Your Questions

I am curious to know if Thomas of Hookton's girlfriend in Harlequin is Jewish? My reasons for suspecting it are all very tenuous: (a) her surname is Levy; (b) much is made of how black her hair is; (c) a sleazy lawyer says so - granted, he would readily lie, but he would also tell the truth if it was of use to him, particularly since he might be able to unearth some more evidence; (d) she makes some anti-Semitic remarks, as one might expect if her father was a convert, wanted to put his Jewish past well behind him, and brought up his daughter to fear and loathe Jews; (e) her father is said to have made great donations to the church, as one would expect if, as a convert, he wanted to put his past, etc., etc. This is pretty feeble evidence, but it occurred to me that you might have been setting things up for a shocking (to her) revelation down the road. And when that didn't happen in the rest of the series, I wondered if you had changed your mind, and decided that there was nowhere to go with that particular plot device. Did I guess right? John Cross

Hi Mr Cornwall, Firstly just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading your books over the years and have even gone as far as collecting Sharpe first editions whenever the opportunity presents itself, although finding a copy of Sharpe's Eagle (the best by far) remains ever allusive! I couldn't help noticing that the physical descriptions of Sharpe, Thomas of Hookton and Starbuck are fairly similar. Did you use someone that you know as inspiration for the way these characters look? Kind regards Jim

Hello, I just bought a book about the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns. Included was a list of all British regiments that served either in the peninsula, at Waterloo, or both. I happened across one regiment in particular that caught my attention, the 82nd (Prince of Wales own Volunteers) could this be the same Regiment Sharpe served in? P.S. Loved Sharpe's Fury. Will McMahon

Hi Bernard, I was recently re-reading Sharpe's Honour and got to the chaos after the battle of Vitoria. I found myself wondering if some of the details you included (tapestry torn in half for blankets, china set smashed etc) were taken from actual anecdotes or if you took an artistic license. Thanks all the effort you put into your work! Mike Seckla

Dear Mr Cornwell In Sharpe's Waterloo, the Brigadier General who stormed the Prussian held bridge at Charleroi seems to share many characteristics with the splendid General Calvet. Was it him? I hope not as I seem to recall that that officer died in the cavalry attacks on the British squares at Waterloo. Keith Harris

Bernard, I have noticed lately that a few people have asked you about Share and Lucille. My question springs from that. Had you already planned his future when he threw you that curveball? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Brooke Morey

Dear Sir, I was just re-reading S. Waterloo (very good by the way!!) and wondered why Napoleon thought of Wellesley as a "Sepoy General" despite beating every one of his Marshals that he sent against them? surely he would have had some respect for him? Many regards Chris G.

Sir, Enjoy your books. The first time I read the Sharpe series was a long time ago. I am sure two of the original books were written differently to the newer versions. I believe the original version of Sharpe's tiger was more detailed, and that Sharpe was tied to a cart wheel when he received his punishment. and I am fairly certain there was a book that mentions more about Jane gibbons trying to find out what happened to her brother. I am sure I remember reading of Sharpe trying to avoid Jane gibbons and meeting her in a church. This section of book was set in England. Am I going crazy or was the original books different to the reprints? I eagerly await your response. Yours Sincerely, Ron Hignett

Hello Bernard. Nearly all of the correspondence you receive is about Sharpe, Starbuck, Uhtred etc but I have just finished 'Scoundrel'. What a flipping good read it was as well. I really love the 'thrillers' and this might be the best one. It was an excellent story and very prophetic. Do you remember writing it? How much research did you have to do? And did the house on the beach that was built by someone called Starbuck have a direct link to the Starbuck novels? One final question on this subject, do you think you will write any more stand alone thrillers? The final final question, will you be touring the UK when 'Sword Song is released, and if so do you know where you'll be going? Many thanks, Barry Evans, Doncaster, UK

The English longbow, the 7 barrel gun for the fighting tops, makes me wonder why the English let the faster bow fall by the wayside to more cumbersome flintlocks for fighting in 150 meters or less. Any ideas from your research?
Marc McCrory