Dear Mister Cornwell

Let me start off by thanking you for your contribution of historical novels you’ve blessed our generation with. Whilst I still haven’t managed to read all of your books, and i doubt I will as I’m not the best reader of books, I appreciate all that I have read thus far. On this occasion I write to you not only to thank you but out of an impulse to communicate and share my feelings immediately after finishing your book – Sharpe’s Triumph. I’ve been chasing Sharpe’s journey for the last two and a half decades. Growing up my family would come together to watch Sean Bean’s version of a 6ft+, dark-haired, Londoner and admittedly it was bloody good! Eventually I started reading your novels and realised that there was a wealth of background to Sharpe’s story that the television series didn’t even touch upon, not to mention things that they had seriously mixed up. It’s now my second time round reading the Sharpe novels from start to finish in chronological order and this time the story has hit me even harder. With all the knowledge of where Sharpe started to where he ends up (at least for now), I couldn’t help but shed a tear when General Wellesley decided to offer Sergeant Sharpe a commission and call him Mister Sharpe. I felt so glad for the man that I was buzzing – a tingling feeling went through my body. It was that powerful! Truth be told, I can no longer erase the image of a blonde man, not much over 5ft 10 from Yorkshire playing the role of my favourite character of all time; but that’s alright!

I won’t bore you any more with my thoughts about Sharpe’s journey (all positive believe me) for I reckon that come the third time of reading the series, doubtless I’ll unlock another level of emotion and understanding.

I’ll leave you with this; my wife, who has zero interest in history, let alone British military history, asked me how she could improve her knowledge of English grammar and learn to communicate in a more sophisticated way. I immediately downloaded Sharpe’s tiger (e-book) onto her phone and told her to carry on. I pray she’ll learn to appreciate and love the series as much as I have.

Can’t wait for the new release!

All the best, sincerely meant.

CG So