Hello. I just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your Sharpe novels. All of them. Yes, I really read them all and it took me quite some time (and money!). I probably enjoyed Sharpe's Escape the most, it was a blast to read (especially the bit about the apology), but I think Sharpe's Rifles was the best one. Depressing, but good. I particularly liked the interactions with Wellington, but then Hugh Fraser protrayed him so sympathetically compared to how it seems he was in real life. Of course, the same could be said of Sean Bean, who I think didn't come across as quite so criminal as the Sharpe in the books, especially the later ones. Anyway, thanks for writing a great set of books. I had as much fun reading these as I did the Hornblower series. Mandy
Bulletin Board
A story on the retreat to Corruna would be nice Bernard or in the case of Sharpe, Vigo.
Martin Mayers
Dear Sir I wish to thank you very much for giving me the ability to read fluently. What am I on about you may ask? Well, at 48 years old I was diagnosed as being dyslexic, and I had not read any books for most of my life. I enjoyed the TV series 'Sharpe' immensely and one Christmas my wife bought me the eight book series. I laughed, asking 'what good are they to me?' Well, I started to read albeit very slowly. I found that I could picture the characters in relation to the TV series, and with your writing being so visual, I began to understand what I was reading. From here I went on to college, and some years on, I went on to university where, at the age of 54, I was able to achieve a degree in English literature, and for that I will be forever grateful to you, and Sharpe. Thank you. I hope one day that I could meet you when you do a book signing. I look forward to that day. My best wishes Bob Reynolds.
I would be honoured to meet you. Congratulations on your wonderful achievements!
A legitimate reason for reading one of your books! I'm English and moved to Denmark to get married and live two and a half years ago. I bought 'The Last Kingdom' because it was about the Danes. I've always been interested in the Vikings, sorry; 'Danes', and (having also lived in Yorkshire (near York) for 28 years) wanted to learn something of their history and their entanglement with English history as well. Books here are outrageously expensive, whilst TLK costs 6.99 in the UK, I think it was 140dkr or more here, around £14.00+. Still *gush* worth every penny. Thanks very much for a great book, and I'll keep an eye on 'Bog og Ide', for the next in the series. Steve
I have been a massive fan of yours since first reading 'The Winter King' and have read all of your releases since. Having an interest in ancient British history myself I have really appreciated the style in which you write. The great deal of thought which you obviously put into every element of your novels and the degree of research really enables the reader to transport themself into the setting of the story. I recently found a copy of 'Scoundrel' and having never heard of it made the purchase. I read the cover and was a little unsure as to whether I would really enjoy it. Once again your talent shone through and I was thoroughly engrossed. Great story, great characters. A pity that Seamus died though. I have also found your books inspiring in many ways. The 'warrior spirit' practically drips of the pages and as a Royal Marines Commando this appeals to me greatly. I now have the enjoyable task of starting my journey through all the Sharpe series. I loved the Starbuck chronicles and am sure the smell of gunpowder and the sounds of 19th century battlefields will be brought to life soon. Thankyou Sir for sharing your amazing talent. My best regards to you for further success. Graham Lovell
Just wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying The Grail Quest. I'm an archaeologist by profession with a passion for history and archery. I'm also an associate member of the Craft Guild of British Bowyers and Fletchers. Can't wait to read more of your books. Cheers. Robert Rogers
I've been reading your Sharpe's tales since the 80's and I'm a big fan. And as much as I love Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey series, it's you books I find myself recommending far more often. Your work is so much more ... approachable. I have two nephews who are Readers today because I gave Sharpe's novels to them, but mostly because YOU wrote these wonderful books. So, thank you. I recently found a copy of "Gallows Thief" as an audiobook read by James Frain. My job requires a lot of driving and, audiobooks are my way of passing the time. Listening to "Gallows Thief" was just the most enjoyable time. Your Rider Sandman deserves another episode - in fact, a whole series! Just a wonderful since of time and society. And, James Frain did you proud Sir!
Tom O'Hara
Just a short message to say how much I enjoy reading your books. The battle scenes are so well written that you feel you are part of the shield wall or charging at the French alongside Sharpe. Long may you keep writing such quality books and thankyou. Leon Wentworth
Just wanted to point out the pending approach of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Ticonderoga; a painful British loss, but an interesting "Cornwell" connection for you. My five-times Great Grandfather, John Cornwell, who was in the 44th Foot Regiment (Essex), arrived in the US in 1755 from Cork (where the 44th was stationed), participated in Braddock's March with George Washington, and died in the storming of Ticonderoga on July 8, 1758. His son was NY militia in the Revolution, and his grandson was a surgeon in the War of 1812. Gregory Lundberg
Good for him. Alas, I doubt I shall have time to write a book about it! My branch of the Cornwells is East London, but maybe there's an Irish connection we don't know about?
A question was asked on the 11 of October about a formed line defeating oncomming cavalry with the Crimean war given as an example. The nearest I have found in the peninsular war is El Bodon where Major Henry Ridge with 2/5th battalion of the Northumberland regiment attacked Montbrun's French cavalry (seven regiments!!! albeit in some disarray)while in line and threw them back and pursued them until recalled. 25 September 1811. Andrew
Well done, I had forgotten it. I think, truly, much depends on the ground across which (or up which) the cavalry attacks. And, of course, if cavalry attacks a line frontally it is asking for trouble. Cavalry tried to outflank infantry (whose response, of course, was the square which cannot be outflanked).