Bulletin Board

I have made a point of avoiding 'Sharpe' on Television because I like my Sean Bean as a baddie, not a goodie (and because I suspect my wife likes him). However, somebody at work was having a book sale and on the table was 'Sharpe's Trafalgar' for 10p. So ... I bought it, but didn't read it because I'm 44, a father of three and, as my wife will testify, too bloody fussy for my own good. No, I read the chronology list, bought 'Sharpe's Tiger' and read that instead so that everything would be in order. And ... what a read! So was 'Triumph' and so was 'Fortress'. I haven't been hooked on an entire series before, so well done sir! It's 'Trafalgar' time.
Mike Jennings

I have just finished listening to the audio book of Lords of The North and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it, especially as I am a 'northerner' - Lancastrian. I am now on my third 'listening'. To someone who grew up at a time when teachers read to us, listening to a book is always a joy and this series in particular, because of the content has been exceptional. You paint a wonderful picture of Saxon England - I think English History is sadly neglected these days. The one extra comment I would make is that the Richard Armitage reading of this book had enormously added to my pleasure in it, his changes of accent, nuances etc made the whole thing come alive. I eagerly look forward to being able to buy Sword Song in the same format and do hope that Mr. Armitage will again be the reader. Kind regards, June Young, Hapton, Nr. Burnley, Lancs.

I'd like to put this very simply and to the point. Thank you for inspiring me to read. I'd become rather uninterested in reading by the time I reached secondary school and the standard fare was somewhat meek and tasteless. Then came Sharpe. People swore, characters died, fictional but still gritty and real. This lead to a life long obsession with reading and a jump in grade from an estimated U to a D in GCSE English for a dyslexic young man who found it difficult to focus on anything for too long. 12 years down the line and I'm still entertained. Keep them coming please especially the medieval period tales. Many thanks from a grateful reader, Matt

Dear Mr. Cornwell. It's with great pleasure that I write you to inform about the biggest fansite in Brazil designed in your honor. The site Bernard Cornwell Brasil was created about a year ago and already is a great success in our country. We have 4,461 active members in our growing community and much more who access the site and get in touch with our team to learn more about your books. We have gathered and stored lots of information about your novels and the TV Show Sharpe (with Sean Bean); created an image gallery with more than 1000 pictures and posted interviews with you that were translated into Portuguese by our team. Our URL is www.bernardcornwellbrasil.net if you want to visit it. Our site doesnt intend to, nor is it making any financial gain from your work. Our sole objective is to divulge your novels in our country and maybe make more people discover the fascinating world of literature. We hope you like the job we have been doing. Um grande abraço (a big hug). Moacir Hastenteufel Führ

Dear Bernard Pretty much writing in to argue against you calling Henry Clinton an idiot which seems most unfair given his record while admittedly no genius he was no slouch. If Gage and Co had listened to him then Bunker Hill would not have happened (He wanted to come behind the Americans and trap them instead). It was his idea and flank attack that beat the Americans at Long Island. His capture of the Hudson forts to aid Burgoyne with what little he had was the best anyone could have done under the circumstances. At Monmouth although it was a draw he at least one his strategic aim avoiding the main body or baggage becoming engaged by Washington. And the capture of Charlestown was well done. He also had to contend with the fact he had to send thousands of troops away to fight the French in the West Indies and put up with Cornwallis undermining him (dormant commission and informing him to Howe) and was not even allowed to resign by Germain even though he wanted too get out. So while probably unsuited to the role he was not the idiot or Simmerson figure you make him out to be.
Geraint

Mr Cornwell, I finished "Stonehenge" and was delighted. Your writing style (as usual) enabled me to vividly picture the surroundings, the temples, the stones, the clothing and tools. It was quite an imagination-stimulating story. What I like about it very much is that you tackled an area combined with a period in history that very few (I don't know of any) authors write about along true pre-historical lines. I guess what I mean is that the stories I recall that are intertwined with Stonehenge and the other circles of the period seem to be fantasy-oriented. Although I know your imagination created much of the book, I really appreciate your attempts to use what is known and suspected about that area, the time-frame, and its people. Thanks again for a great book. Now...on to the next! Shawson Hebert

Mr. Cornwell- You MUST write faster! :) It is so hard for Uhtred and I to have this affair when I scare hear of him but once a year! I am so in love with this man! (don't tell my husband!) All kidding aside: Thank you, thank you, and thank you again for writing sword song. Alas, living in the US I have not seen it yet, but even my husband can tell you I exclaimed with glee when the end of The Lords of The North, where it was made very clear there would be more books!~ (Actually I woke my husband from a dead sleep at 2 in the morning when I finished the book.) Uhtred's fashion for expressing himself and his brazen arrogance make me near swoon! I love his utter disrespect for the church in all its hypocrisy and that he has no qualms of talking back to Alfred! I look forward to the next installment! Could it be possible for Uhtred to meet an Oriana in his books? (teasing). One more slight critique. The Lords of the North seemed a bit rushed, near the end. Did it feel that way when writing it? I think the book could have been longer (of course that is in opposition to my earlier request to write faster.) When will he regain his rightful place at Bebbanburg? I want to see he and Ragnar rule Northumbria together...and for Alfred to freaking acknowledge all Uhtred has done for him! So pompous! Thanks again! any suggestions on what else of yours to read, while I wait for Sword Song in the US? I don't know where to start! Sorry for the lengthy email. Promise not to do it again, till my eyes are itching for the next one! There will be a next one after Sword Song.... right?
Oriana Lewallen

Having been a fan for some years I have read many of your series. I was eagerly awaiting sword song but found it plodding, boring and rather drawn out. It almost feels a filler to make the series longer and sell more books. I don't think it was needed. This could have been the finale to the series; instead it has out me off even contemplating the next one in the series and I feel lets your impressive previous writings down. Wayne Linnett

I'm a big fan and have read all your Sharpe, Arther, Grail Quest and Saxon stories, plus a selection of others. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Sword Song and look forward to the next installment. Jonathan Webb

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I just finished reading The Starbuck Chronicles; Wow, I'm going to take a trip out to western Maryland and visit Manassas and Antietam. I've been to Gettysburg and ended up staying three days studying the history. The Starbuck Chronicles have stirred my interest in the Great U.S. Civil War once more to want to study the history. I have read all the Sharpe books, including the short stories, the Thrillers, Redcoat, and I started Gallows Thief but stopped shortly into the book since it was to distressful. Maybe I'll start it again another day. I'm going to start reading the Arthur Books next. I sure would like to see Nate Starbuck come back in another series of the Starbuck Chronicles. There is a lot of unfinished business and stories to be told about Nate. It would make a great TV series too. Thank you sincerely for giving me many hours of joy and adventure reading your books. There is nothing better then to sail on the Chesapeake Bay and have a Bernard Cornwell novel along to read once we drop the hook and enjoy a glass of wine. Fairwinds and following seas, Earl Sewell Wilmington, DE USA