Mr. Cornwell,
I first picked up one of your books a few months ago – although I’d seen a couple Sharpe episodes with Sean Bean several years ago – and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed nearly every book. Thanks for the entertainment! While I’ve read the Saxon stories, the Grail quest, and much of the Sharpe series, I think I most enjoyed the Arthur books. Your take on the Arthurian legends was clever and original with a much greater respect for the actual history of the period. I read somewhere that the Arthur books were among your favorites and I very much agree.
I’d guess that the Sharpe series is best known, but I admit that I picked these up last because I’m less interested in the Napoleonic era. They might also be just a bit formulaic, but I’ve found each to be a “page-turner,” nonetheless. With several books yet to read, one question has come to mind: do you have any intention of writing about Sharpe’s genesis in Flanders? There’s been mention here and there of Flanders and Sharpe’s early life, and both Sharpe’s Tiger and Sharpe’s Rifles shed light on his development. However, the story, in detail, of Sharpe’s recruitment and his first battle experience seems a significant lacuna. There would be difficulties, I’m sure – with the rest of his history established, it might be difficult to portray him as a wide-eyed novice, something that also challenged the India books. Similarly, there seem to be very few links between the actors in Sharpe’s later experiences and perhaps those in Flanders, although Hakeswill might be there.
Regardless, I’m sure I’m not the first to ask you about Flanders and I’m equally sure that I’m not alone in wanting to read it.
Again, thank you for your books.
Sincerely,
Stephen Heinemeier