Bulletin Board

I know one should not judge a book by its cover BUT in 1963 as a school prize I chose Michael Glover's "Wellington's Peninsular Victories" published by Batsford. Imagine my surprise when I saw Sharpes Fury with exactly the same dust jacket. My treasured copy of WPV does not say what the picture is of but gives details of the painter who was a French officer. Now as well as my intention to visit the Peninsular battle fields I have to track the painting down. Keep up the good work------ I have not yet finished Fury but have enjoyed it so far. Regards Mike

Thanks for bringing Rifleman Dodd back to life in Sharpe's Escape. I was raised on C S Forester and next to the original Hornblower trilogy Rifleman Dodd and the Gun were my favorite stories as a pre-teen. Each book you write is better than the one before!! keep it up! Richard Stephens

Thank you so much for your work. I can truly say that you have provided me with much joy and an interest in english history that I never felt. You are a great writer and I truly enjoy your work. Best Regards, George Miller

Dear Bernard, I was completely hooked when I was given a copy of The Winter King as a gift. I have since read almost every other book you have published solo and am about to begin the Saxon Stories (Although I was very pleased to find Sharpe's Fury and will slip that one in there). I would like to echo the complimentary comments of everyone who's questions/comments I read on the "your questions" page. I am constantly surprised at how much I enjoy and become attached to each new series and character when, before I open the book, I swear that the last was the greatest. I must admit, however, that the Arthur Books are my favorite by a decent bit. It is a subject and story that I am exceedingly interested in, so I have read many books centered around it. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to read your books which approach the story from an entirely new perspective and portray Arthur as man, not just a legend. I know you hear this from nearly everyone, but I can't help adding my voice to the chorus in asking you to consider a movie trilogy. Perhaps, recent frustrations you've had with movie and TV adaptations are a result of a bad fit with the studio/director/producers? I have to think that after the huge success here in the U.S. (and I'm sure beyond) of movies like Braveheart and The Lord of the Rings trilogy the U.S. audience is ready for an epic trinity re-telling the Arthurian legend in a wholly new way. I'm holding out hope that one day someone in the backwards world of Hollywood will see the value in putting these stories to film (though I do agree with you that the majority of Hollywood's attempts have been atrocious). I am guessing that, as a 27 year old recent college graduate and football player who spent more years traveling and snowboarding around the world on a dime than the four at university, and who is currently employed as an urban planner in Phoenix, Arizona, I am not what one would describe as your main demographic. However, I assure you that I am the demographic (as well as those younger than myself) for that type of movie. I have recommended many of (and even painfully parted with a few of) your books to numerous friends and have had nothing but heartfelt thanks in return. I'm confident you are more than capable of seeing your books made into movies, but would like to offer any help I might be, as I have more than a few contacts in that silly sunny city on the California coast (please excuse the hideously prideful tone of that statement - I only make it in a plea to eventually sit in a theatre and watch these books come alive in the magnificent way that I think they could). I appreciate you taking the time to read my comments, wish you the greatest success, and look forward to reading your work for years to come. Sincerely, Nick Labadie

I just read The Winter King and thought it was fabulous. I'm a voracious reader and particularly fond of Arthurian legend and have no idea why I've just now discovered you. I'm thrilled to have all of your books ahead of me as well as looking forward to years of reading them again. Thank you. Denise Nielsen

Dear Mr. Bernard, You have created a monster. I have just recently been introduced to your books by my father and cannot put them down. Tonight I have just finished reading The Last Kingdom and find myself in a bit of a bind. I have no way to get one of your books until late tommorow. I litterally feel like an addict that just took his last dose. What am I going to do. No before bed reading, no morning bath reading (which I never used to take before your books). I almost want to blow off work so that I can get to the store. OK, its only one day. I guess I'll be able to handle it. I figured I would come on this sight that was the last thing on your book that kept looking me in the eye while in disbelief that there was no more to read.This sight has provided some relief. Basically I just wanted to write that I love your work. Keep on writing.....Jay

I just wanted to say thank you, so here it goes, thanks! I fell in love with the Patrick O'Brian books and with both Aubrey and Maturin, and was extremely sad when he passed away. We were lucky he had started 21. I was extremely lucky to get a hold of one of the Sharpe books and fall in love with the period all over again. Sharpe's adventures are beyond exciting. Good health to you! Cristina Atencio

You recently said " Times move, and we change, and religion dies in the light of knowledge. All religion is based on miracles, but to my knowledge no miracle has ever been proved." I can give you no examples of a miracle witnessed in my life...unless it is my life itself transformed from selfish and wasteful to committed and other centered. I believed on faith and the faith transformed my life. I see a big difference between Christianity and Islam. The evil Imam in Australia telling women they are raped because they don't wear a headscarf. The great sheikh ordering skyscrapers toppled. There is evil in the world and there is good. I thank God everyday I was raised in a Christian home. I was able to return to the Church as I matured. I respect and honor you Bernard, but there are things you can learn about Christianity and its place in the world. It is the hope for the future. You say you don't know Richard Sharpes fate post 1820, but there is hope for him just like there was hope for that great sinner Paul on the road to Demascus. Bob Long

Hi, Bernard, i wrote a message some days a go, and honestly i thought you wouldnt answer it, but you did. I'm writting again to say that in my opnion you will be just like Tolkien, you will die and some years after your book will be movies, and than you will win some oscars, I'm very happy to see that you read your messages and much more happy to see that you answer a fan that is so far away .... thank you again for your wonderful books, and sorry for my english, Diego Aguiar - Campo Grande - Mato Grosso do Sul - BRASIL

I just discovered you and your booksa few months ago. Since then, I have been reading, uninterrupted and in order, the advetures of Richard Sharpe and am right now watching as the French move towards the crossroads at Quatre Bras and on to Waterloo. I've learned a lot, and wanted to thank you for creating such an enjoyable series of novels with such rich characters. I will definitely read more related non-fiction when I complete the series, and I look forward to reading your other books as well. Thanks again. Darrell Dobresk