Bulletin Board

I write to you, Mr. Cornwell, through felicitous tears, having just set down The Crowning Mercy. Funny how these things come to us. I've watched, in awe, as my husband has read your novels voraciously over these last years...and he has invited me, again and again, to read your books. Always immersed in one classic or another, whether for my teaching at university or for personal delight, I would defer. Finally, this week, he said to me, "Read this book, the first 10-15 pages, and if you hate it, I'll never ask you to read another one of his books again." Since I started it, I was unable to stop reading, so engrossed was I within the language and story you've written...and how prolific you are, as I've heard my husband speak about the Sharpe novels! If you'd like a good guffaw...my husband thought I would find his reading of your novels rapacious, as though they were some sort of Harlequin historical novel, as I sat, perched on high, reading Bronte, Tolstoy, Woolf... But,...and I hope you will take this only as a compliment...I am able to draw many parallels between you and Tolstoy. You bring one to tears of felicity, sorrow, anger, compassion, then back again. I adore your characters, associate with them, and most importantly, believe in them. I, too, am a writer; however, your writing has spurred me to improve my own writing, though truth to tell, I've much work still to do...especially having read your work. I'd love to attend any conferences for which you are a speaker, and my husband would even join me! Usually, he finds the topics at these conferences, at the very least, mundane, but it would be a pleasure to share the passion we've come to admire in your writing. I raise my glass to you (hope that's not too, too cliché), for we've no doubt that some day your work will be termed classic literature. Cheers! Candice Simmons

I was lucky enough to catch your talk at the Imperial War Museum at the end of last year (coinciding with the release of The Last Kingdom). I really enjoyed the experience, particularly your start when you said that you write popular rather than literary fiction, it was an inspiration to hear someone as successful as yourself praising story-telling. The only thing I found annoying at the IMW was the number of people who asked you questions on the TV series, despite your making it clear that it was little to do with you. I couldn't get my own question in & one I think you might have enjoyed answering! My main reason for writing is that I am about to make my first serious attempt at publishing my own work. It happens to be in the crime genre, but I have none the less found the advice to authors on your website absolutely invaluable (see FAQ page). I would like to thank you for providing such a comprehensive guide for others to follow. I also think it's a mark of your own skill that, unlike many other authors, you are content to share your methods with others. I look forward to The Pale Horseman, with which I wish you every success (not that you need it). Once again, many thanks. Rafe McGregor

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm not very confident you can read this message but trying anyway. I'm just a big fan of you here in the tropics (Brazil). I first met your books when, last year, my husband just presented me with Arthur's books for my birthday. It was my very best gift, ever. Since then, I run looking forward to your books in Brazil. I read already The Grail Quest, The Gallows Thief and few days ago, I finished reading Sharpe's Tiger. Now, just waiting for your other amazing books to arrive in Brazil. I wish you all the best and I really hope you keeping presenting us with your blessing mind. Thank You ! Katia Tessorolo

Mr. Cornwell: No need to respond - however I have just finished the three Arthur novels & wished to express how much I enjoyed all of them. For a Yank who has only known of the mtyhical & magical Arthur stories, the novels were so refreshing. (not to mention exciting) I am looking forward to reading additional novels from you. Regards, Michael Depro

Hello. Before I continue, I must admit I'm not an avid reader (much less read any of your books save for one, which I'll get to). I prefer movies, as they are stories I'm able to share with my friends. But recently I made a trip to my local library to check out the epic Beowulf. No doubt you've heard of it, for, so it would seem, you are also a fan of the Northmen. While I was there, I chose to check out another book about the period of time we now refer to as the "Viking Age". I came up The Last Kingdom. I finished Beowulf, which I was impressed with yet dissappointed by the length, and then cracked open your book. It started quickly and ended the same, the action rolling non-stop. An epic tale of a boy who must become a man. I was well aware of the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok (or Lodbrok as it's sometimes spelled) and his sons, and continually tried to read further into their tales but found the same vauge stories. Your book provided my not only the knowledge I sought, but a great deal of entertainment. I have already suggested the book to several people, and plan to buy my own copy, and I will continue to read your stories. You are no doubt a great writer, out shining the over rated JK Rowlings, and ranking with Tolkien himself. I'm 18 right now, and hoping to go to film school, and one day, after I've made a movie of my own script, hopefully I'll be able to adapt this book and those that follow (I'll, of course, seek your approval if and when that happens). Thanks for the great book, and continue writing! Dylan

I am a member of a message board dedicated to all the writings of Bernard Cornwell. Sadly we lack members. As you can imagine this makes the discussions and input rather limited. I'm writing to you to ask if you could display the website address on your site. Posted on the Bulletin Board for a week or so would be wonderful. The address is: www.hookton.com . All our site really needs is some new members who love the books of Bernard Cornwell and would like to discuss them with like-minded fans. Thank you. Tony.

Referring to the pronucniation of the names in the Warlord series, you might be interested in the English names there: "Aelle - Ay (rhyme with bay) - ella" should be 'all-e' rhymes with 'valour' "Cerdic - Serdic" should be Cher-dic Just thought you should be aware. Thanks for an enjoyable series of books. Steve Pollington

Dear Mr Cornwell, I visited your site to see if there was any news on a new book in the Starbuck series. Well, I found my news and I can fully appreciate why you'd want to back Sharpe (I am also a big fan of his and Harper's adventures) I'd just like to add my support for the continuation of the Starbuck Chronicles when you feel like taking a break from Sharpe. I have enjoyed the series immensely and I think i would be a great shame if Starbuck and Truslow never got to fight at Gettysburg. Yours faithfully Steve Koch

I've read most of the Sharpe books, done the Starbuck trail, met Arthur and his cohorts and found the Grail. But ',ve just finished The Last Kingdom, brilliant! My wife had to hide my reading glasses to get me out of the house. Coming from Durham and having been many times to Bamburgh I felt as if I was in the story. Thank you very much for all your writing but I hope to read more about Uhtred and his travels. Paul Garbutt

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just finished the Starbuck Chronicles and I am now reading the Winter King. The Relationship between Derfel and Nimue reminds me much of the one I have with my girlfriend. And your telling of Arthur is like one I've never heard before. It is truly a great story. Speaking of my girlfriend. Just 3 months ago I got her hooked on your books. Now we both enjoy your writing. You are a great author. Ian