Bulletin Board

Q

I first picked up one of your books several years ago. It was 'The Winter King'. I am a fan of Arthurian legend, and your books were fantastic. However, I felt the need to come and seek your site out after having finished two books of another series. I had read 'The Archer's Tale' some time ago, and because I simply pick books off the shelves in a random fashion, I didn't even know the book had been continued as a series. I was delighted to find both 'Vagabond' and 'Heretic' side by side at a local library. I snatched them up, and read them both in a week. Thomas of Hookton is a great character because he is not great. He is a common person who achieves things through his strength of will. It is very inspiring to see characters like that. I suppose I am writing this to you simply to say that I enjoy your writing. It is engrossing, and even though I love historical fiction I have never been one for battle-scenes. However, with your books I find myself hanging onto the details and feeling very satisfied with outcomes. Combined with my very limited knowledge of historical facts and your wonderful characters I enjoy your novels very much. In fact, you have achieved something few authors do. I am a kind of misogynistic reader. Very rarely do I enjoy female characters. However, all of Thomas's women were very enjoyable characters. I cannot go into more detail, because I don't really understand how some authors can write women and some can't for me. But I can say that you succeeded! I wish I could be more helpful, but I'm sure you will take the compliment. Thank you for writing, because good historical fiction is always such a treat to me. Well-wishes and good health to you! Mary Helen P. Chaplin

A

I'm glad to know I succeeded in writing female characters you enjoy - thanks very much for letting me know. I appreciate your message.


Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I am a recent convert to your books. I have just read Redcoat, Stonehenge and my first Sharpe novel Sharpe's Tiger. I immediatly ran out and bought the rest of the India campaign, the first two Holy Grail novels and Gallows Theif and I am hooked. I might be addicted. I checked out your website to get the order for the Sharpe series. I read the synopsis of your newest book and almost fell off my chair. I graduated from Alfred University located in Alfred New York. The school was named after King Alfred. Our teams are called The Saxons. There is even a statue of King Alfred in the center of school. I was wondering if you ever heard of the school? I thought you would appreciate it. I have sent some links to the school. Check them out. Keep up the amazing work. http://www.alfred.edu/glance/html/king_alfred.html http://www.alfred.edu/glance/html/statue_of_king_alfred.html http://www.alfred.edu/
Corey Natko

A

I've heard of it, but little more. But nice to know it thrives! Thanks for the links.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I doubt you remember my writing you way back in 1988 to tell you that I could hardly bear to turn the pages for fear of the horrors you were going to inflict on Sharpe and Harper. In fact, your kind reply indicated that perhaps Patrick had it a bit too easy, so perhaps...And here we are some 15 years later and you have not relented. Just wanted you to know I'm still turning pages timorously and enjoying every minute of my monumental discomfort. My husband and I did enjoy the TV series, though for me, page turning is my passion. And today I am turning to Chapter I of Sharpe's Escape. Your other books are great, too, but Richard and Patrick are my heroes. The historical notes you include are greatly appreciated. Please keep on writing and I promise to keep on reading. Sincerely, Audrey Bailey


Q

Mr. Cornwell, My Mother was visiting Hatchards Book Store in London recently and she found out you were doing a book signing for "Sharpe's Escape" the next day. She wasn't going to be able to be in London that day, but bought a copy for me and asked for the staff to give it to you to sign (but they made no guarentees) Much to my delight, you not only signed it, but addressed it too me. A very nice jesture! Thank you. I just finished the book and enjoyed it tremendously. Just before reading your book, I read the Osprey Campaign series book on Bussaco which really increased my enjoyment of your novel. Thanks again for taking the time to sign the book for me. I look forward to picking up another Sharpe novel soon. Best Regards, James


Q

Mr. Cornwell, I've been a fan of your Sharpe novels for many years and have just begun your Grail Quest series which I am enjoying immensely. Your stories and characters are excellent, but personally it's your gift for dialog that keeps me engrossed. As a former actor (in my misspent youth) I find myself rereading paragraphs of your dialog just to experiment with different characterizations and nuances of the verbal exchanges. Though I am usually fairly quick reader, this does slow down my progress a bit. On the other hand it makes each great story last a bit longer. Thanks for getting me through another summer in the desert! Best Regards, Dan Sheffer Tucson, AZ


Q

I have read a few of the comments on the bulletin board and I am not adding anything new but I have to say that I LOVED the Arthur books. They are the best King Arthur books I have ever read (and I have read a bunch of them). THANK YOU! I am going to read the Stonehenge book next. I can't wait to get started. Stacey Ankrum


Q

What a treat to discover this web site! Love/d Sharpe, Starbuck is great, I'm on #3, although I'm not interested in middle ages or the other themes I am looking foreward to reading something different and expanding my mind thru Cornwell.! I went through withdrawals after Sharpe - things are looking up! Patrick


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have written you before but was out on the road with my fiance in our tractor trailor. Again we would like to tell you how much we enjoy Sharpe and Harper's adventures. Your books make the miles go by much easier, even our 8 yr.old son loves Sharpe. Listening to the audios is a family experience. We also have all the books to keep, cause the audios are rented, as much as we hate to bring them back we search the truck stops for new ones all the time and look forward to Sharpe's Escape. One more thing we'd like to tell you is we are from Cape Cod but now live in Arizona. Thank you again sir for making the miles go by adding great enjoyment to a grueling job.. Maryellen, David and Daniel

A

Thanks for your kind message - it's wonderful to hear from you again!


Q

Hello, and I just wanted to say I really love your story telling. I have loved Richard Sharpe for many years...and just now am re-reading the King Arthur tales..I enjoyed them so much , I felt like I wanted to re-visit all the wonderful characters. I especially love dear Lord Derfel...and that you made Lancelot a real rat!!! What a great twist of the tale...what a marvelous story you spin. I have read most of your books and wait for more to appear. So thank you, from a grateful fan. Sincerely Liz


Q

I recently read the 19th Book of the Aubrey/Maturin story, by Mr O'Brian, and your glowing comments on the back of the jacket. I agree with your sentiment but add you also are a master story teller. I had read or heard that you and Mr O'Brian are related, if that is the case, the family strength of story telling has found a fine succesor. Thom

A

I don't believe we are related - but thanks for your kind words!