given to one or two gems such as Sharpe's Fortress, Eagle or Sword. G. Casey

A

I couldn't agree more, but alas it ain't up to me!


Q

Thank you yet again for the chance to escape reality, like many of the other correspondents on your site I have read the majority of your works, and have just enjoyed Gallows thief (after purchasing via a special offer in Sainsburys) please let us have more adventures a start another series!! in all your spare time! Mark


Q

Imagine my suprise when visiting a bookshop before Christmas and seeing your paperback "A Crowning Mercy" on the shelf. Well, gotta say , fantastic book....the ending was amazing!. Looking forwad to the next great read! Owe Phillips


Q

Dear Bernard, After reading and enjoying the Sharpe and Starbuck novels many times over, a friend recommended that I read the Arthur books. I was skeptical at first, thinking I might not like the era as much as the 19th century. However, after devouring them in a matter of a couple of weeks I must agree that they are simply awesome. They are the greatest 'page turners' I have ever read, especially 'Enemy of God'. The moment when Ceinwyn gets off the boat in 'Excalibur' made me blub for a long time!!! So thank you very much for these books - it was a shame they had to come to an end. The Grail Quest trilogy was also extremely good. I am very much looking forward to 'Sharpe's Escape' and to meeting you again at one of your book signings / talks. Good luck with all your future projects - we cannot wait!!! Best wishes, Berj Tekerian


Q

Thomas of Hookton; OK, so you have finished with the quest for the holy grail, but this giant of a man, this wonderful character... You have said that he will return. I know that Heretic came out in October 2003, but that is nearly three months ago! Must you sleep at nights? Must you stop writing to have your Christmas dinner? I am an Englishman who has retired to the depths of Wales. During the winter months, I am a 'rainbird' in Florida. I have only recently discovered your wonderful works (although I already knew about Sharpe). If you have the time to reply, I would dearly love to know if you have started off with another Thomas book. Best wishes for the new year, and may your mind continue to run through your pen. Tony Allison.

A

Herewith the bad news. I have started another Thomas of Hookton book, then stopped it - mainly because I felt that his story ended in Heretic and I was just trying to get too much for him. Which doesn't mean I won't pick the idea up again sometime in the future, but I hate to tell you that there won't be another Thomas of Hookton book this year - or next. But there will be something else and I'm sure you'll enjoy it!