Sharpe's Trafalgar - Bernard Cornwell

Everyone must be familiar with the Sharpe series of books by Bernard Cornwell. They follow the exploits of Richard Sharpe on his way through the Peninsular Wars, Indian Campaigns, and Napoleonic Wars. Every book has become a best seller and many have been made into superb television dramas starring Sean Bean. There is more to Sharpe than meets the eye though. Each book is centred on a famous or important battle. Cornwell's love of history is obvious, as is the depth of research that goes into each story. As the series progresses Sharpe gets pushed more and more into the sidelines and the real star of the show is the battle itself. Sharpe is just an excuse ...  Read the complete review

I have devoured the exploits of Richard Sharpe since the beginning, see all the films, even listened to the audio books when I HAVE BEEN TOO LAZY TO READ! So it was with great anticpation that I got hold of Sharpes Trafalgar. Bernard Cornwell has contrived to get Richard Sharpe to every momentous military event in the Napoleonic Wars, so it should be no surprise to see that he has finally inveigled him into this great Naval battle. after X books, the formula is a little predictable, and it stretches credibility somewhat for Sharpe to be rubbing shoulders with Nelson, Wellington (and, previously, Napoleon) but it is nonetheless a rattling good read! ...  Read the complete review

Richard Sharpe sets sail during the British campaign against Napolean's French navy. The character has been built up through a large collection of novels (some 15-17 books) and through a similar number of films. Although the stories warp the facts of what actually occured, they are still a fantastic read as Bernard Cornwell really captures the essence of life during the Napoleonic Wars. Although the books can drag on the writing style makes them a plesure rather than a chore to read. ...  Read the complete review

It is 1805 and Sharpe is on his way home from India to join the newly formed Green Jackets. The voyage should be a period of rest but his ship is riven with treachery and threatened by a formidable French warship the Revenant, which is terrorising British shipping in the Indian Ocean. An old opponent of Sharpe's is aboard his ship, and the voyage is further disturbed by the Lady Grace Hale, apparently as unreachable as she is beautiful. So, the stage is set for the usual trials and tribulations of Richard's career - but we all know he has more lives than a cat.... The meeting with Nelson was a bit contrived, even by Cornwell's standards - ...  Read the complete review