Hello Bernard, My wife (a budding novelist) and I really enjoyed your talk in Toronto this week (I was the guy near the front who asked you to comment on walking the battlefields). I bought the British book 'Marching With Sharpe' . I've not seen it here in Canada. I think it would sell well . Following up on the question from the young man of the possibility of you ever writing a novel set in the War of 1812 in Canada and the US ('The war nobody won' as it's sometimes referred to here) let me put in my own plug. Most of those battlefields are still walkable (although sadly neglected) as are a lot of the homes, buildings and forts that were used are toursit attractions. Also sadly a lot of people on both sides of the border know very little of that war between neighbours and have a hazy perception that it was the local militia that really was the backbone of the fighting spirit. While there's no question that the men and women (Laura Secord ) were incredibly brave, all my reading of the war leads me to believe that it was the iron obstinacy of the British soldier that -once again- turned the tide. That story needs to be told I feel. (Sensitively obviously) Also there is the Indian side of the fight - where once again- their ferocious bravery was bought for so little in return after the war.(Most being herded onto the Grand River Valley's worst land) Also I find-Canadians as a rule have a crummy sense of history. (although a beautifully filmed and reenacted 4 part TV history of Canada and book was done a few years back). Granted a lot of it is boring-but I feel that period of time (starting really with the siege of Quebec in 1759) up and down the beautiful St Lawrence flowing down the Niagara and spilling ultimately into Lake Erie was really the battled bedrock of our current government in Canada. That story needs to be told- to come to life. And as far as I'm concerned-you're the only living historical writer that can do it. I hope your words will march in Canada one day. I'll keep buying as long as you keep writing. Warm regards David Sharpe (Even ythough my family came here from England originally-I don't believe I had a relative that was a greenjacket- but I like to think so!)
Thank you - I promise to consider your request.