I am currently re-reading Sharpe’s Siege right now and it occurs to me that I will be coming to the end once again.

Sharpe’s Devil is an amazing book.  As in WOW!!

But what inspired you to write it?

Was it the challenge of writing a post Peninsular/Waterloo Sharpe?  Was it that you wanted to write about Cochrane out of admiration?  Was it that wanted Sharpe to meet Napoleon?

On the subject of Chile becoming a republic, was there ever part of you when writing this book that thought it was ironic that Spain objected to their own country being ruled by a foreign king, but had no qualms with occupying another country or 2?  Something we the British can also relate to as well.  I think it definitely crossed your mind in earlier books because I am sure you pointed it out via Helene?

Also what was your own personal opinion (If you can give it) on Our Government/Army/Wellington having to pay tax on gun powder we took into/through Spain after liberating their country?  It does sound a bit cheeky.  I really like the analogy you make in reference to it via Major General Nairn in Sharpe’s Regiment………Genius!!

Lee