Your Questions

Q

Mr Cornwell I first stumbled across your books over a decade ago, and have enjoyed them immensely. For what its worth, your Grail Quest series showed to me another side of your writing that only added to my respect for your work...as did your Stonehenge book which I've just finished. While Sharpe is a pleasure, these others have allowed you (in my stranger's estimation) to expand your expression of creativity.. One question. I've seen the DVD version of Sharpe's Justice, which you did not after all, actually write. How do you feel about that DVD? In some ways I have felt that the videos are at their best when they ARE NOT showing action sequences, as they clearly are working on a limited budget, so you have Napoleon's army at Waterloo represented by perhaps fifty or seventy men...a good try, but well...the irony of course being that with Sharpe, some of the greatest appeal is the action...(oh I'm not knocking your characterization) Anyway, if you can discuss it, I was wondering how you felt about the video representation of Sharpe, again for me, the videos are at their best when they are NOT showing action, but dealing with character and close sequences, something they can do without seeming to be in over their heads, as they clearly were in many of the battle sequences...okay, sorry this is so long, hope you are well, and I look forward to your continued work...best from Mike S

A

I was not involved in writing any of the screenplays for the films, nor did I want to be - happy to leave that to the experts! How do I feel about the films? Delighted!


Q

I would just like to say hello and tell you that I enjoy your writing immensely. I have had many days at work, extremely groggy and cloudy-minded due to not being able to put down one of your books the night before(and on into the morning) :) I would also like to ask one question: Any word on Nathaniel Starbuck? That series was the first of your work that I read and I still read them. Just wondering if there was going to be a continuation in the near future or if you have decided to retire Starbuck to work on other gripping reading? Thank you for all the hours of entertainment you have provided, Daryl Graham

A

I am working on other projects at the moment - but I do hope to return to Starbuck at some point.


Q

Please could you tell me, is Sharpe based on a real character as I understand that he is according to my local radio station in Leicester. It is reported that the character who Sharpe is based on is buried in Leicester. Dick Leslie

A

Sharpe is utterly fictional - based on my imagination.


Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I enjoy reading your books so much. After I finish reading them I can't get them out of my head for weeks! My absolute favorite is Stonehenge because I have never read anything like it and I also love the Warlord Chronicles and Grail Quest series. I was very disappointed to read that you decided not to write the fourth Thomas of Hookton book and I can only hope you change your mind. Now that I'm done acting like a dorky fan I would love to ask you a question. In Heretic, I was wondering why you didn't mention what happened to Jeanette and Mordecai. I was just curious about their fate. Thank you very much for your time, I wish you all the best. Jill Levraea

A

They do rather fade away, don't they? Sorry. Maybe I'll pick them up in a later book one day.


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a huge fan of your books and would just like to say that I can't wait for the new one. The thing I'd like to ask is, recently I was reading a historical fiction book based on the Nepoleonic war again but this time it was about a French cavalry officer in Italy. I was wondering if this was actually written by you as the style is very similar, as is the hero? I thought it might have been published under a different name as not to upset too many Sharpe fans, your sincerely Philip Ashley

A

I didn't write it (can't imagine where I'd find the time...).


Q

Dear sir- Firstly I would like to thank you for the many wonderful hours I have spent reading your novels. Secondly I would be grateful if you could answer several questions for me. 1) Is your latest novel written from the Anglo-Saxon or Viking viewpoint? 2) You state that Richard Sharpe is named after the Rugby player Richard Sharp and Ryder Sanderman is a keen cricketer. Are you a fan of English sports or have you become seduced by American sports? Steven Storey

A

1) I know this sounds perverse, but a bit of both - but in the end the Anglo Saxon will prevail. 2) I am a fan of both! I cross the Atlantic every year to see some rugby, don't get to see much cricket, alas, and adore American Football. Rugby is the first love though, and in three weeks I'm off to see England play France in Paris. No prize for guessing which side I support.


Q

Hello again, Mr. Cornwell. Here's another question for you: In Redcoat, do you ever specify which regiment Sam Gilpin is serving in? I have thumbed through my copy and can find no reference to it. Sincerely, Alan Kempner

A

I don't think I do - I don't remember - but as the inference is that he must have belonged to one of the six battalions that donated their light companies to fight at Paoli's Tavern I probably avoided a specific reference so I wouldn't be trapped by whatever that particular battalion subsequently did.


Q

Hi, do you know if your series on Sharpe's War is available on video/dvd? I don't have cable etc so I didn't get to see it??? cheers! Rob Widdowson

A

Not yet, but they promised to let us know when it is available - so we'll keep you posted.


Q

One of your readers this week mentioned the Kenneth Roberts books - which I'm sure you have read. Can we persudae you to write about Robert Rogers of Rogers Rangers. Ther is some great material in his life which Roberts had only time to explore in small part. He's a fascinating character. Hope so Thank you for splendid stories. R. Nash

Bernard: A few years ago I contacted you via letter regarding your Civil War series of books. I thought I tried hard to not sound critical, but mentioned that during the Civil War regiments were more the common useage than the term 'battlaion'. It seems that ever since then there have been no further additions to the series. Please jump back in! Also, why not write a series on the American green jackets? Either Rogers Rangers of the French & Indian Wars or Berdan's 1st & 2nd US Sharpshooters? A lot of people from the UK and the US vacation in Jamaica and many British troops were sent there back in Sharpe's time. I just recently returned from there myself. I am looking forward to SHARPE'S ESCAPE !!!!! Very Best Regards, Roger Norland

A

You can try and persuade me, but I'm so stacked up with projects that I don't know how persuadable I'll be. Another one for the long finger? But thank you for the suggestions.


Q

Dear Bernard, I am very much looking forward to 'Sharpe's Escape'. Having re-read 'Sharpe's Siege' this week it seemed curious that Sharpe reveals he is incapable of hanging people, it is "his weakness" he says. This, of course, was the death awaiting Hakeswill before he was saved by the actions of his good old mum! Is there an intentional link between Sharpe's self - confessed weakness and the fate escaped by his enemy or am I just making things up!!!!?!!! Hope you are well. Best wishes, Berj. P.S. 'A Crowning Mercy' was great!!!

A

I hadn't realised Sharpe was so squeamish - he doesn't seem to mind disembowelling people, so I can't think why he said that! I don't think there's any link. Was he being ironic?