Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have read a large number of your books - including the entire Sharpe series - and loved every one! Your research and story telling make history come alive and I have a difficult time putting your books down. I have always wondered - being the lover of history that you are - if you had ever considered writing either a single book or perhaps a short series of books that take place during the time of Oliver Cromwell and Charles I? There seems to be little written about this time period that "ordinary", non-historians would be able to get into. If I find anything about this important time, most of it is very dry. Just a thought. In the meantime, please keep up the great work!

Larry Villani

A

It's a fascinating period and it has tempted me . . . . but whether I'll ever write a story set in those days? I really don't know.


Q

Mr. Cornwell, As you know you have a lot of fans here in Brazil, and I think all of we would love to read a book written by you with something about our country. About Cangaço, Emboabas War, Mascates War, Farrapos War or Paraguay War& Please think about it for us. Thank you, Lucas. When will you visit Brazil?

A

I'd love to go back to Brazil...hopefully some day. But I do think your history should be written by someone with a far greater knowledge of Brazil.


Q

Hi Do you think that field marshal Montgomery was a good general? I have seen people have mixed feelings about him and i was wondering if you had an opinion on him.

Rory

A

I think he was an extraordinarily difficult man, but yes, plainly he was a good general, even though he got some things wrong (who doesn't?). El Alamein was an essential victory, and his basic plan for Normandy was the right one (though, of course, the capture of Caen was misjudged). His great drawback, of course, was his ridiculous attitude towards his American allies that made him too many enemies. Not a great general, perhaps (unlike Sir William Slim), but yes, a good one.


Q

I have read and enjoyed all of your books over the years and wish to thank you for the pleasure given. As a long shot I would like to know if you spent time on Canvey island in your childhood?

Brian Hall

A

I went to Canvey Island many times . . . yes.


Q

Hello, sir. I have a very odd question for you. I have read your Arthur books many times before, but just recently I looked upon Wikipedia's summary for The Winter King, and found something which made me question how well I'd read it. The passage I am referring to was thus: "Derfel is rewarded for his service to Arthur and is declared a lord, but shortly after learns that Merlin has gone north, leaving Nimue on the Isle of the Dead. With the scar on his hand reminding Derfel of his duty to Nimue, he travels south to rescue her himself. When he arrives at the Isle he is warned by the guards that he is free to enter, but once inside he can never be released. He enters nonetheless and finds Nimue at the southern tip of the isle. She initially attacks him, but he clasps their scarred hands together and Nimue's wits return. As he returns to the entrance, he finds that Galahad and his men have followed him south to ensure that he could leave the isle. In the months following this adventure, Derfel and Nimue become lovers. Nimue considers leaving Merlin and the path of the Gods, but realizes that life with Derfel is an impossible dream. She ends their relationship, only to find out that she is pregnant with Derfel's baby. She refrains from telling Derfel about this, instead claiming that the baby is Merlin's. Arthur meanwhile, is contemplating a final assault on Powys to end the war. To do that, he must ensure that the Sais, led by Aelle who calls himself the Bretwalda (Ruler of Britain), remain at peace, and only money can achieve that. On the advice of Nimue he makes enforced loans from all Christian and pagan shrines, an act which the Christians resent him for. Meeting with Aelle, Arthur negotiates three months of peace for the gold and information on how to capture the Powysian Stronghold of Ratae (Leicester)." Now, from reading the books, I understood most of that passage, and recalled it. However, the sentence claiming that Nimue was pregnant rather floored me, to be honest. I don't recall that ever being alluded to in the books... My question for you, is..was it alluded to, and did I just miss it? Thank you, in advance, for your time, and for the wonderful books you've written.

Lexie

A

It floored me too! I don't remember that . . . . .


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have been a great Sharpe enthusiast for many years, and watch all the TV episodes over and again, whenever they are screened (regularly on "Yesterday") but until quite recently I'd never read any of the novels. Being a keen student of military history, especially the Waterloo campaign, I read Sharpe's Waterloo and was hooked! I've since been working my way through the whole series of novels, and hope to be up to date in the new year, as I retired earlier this year and have lots of time to read now! I've enjoyed all the ones I've read so far but have particularly enjoyed "Trafalgar" and "Regiment". The books are excellent! I particularly like the attention to detail which gives the books such a keen sense of authenticity. I hope I am a discerning critic, as I have both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in English Literature and am currently President of the Hull Literary Club - which (I think) is now the oldest active literary society in the country, being founded in 1879. When I've finished all the novels I intend to prepare a lecture for the Club. I have also wondered whether any of the novels not yet dramatised might make the transition to screen at some point in the future? If another actor could be found? Perhaps one a little like the character in your splendid books - more ruthless and unscrupulous than the portrayal to date? All good wishes Keith Parsons

A

Thank you! No more films plans at the moment...


Q

I know R. Sharpe is not exactly high on your work list now, but I do have some comments: Don't you think that Teresa is really Sharpe's greatest love - and having said that, (and I might be missing something) shouldn't his daughter with her have a greater presence? Love the books - thanks so much for writing them, and for great writing - in every sense!! Jay Sheth

A

And well she might - one day! His greatest? Possibly, though I suspect Lucille is really his greatest love.


Q

Ok, I've spent the whole day in work today, after reading the overview of Richard Sharpe on wikipedia, with the riddle of Sharpe's father stuck in my head. It is winding me up and I know from your hints that his father is french and a rogue. I was wondering, does he appear in the books at all and did Sharpe meet him? Many thanks for the years of fun with Sharpe as i have read the full series so many times, and loved the starbuck chronicles. I eagerly await the next one but know you are writing other things so I won't push for a date, haha. I think I'll whet my teeth to the other series' you have written and my next read is the fort. Simon, Liverpool

A

Mmmm, I don't believe he has....


Q

How big is Uhtred? 6'2" 250?

Don Kennedy

A

Let's just say big? I hate pinning anything too specific on him - or any other hero.


Q

Does the Earl of Battenburg take his kingdom? When can we expect Thomas of Hookton to string his bow again? When does Starbuck march again?

James Halbert

A

I am with Thomas now - with any luck that will be the book published next Autumn. As for the others? I guess time will tell....