Dear Bernard Cornwell,
I can honestly say that until a few years ago I never picked up a novel to read for my own pleasure. I’ve done a lot of reading in college and graduate school, but never for my own pleasure. However, when I got married 6 years ago, my wife got me into books on tape, and I quickly learned to love those audio adventures. A few years ago we were about to leave on a long car trip, so we stopped at our local library to pick up a book on tape. I ran in quick, grabbed a book on tape that looked mildly interesting, and jumped back in the car. The audio book I grabbed was “The Last Kingdom.” It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was immediately drawn in, and we quickly worked through the entire series on audio book. When we were done, I decided to give the Sharpe series a try. I loved it even more. We went through the first couple of books on audio tape, but then to my horror I could not find Sharpes Fortess anywhere on audio tape. But I had to continue the series, so I bit the bullet and started reading it in print. To my surprise, reading it was even more enjoyable. It was quicker, and I could do it much more often. I have now finished reading the Sharpe Series (which was a sad day) and am on the second book in the Starbuck Chronicles.
I am a Lutheran pastor, and one of the things that really interest me about your books is the religious and Christian figures: monks, priests, pastors, preachers (my favorite is Father Pyrlig). Is there a particular reason on your part for having these religious figures? Do you feel it’s an important part of history, or is it something you take special interest in?
I’m excited for the many adventures to come. Keep writing or soon I’ll have nothing left to read.
Peter Rimmereid
Wisconsin, USA