Bulletin Board

Q

Mr Cornwell I have just enjoyed reading 'Sharpe's Escape'. Thank you for another very entertaining book. I was wondering if you have ever read any of Harry Turtledove's books in his Great War and American Empire series. He has the same punchy and entertaining style of writing as you, though far be it from me to draw comparisons. It just strikes me as the kind of book you yourself might enjoy as a reader. Best wishes Andy

A

I haven't (shame on me), but I will. Thank you


Q

I was gutted, I work fairly near one of the shops you were due to do a book signing and I had to work from home that day, shame. I am currently reading the Quest series(paperback) and Sharpe. I loved the first 2 quest books, just waiting for Heretic to come out on paperback. I have just started Sharpes Rifles, only 13 more to go after. Inbetween I read my other favourites, Lee child (Jack reacher novels only), James Patterson (mainly his Along came a Spider and subsequent books in the Alex Cross series (didn't like his other books, except the Jester), Jeffrey Deaver and Michael Crichton. I tried the Arthur Books, but due to having a memory span of a Goldfish with Parkinsons, I can't seem to read books where there are more than 4 characters(a minor flaw in my character) so although I bought them, I doubt I will read them. After Sharpe I will move onto the Starbuck chronicles (About coffee??) Anyway, thanks for some memorable books, I love the Shapre series, altho every time I read a line where he speaks I picture Sean Bean in my mind, and I have just got to where he meets Patrick and I am sure I will see the chap who plays him in the tv series. Keep up the good work. P.s Will you ever write any books for the American audience (besides Starbuck chronicles) (I am in England BTW)

A

I think so - but when? I wish I knew - but probably, yes.


Q

Have just heard you on "Desert Island Discs", great programme. Your own life story is equal to anything you can conjure up. Have you ever considered an autobipgraphy? Keep up the good work. Peter Moore

A

I've considered it and, after a millisecond of consideration, rejected the idea. I disliked my childhood so much that I don't want to re-live it! No way. I prefer fiction!


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell I have just finished listening to you on "Desert Island Discs" with Sue Lawley. I must say I enjoyed your choices of music along with your bitter sweet reminiscences. Interested enough to look up your website. Having done that, I found your article on advice to aspiring writers. Your advice on dissecting or as I guess the Americans would say "autopsying" another writers work is redolent of Robert Louis Stevensons "I play the sedulous ape too many." Presumably a reference to his study of the works of and style emulation of Sir Walter Scott. I think if I were in that position I would want to "sedulously ape" your style. Cheers, from Scotland. Stephen Doyle.

A

That's very kind of you - thank you!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I enjoyed very much hearing your desert island discs this morning. You said what a lucky person you are and I wondered if by any chance you were born in May. Did you hear the Today programme last week when they did a survey and came to the conclusion that May babies were the luckiest of all. I was born in May and consider myself very lucky too. Like you, I have a very happy marriage of 23 years and feel very fortunate in many ways. Just an enquiry but thought the answer might be interesting. Thank you for your time and, again, enjoyed hearing all about your life very much. I have to say it made me sad to think of your unhappy childhood but you seem to have recovered from it extremely well. Kind regards, pamela

A

No, I wasn't born in May - but lucky anyway!


Q

Just a word of thanks for all your work. I am a career soldier and read your books as you above other authors of historical fiction seem to understand what our business is about. This fact struck me once a few years back in an operation in Bosnia. During a lull in our operation, I opened my copy of (I think) Sharpe's Triumph. One of my soldiers offered to trade another book when I'd finished it. It reminded me of a scene in one of the Sharpe films where two riflemen trade for a copy of a Voltaire. I thought that very fitting and a bit ironic. Again, thanks for all the effort. It is truly appreciated. Randall Eskew


Q

Hi, Mr Cornwell, I'm a student of History from Brazil, and I liked your trilogy The Grail Quest. The atmosphere of your book is very interisting, Sorry for my english, but in the next time I promise to learn. Celso Luiz Terzetti Filho


Q

Hi Mr Cornwell. I would just like to say that you are an amazing author. I have just recently discovered your books and have already read all "the Grail Quest" and now going on to "the Winter King". I am 16 and have never been as interested in any book as I was with "the Grail Quest" books, so thankyou Mr Cornwell. Craig Dumigan

A

Thank you Craig for taking the time to write. I appreciate your message.


Q

Just finished Sharpe's Escape. Just wanted to say thank you for yet another suberb read! These books continue to excite, entertain and educate me all at once. I look forward to Sharpe's next challenge! Ken Winkley


Q

Thanks for giving me the chance to contact you. I'm not sure how long I've been reading your books but I feel I've grown up with them -and I'm 38! Your stories have the ability to transfer me away to another world, and this is no lie, the escape into sun baked Spain or rain sodden France has helped me through some difficult times in my own life! I feel sad to reach the end of each Sharpe book - read in a couple of days and a year to wait for the next. I have all the Sharpe series on DVD and I would love to think a new series will be made (what are the chances?). Finally, and I know you don't want plots suggested to you, but as an avid reader of historical fiction I would love to see stories about the Crusades, the Robin Hood/King John era and the English Civil War. If only a really good author could pick up the theme....Nolan Salmon

A

Thanks for your message. Your suggestions are noted.