Bulletin Board

Hi Bernard, I couldn't agree more with Peter Harris ( 24 Feb) who said you should visit New Zealand. All New Zealanders know that it is "Godzone Country" and if you saw Lord of the Rings or The Last Samurai you'll know it too! Just make sure you visit some of the provincial towns too. I recently treated myself to Sharpe's Christmas, a real bonus - especially the story with Sharpe and Lucille after the war. Thank you, Fiona

Hi Mr Cornwell. Just finished reading the Starbuck chronicles and must say they are brilliant, much like the rest of your books. I have read most of them. But after reading the last 4 words of the Bloody Ground - you know, the ones you are not allowed to forget. That Starbuck will march again. I thought I would check your web site to see when this would be. But to my horror you are not planning to do this for a long time. Can you please reconsider this. Of course I know that Nate is a fictional character but Nate, his friends and his enemies all live in my head now and l would dearly love to know what happens to them. I also looked at your Questions web page and it seems I am not the only one who would like this. Felt sorry for one poor chap who is Seventy five years old. Time might run out for this poor guy. Can you do it for him if not the rest of us. Sorry for moaning because you have given me hours of enjoyment with your books and I am truely greatful for that. But I/we need to know. Thank again and have fun, cheers Trev.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished another wonderful novel Sharpe's Tiger, making six very enjoyable novels. I learned about you from the PBS series a few years ago, it was great, but still did not do the book justice. Are you considering another stab at making a movie? Considering the success of Master and Commander, I believe that your product would be a natural. In fact I would be shocked if even Hollywood could mess up the rich characters that you have developed. Keep up the wonderful work and I have a great deal of reading to do on your other books. Mitchell Manoff

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I am a huge fan of your works. I have read all the Sharpe series (that is out) 3 times and I have read your book about the American Revoulution. Because of your and Patrick O'Brians influence I have decided to teach the French Revoulution in a college some day. I would love to hear more about your veiws of the French Revolution, and about how you come up with the ideas for Aharpe and your other novels. Thanks a lot, Ty McTernan

No need to write back. I started with and am enjoying your Grail Quest series and I am look forward to reading others. Your publishers are correct though, as an American I would never have opened a book titled "Harlequin" because of the trashy series. Have a wonderful day. AW

I'm enjoying my way through the Sharpe's books, and only wish there was some way to alter the laws of relativity so I could make the books laaaaaaast forever! With each book, I get a further glimpse into Sharpe's past, his insecurity, (OK! his pathology- but we love him anyway!) and the events which made him who he is today. Since you don't want book suggestions, I won't suggest that you write a book about his childhood, perhaps even from before birth. I'm sure you could do it without revealing the tightly held secret of his father. I'd love to see him scamping in the streets, picking oakum, and being a general juvenile delinquent. The seamier side of London in that era is certainly colorful and fascinating. Maybe you could include in your books a few more tidbits from his tender(er) years so we can add to our vision of the boy. What a great anti-hero sort of hero you have created. Even when he's miserable, he always keeps me smiling. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Paula Santirocco

Dear Bernard I was at Waterloo in May and have just got round to thinking of some possible Sharpe titles! Too late for Escape but I hope there will be quite a few more : Sharpe's Aim, Sharpe's Foe, Sharpe's Turmoil, Sharpe's Trial, Sharpe's Rage, Sharpe's Conquest, Sharpe's Ambition, Sharpe's Duel, Sharpe's Attack, Sharpe's Duty, Sharpe's Burden, Sharpe's Order. Hope to see you at St Albans in April, to sign Sharpe's Escape. Karen Brown

I enjoy the Sharpe series. I thought that you were most clever in putting Shape in South America at time when a lot of history happened. Just the sort of skullduggery that Lord Pumphrey would be right in the middle of. I swear that Sharpe could land on a deserted island and find a convent of nuns to look after him. But then none of the women in Sharpe's life stay around very long, do they? Pity you killed off Astrid though. I'll be buying Sharpe's Escape, when it comes out. Richard Oakley

G'day Bernard, first up I really enjoy your books. The purpose of this message is to send you the way of a great Aussie novelist who has specialized in stories about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. The author's name is Gary McKay (he was a Platoon Commander in Vietnam and was awared the MC). Some of his excellent books include "In good Company", "All guts, no glory" , "Delta 4" and "Sleeping with your ears open". I really belive you would find his books very readable - and no I do not know him personally!!! Would also love for you to write some novels set during the Roman times...maybe set in Gaul or during the Punic Wars. Anyway, all the best and don't ever stop writing! ps I think "The forgotten soldier" is one of the best books I have ever read. pss with the stunning advances in special effects (showcased in "The Return of the King") it would be great for someone to reshoot the Sharpe stories (and indeed put on film the Arthur books), for now the technology is there to do visual justice to your stories!!! James

historical fiction is my favorite reading pastime. I began reading your starbuck books, but you won me over with the warlord chronicles. They are books I enjoy and find comfort in with almost yearly readings. Derfel's tales join Killer Angels and Kenneth Roberts (Rabble in Arms,Lydia Bailey) as great partners thru these New England winters and on the beach each summer. Today is the first time on your site and I look forward to more of your work (I too am frustrated by the news that no plan for Arthur on the big screen is near). After this long on the Cape I would also hope you've dicovered Gina's By The Sea, in Dennis, and Jack's outback. A fan David Walsh