Dear Bernard Cornwell, I would like to thank you for your books, for Richard Sharpe and for Uhtred especially. They have lightened my life for many years. Such good stories – and then Real, no nonsense. I have just finished Sword Song. This story has awakened many memories of the early 1930’s for me. I was born in Great Wakering, Essex in 1924 and I was also adopted as you were (not too bad but not too good). We lived in Old Leigh near Hadley Castle and my hunting ground was the marshes, the Castle, the cocklesheds and Benfleet, where my friend lived. It was just wild land then, with very few houses. Sword Song triggered so much of my childhood. I can still smell the saltings and the glug of the mud as the water table rose with the tide. The creeks filled so very quickly. It was dangerous I suppose and I am surprised I was allowed to wander there. So I especially thank you for Sword Song! Now I live in an alien land in Canberra, ACT, falling off the end of the world! l become more ancient each day so I certainly hope to live to read to the end of the Uhtred series. Indeed I do! So my thanks to you for your writings. Sincerely, Pamela Hooson