I fell in love with Mr. Sharpe after discovering the TV series and always promised myself that I would read the books, but getting them in chronological rather than published order was my first task.
This proved easier than I had imagined and I received the first five for my birthday in March. I understand that authors must receive gushing, sycophantic letters all the time so all I will say is thank you for providing such enjoyment, I literally…can’t put them down. It’s probably true to say that the TV programme has taken huge liberties with your story lines [ when have film or tv makers not done this ] so to go right back to Sharpe’s origins has been a revelation, especially now that I see ‘Hakeswell’ was in right at the beginning and after 3 attempts to get rid of him I relish discovering how he eventually meets his end, a really gory one I do hope…! Just as I read ‘James Bond’ books and ‘hear’ Sean Connery I am eternally grateful to Mr .Bean [ no, not that one…] because exactly the same happens, Richard Sharpe is Sean Bean and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the next 5, the generosity of my son and daughter-in-law not withstanding ! Many, many thanks Mr. Cornwell!
Trevor R Riley