Since my grandfather was a union soldier in the Civil War I am fascinated by the Starbuck series, PLEASE don't stop at Antietam. Thank you..Papa Bob
Mr. Cornwell, In response to a question about your favorite characters you wrote, "A: My favourite is Obadiah Hakeswill, of course, and after him the delicious Ceinwyn from the Arthur books." WOW, what a contrast. I can't think of any two of your characters, among all the saints and sinners, farther apart -- in both outward appearance and and inner substance -- than Ceinwyn and Obadiah. The only thing thay have in common is that they are truely wonderful characters. My personal choice, exclusive of the main characters, is Blas Vivar. He's one big reason that Sharpe's Rifles is my favorite of your books. Duncan Adams
Dear Mr. Cornwell: Recently, some of your fans have suggested post-Waterloo, post-Devil adventures for Sharpe. Permit me to dissent from this view. I believe that there comes a point when a series has run its course and it's time to put the captstone on and go on to other things. By my estimation, Sharpe has about four more good novels left after Escape:&landers, Rolica/Vimeiro, Albuera, and San Sebastian. But I see little prospect for any really good adventures after Devil. The post-Waterloo world was, from a military history point of view, pretty boring, with nothing of any interest until the 1st Afghan War in 1840. By then, Sharpe would be 63! I would hate to see you write any Sharpe novels falling below your usual excellent standards, just to keep the character going. And how many other ficticious characters have had a 24-novel run? Waterloo, Sharpe's biggest battle, was a fitting climax to his career, and Devil was an epilogue and a chance to say goodbye. But for my money, let's leave the poor man on the farm after Devil. He deserves the rest. Sincerely, Alan Kempner
Thanks for your input!
Dear Bernard, I`m in Brazil and I`m Brazilian. I`ve just finished a couple of hours ago to read your book which tells about King Arthur's life (or Derfel`s would be better?). I`m sorry I don`t know the name of the book in English - in portuguese it is "Cronicas de Artur". My aunt read it first and told me it was one of the best books she read in her life. I have to agree with her... I`m writing to you to let you know that this is one of the best books I`ve ever read (I`m 24, and I love to read). I had even read the "Brumas de Avalom" book, which I don`t know the name in English either, and I was thinking no other history of Arthur`s life could cativate me more... However, I was wrong... With your book, I laughed a lot, I cried a lot, and I do feel like I was part of their lives. This is your first book I read, but I`m sure going to look for others from now on. Congratulations! (I`ll sure be kinda sad for the next feel days, as I already miss the characters so much...). Patricia Antunes
Many thanks for your kind message - and thank your aunt for me as well.
Bernard Cornwell, the trilogy of the grail quest is very very good! good job. Lucas (Lostman ) from Brasil
Thanks - I'm glad to know you like the books.
When will you be doing your next signing in London for your new book, and where will it be? Miss Gwyther
I will be in London during the first week in April for the release of Sharpe's Escape. Where I'll be I don't know yet, but the full itinerary will be posted to the Diary page as soon as we get the details.
The Warlord Chronicles are the finest story I've had the pleasure to read. I like to imagine an old and tired Derfel standing his ground against the saxons at the gates of Dinnewrac, and in the ensuing fight the old warrior returns for one last battle before he jouneys to the otherworld. Robert Milson
Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have read every one of your many books. Thank you for the hours of pleasure I have enjoyed! You must continue the Starbuck Chronicles! Jean H.Kouns.
Hi, in Sharpe's Havoc beginning of chapter 6 you mention in passing the uniform of Lieut. Pelletieu of the French artillery. You describe his breeches and waistcoat as being white. I beleive the uniform of the French Artillery was all blue, including the breeches and waistcoat, with black gaiters and red cuffs and collars. The uniform was very similar to the French Legere. It had not really changed since the days of the old royalist army of the ancien regime. Thought you'd like to know because you always go in for great detail in your novels. Roger
You're absolutely right. Must have been having a bad day. Or perhaps Pelletiere had lost his other breeches?
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed Vagabond. It was fantastic as I live in Durham city, with a view of the cathedral and could picture the scene. Did you visit Durham whilst writing the book? Andrew Cowie
I did - twice in fact because it's one of my favourite places. I also went up to Neville's Cross to get the lie of the land, but as it's now all housing that was a bit tricky.