Dear Mr. Cornwell,
I would like to sincerely thank you for creating such engaging and entertaining stories. My father and I have bonded over your books in a way that was unlikely to occur through any other means. I have been an avid reader of science fiction / fantasy and my father would occasionally read Tom Clancy or Patterson novels. Years ago I looked for something we could read together (in hopes of turning our conversations from constant fatherly criticism to something more enjoyable – well for me, I’m pretty sure he enjoys criticizing).
I started with the Saxon series and then the Sharpe books. The result was a fantastic success. I even suspect the law from my childhood: “Padak’s don’t read during the day” (because there is work to do, of course) has been revised. Note: I’m 42 now and still feel guilty when I read in day light.
A key to our enjoyment is the historical context. The effort you put into staying close to history is much appreciated. I can’t tell you the number of great conversations we have had about politics, technology, war and religion relating to one part of a story.
Now we argue about the order of stories and whether or not my dad has read a book. (UGH in spite of his list he still gets it wrong!) Now that I think about it, Dad has a lot in common with Uhtred.
A grateful reader,
Ross Padak