Bulletin Board

I have read the Sharpe books in order up to Sharpe's Enemy. You are a great story teller, my favorite author by far and Sharpe is the most wonderful series I have ever read. I have also finished the Archer books and the Uhtred books. In fact I am so wrapped up now in Sharpe that I went to the library and rented a few of the filmed versions of your book. Oh my God. I can understand that you sold the rights to them perhaps but did they have to slaughter them? It's not the acting; the actors were perfect. Sean Bean is like Clark Gable - gorgeous to women and manly to men. But merciful heavens - why did they ruin each and every one? It would almost seem malicious if I did not believe that all anyone in television or movies think of is money. It's not personal it's business as the magnificent Michael Corleone said. But Jesus did they feel they had to dumb it down to kindergarten level? I have watched three so far and found myself laughing outright at them all. What were there, about 27 men in Wellington's army? Were all battles fought in someone's back yard by a water feature? I thought American television was bad, but this is just as bad if not worse. No nothing could be worse than CSI Miami. Rothchild instead of Pumphreys? The mute nun? When did Teresa die and what happens to Antonia. I can't watch another film because they are so mucked up I don't think I would learn the truth in them anyway. I have spent about two years writing a book that has grown beyond my control because it has a life of it's own. I would not even be brave enough to let another soul read the thing because it is my child; it is all my thoughts every day and every night. If anyone ridiculed it or laughed at it or even changed one word, I would curl up and die. Right after I choked the person to death. You must be so bummed. You must die each time you see one of these. Could they not have just taken your much better stories and filmed them as they were? I can not even imagine the logic in not including the telescope; the chanting of the men calling out "Sharpe Sharpe" as they rose from the dead to follow him into Badajoz! Did they really think it was better to have Wellington saved by Sharpe in the middle of the British camp? I am making myself angry just thinking about this. What about Teresa being a spy for Hogan? Did I miss something in the books? I know that this letter will never make it to your website but I had to get this all off my chest about Sharpe and also about another thing. Please please please don't let them do this to my beloved Uhtred. Thanks if you took the time to read this rant. Keep writing. You give me something to look forward to. If I ever get rich enough to make movies I promise I will film the Norse stories properly but if tv gets it they will make it look like Uhtred is flying by in a bathtub. Thanks again. Karen Wasylowski

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I have recently read some of your books about Richard Sharpe. They have just been published in Russian and not all already. But I like them very much. These books are brilliant! And my sister fell in love with Wellington after reading your books.We have also watched all Sharpe films. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books. Your faithful reader, Lena

Mr. Cornwell I thought you might find this interesting:

http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=170421&ESRC=soldiertech.nl

It is a very slow-motion movie of a modern canister round fired by an M-1 Abrams tank, followed by a real-time movie of just what canister shot can do. Ed

Mr. Cornwell I do not have any thoughtful questions, but I would like to say well done on the Saxon Series! I did not enjoy reading(other books) in general so much until I got to read a bit about how my ancestors (the vikings) operated and the noble Saxons in war. Again job well done and I am greatly anticipating the next book! Karl Amundsen

Hello No, not a budding writer, just someone who needed some reading material and "fell into" the Saxon series. After reading one, I HAD to get the second and the third and have just checked the web to see whether there was a fourth. I'm happy to see there is indeed, and will start my search for it as soon as I have a free moment. I felt I had to let you know that your writing actually transported me to another era and I honestly didn't want the experience to end. So thank you for a wonderful journey and for introducing me to a revitalised interest in History. Kind regards L'eanne Harrington

Just finished Sharpe's Prey and it was a nice change of pace. Great to see him revisiting his past in London. Also good to see him more as spy than soldier facing a new enemy with a moral quandary. A great entry in the series about a chapter in history I had never heard of!
Michael Calkins

BC: Especially love the Saxon Series ... almost have a bizarre 'connection' with that time. Buddhists may have an answer for that, anyway, Lord Uhtred has itchy feet and needs to march again soon. Best regards from Down Under. cj

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Thank you for writing such wonderful books. Several years ago (in my early twenties) I came across a Sharpe novel (don't ask me which one) and chewed through it faster than any book I'd ever read. I loved the history and the characters, but most of all your story telling. I can't describe how much I enjoy reading your books. As a novice and avid writer of historical fiction (mostly U.S. Civil War) I try desperately to draw from your style. I want every story I hear to sound as if it comes from you. Now look at me, I'm gushing. Thank you so much for your stories and the time that you put into them. I stop reading whatever book I'm into when a new Cornwell book comes out. I'm looking forward to more Sharpe and Saxon stories. And perhaps some more Starbuck, if you can find the time. I'm a civil war reenactor of the confederate persuasion and so enjoy Nathanial's trials and tribulations in the war of southern independence. I hope some day to send you a copy of a published book in the hope that I can give some enjoyment to someone who has given so much to me. Thank you again. Scott Chapman, Windsor, California

Sir I just wanted to inform you that your books (the Sharpe series) have kindled a love for reading that I didn't know I had because of Television and Computers. Your books are thrilling and a great history reminder of what the English and French went through.

Drew Buckingham

Dear Sir, I am a new fan having read your books in no particular order, but the research, imagery and soul of the particular period or legend that you choose to apply yourself in your books compares to me with that great author; George M Frazer; in particular the Flashman novels. Many thanks for the hours of enjoyment which would otherwise have been merciless tedium in an airport lounge near you without your pen. John Scott