Dear Bernard, Firstly thanks for the hours of enjoyment you’ve given me. Reading your books has lead to a hunger to go and find out more about the periods you write about, which is fantastically enjoyable. I live and work in Cambridge as a church youth worker, and so was gutted to find out you’re speaking in Ely on Monday – it’s exactly the time I’ve arranged a meeting with my youth leaders! Alas. Being a Christian, I’m intrigued to see how often Christianity appears in your work – I don’t think I’ve read one of your books where there’s not a character who’s Christian. (Swynard is a particular favourite, please don’t let him backslide!) It’s like an itch you can’t seem to stop scratching. I was just wondering why? I fear you may have had a particularly bad experience of Christianity at some point? Surprisingly it doesn’t put me off, in fact it’s a very good motivation to make sure I’m not drifting into the pious religion of many of your characters!

On another matter entirely – you said you’re planning to return to the Starbuck Chronicles at some stage. They’re some of my favourites so I can’t wait. I was wondering whether your reluctance is because after Fredricksburg and Chancellorsville, there’s not an awful lot of victories for the Rebs to enjoy? I guess a hero who loses may not be as enjoyable to write or read about? Hope the time in the UK on the book tour goes well. Thanks again, Andy