Bulletin Board

Dear Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe's Challenge was recently shown on the Australian public broadcaster (ABC). I was looking forward to it immensely, but have to say I was disappointed. I thought the characterisation of Sharpe and Harper were excellent, just as I imagined them. However, the plot such as it was, was just a lot of colour and movement, not a patch on your novels. I do realise that this is down to the producers, not to you, and that it must be difficult to combine three novels into one mini-series. However, it was interesting to see how they restructured the action and moved it to 1818. And what on earth was an Irish horse trader doing in India anyway? Nonetheless, I hope to find the other Sharpe programs. I don't think they have been shown in Australia. Keep up the good work! Elizabeth Smith

I wish to thank you for the many happy hours I have had reading your books, and also mention the sense of loss I feel after finishing each book. I hope you go on to write many more wonderfull books. Many thanks Derek J. Connell.

Greetings, I've been a fan of your writing for many years, the Sharpe & Grail Quest series particularly. I recently began The Gallows Thief and can't tell you how much I am enjoying it. The characters and dialog are wonderful and I find myself re-reading paragraphs and whole pages to make the book last. The downside of course is the realization that there are no other Rider Sandman books to move on to. I'm not sure how you keep up the amount of writng you already produce, but another in this series would be much appreciated. Thanks for many pleasurable hours of reading! Dan Sheffer Tucson, AZ

I just finished Lord of the North and felt compelled to express how much I enjoy your writing. The Saxon Stories and Arthur series are my favorite books and you have become my Favorite Author by far. Thank you and keep up the good writing.
Anthony Whitley

Mr. Cornwell- Until recently, I considered myself relatively well read. Then, a friend pointed out that I had neglected your works. He persuaded me to read one of your books, and I chose The Archer's Tale (which, I agree, should have been titled Harlequin here in the US). To put it succinctly, I was floored. The moment I finished, I began my hunt to purchase Vagabond and Heretic, and fully expect to follow those with Stonehenge, and most likely the Sharpe series as well. A writer of your caliber must recieve plenty of messages to this effect, but I felt that I needed to say my piece. You are, in my humble opinion, a master of your craft, and your books have earned a permanent place on the top shelf of my collection. PLease keep up the good work, and if it means anything, take pride in the fact that you are gaining new fans every day. David Knapp

Hi Bernard For all your fans Down Under - rumours that Time Life Australia will be releasing the Sharpe series on dvd are true. I've just seen Rifles/Eagle listed on their website. Unfortunately they won't send to New Zealand and the series hasn't yet appeared on the Time Life NZ site but my fingers are crossed! Fellow Kiwis may like to know that I saw the dvd of Rifles/Eagle in The Warehouse this week so maybe the others will filter through as they are released in Australia. I already own this one as I imported it from the UK, but roll on the rest of them! Best Wishes Fiona

I'm a total Sharpe fan - tv and your books. Sean was Sharpe, and the rest of the casting was superb (indeed, everyone involved in the films were brilliant). Sharpe's Challenge improves with every viewing and, I felt, collated the books wonderfully. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lesley Downer

Hi there Mr Cornwell. I've just completed Lords of the North Country, best of the series so far, absolutely loved it. In fact, if the Uthred stories continue to be this good, I may just be able to cope a while longer waiting for closure on the Starbuck Chronicles! Phil Dean

Hi. Just a quick note of appreciation. I ve just finished The Pale Horsemen, and loved it. I'm from Somerset and felt a stab of pride that my county helped to create England by fighting for its king. Of course, some 800 years later we tried to depose a king at Sedgemoor, but we're like that in Somerset. Anyway, I'm looking forward to Lords of the North, but until I get it I'll have to read Njals Saga for the fifteenth time to get my literary fix of hacking and slashing. Thanks again for a great read. I'm not sure my boss appreciates it though, I kept sneaking to my car for a quick read. Paul H.

Mr. Cornwell, My name is Luiz Fernando and I'm writing from São Paulo, Brazil. I am a fan of your work and read many of your books: The Warlord Trilogy, The Grail Quest, Gallows Thief, A Crowning Mercy and some Sharpe novels (from Sharpes Tiger to Sharpes Gold). Fortunately, that are many more still unread. The first of the Saxon books is about to see print in Brazil and I cant wait to get my hands on it! Im writing to thank you for your massive research work, which shows in the depiction not only of battles, but also of the clothing, equipment, habits and language ot each character. Its a pleasure to see your Portuguese characters using proper expressions, such as senhor and capitão. It makes the story richer and more likely. Im presently halfway the second chapter of Sharpes Escape and its great reading, just as expected. Theres only one little thing Id like to point out (please dont get mad at me. Im just trying to help!) You said the Portuguese skirmishers were called cazadores. The name is right, but the spelling is not. The correct word would be caçadores, with a Ç, as in the French expression ça va?. The pronounciation, on the other hand, is the same as in the Spanish term cazadores. If you need any help on finding expressions in Portuguese, or maybe decide to write any novel taking place in South America (which seems really unlikely, but who knows?), feel free to contact me and ask for information. Id be glad to help. Thank you again for writing so many great stories and creating such wonderful characters. Luiz Fernando Carneiro