Hi again Bernard
Whilst waiting for 1356 to come into paperback I found myself re-reading the battle bits of Azincourt (basically the last third of the book), and endlessly revisiting Liofa’s swordfight with Derfel from Excalibur (I think I know every cut, thrust and feint from that one!).
So it wasn’t long before I started to re-read Sharpe, in chronological order this time. Right now I’m coming to the climax of Fortress, and I’m struck once again by the characters of Dodd and Hawkeswill.
I remember you mentioned once how much you regretted killing Obadiah off, and I couldn’t agree more…what a character he was! Perhaps it was because you felt his descent into the darkest of evil ways may go on to eclipse Sharpie’s brutal but basic heroics…I don’t know, but Obadiah was a one-off that’s for sure!
And Dodd seems such a worthy opponent for Sharpe, but an embittered nasty piece of work who needs a good kicking (Monsewer!)
Now I’ve started of course I cannot stop, and no doubt will have cause to write to you again through my second journey with Sharpie.
I hope one day to meet you at one of your signings in the UK, you have given me such pleasure with so many of your books. No one does it like you I’m pleased to say!
Best wishes
Nick