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Summary: Don't worry...the formula works perfectly.
Review: This is the second of the Sharpe books I have read and the second in the series chronologically even though they were not published in this order. Already I am picking up on what I suspect may be a recurring formula for these books: an amicable working relationship with a somewhat disinterested senior officer, another senior officer who acts as a mentor, an ephemeral love interest, the sub-plot of the antagonist character (Hakeswill) dogging Sharpe's every step, the obscure battle (Ahmednugger) that acts as a precursor for the main conflict, the climactic battle in which Sharpe proves himself to his superiors, and the temporary resolution of tension while leaving enough loose ends for the next novel. This is exactly what I usually dislike about serialized novels.However, Cornwell does such an excellent job of creating realistic characters as Sharpe, McCandless, Hakeswill, as well as putting a human face on the true life characters of Wellington, Wallace, Pohlman, etc., that this novel stands far above the usual formulaic novels of the genre. Sharpe is not a monofaceted hero without flaws and, like most of us, experiences conflicting emotions and motivations. The malignant Hakeswill, a coward at heart, is obsessed with Sharpe's demise even to the detriment of his own career. But what truly makes this a first rate novel (and series for that matter) is historical accuracy. While concurrently reading Jac Weller's "Wellington in India", one can trace every detail of the battles of Ahmednugger and Assaye in Sharpe's Triumph. Indeed, Cornwell himself praises Weller's trilogy on Wellington and uses it as his primary historical reference. So even though plot development may be a bit predictable on the fictional side, the historical aspects of this novel are so solid and absorbing that the result is a perfect piece of historical fiction.
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Summary: The Joys of Slaughter
Review: This was my first Sharpe's book, but it sure won't be my last. On the strength of Sharpe's Triumph, I will read all the Sharpe's books in chronological order. I have already begun Sharpe's Tiger, and it is a captivating as Triumph. Like all the Sharpe books, this one follows the adventures of infantryman, Richard Sharpe, a lowly born Englishman serving and making his way in Her Majesty's Army around the turn of the 19th Century. This puts him in the midst of the great Napoleonic Era of war making. A fascinating time for Military buffs. This particular novel is set in India and revolves around the battle of Assaye. The strengths of this books are these: First, this is an excellent historical novel. The firearms used, the methods of combat, the Indian political settings, and the settings are very accurate and transporting. But please don't get the idea the book is a dry history lesson. Cornwall wraps the history within a great, old fashioned tale of revenge and blood. Secondly, the characters in this book, both real and imagined, are carefully drawn and utterly convincing. My favorite was the author's portrayal of General Arthur Wellesley (before he became the Duke of Wellington). The reader really gets a good sense of what made Wellesley such a great commander of men. The great General and future Duke is completely brought to life. Finally, the battle writing is superb. Cornwall supplies you with a map of the battleground, and his writing is so clear and concise that you can actually see in your mind's eye the movement of men and the progress of the battle. It all makes sense! Battle during this time period was especially horrific with cannons pounding into the infantry to soften them up and cavalry sweeping down on rows of men the heavy blades. Cornwall has a knack for making the reader smell the spent black powder and feel the splashing of warm blood. The fascinating aspect of this series is that Richard Sharpe is a war crazed soldier, seeking battle with joy in his heart. He really loves to fight and make war with no apologies and no analysis. This is the characteristic that makes the character so refreshing and exciting.
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Summary: My First Sharpe Book Hooked Me.
Review: Two weeks ago I bought this book on a whim. I'd never heard of the author or the series, but I was in the mood for some European historical fiction with a military theme. Little did I anticipate the addiction to which I would immediately succumb. At this point I've read four and I've ordered 5 more of the 13 remaining. I'm guessing I'll consume them all before September. The central character, Richard Sharpe, works his way through most of the major battles of the British military from India in 1803 to Waterloo, interacting with real figures of that time, the most notable of which is the Duke of Wellington. The series tracks Sharpe's struggle to overcome his humble beginnings and to discover in himself strengths and qualities he never realized existed. Each book traces Sharpe's extraordinary acts of bravery and leadership and chronicles his progress towards respect and self-actualization. And there's always a romance -- maybe even a wife eventually. The hero is significant and human. The villains are evil and powerful. The events are momentous. And there's a rags to riches thread that builds as each book sees Sharpe's reputation grow among those who would otherwise despise and demean him. There's truly never a dull moment. It's good reading, great fun and excellent escape.
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Summary: I'll do anything for more Sharpe
Review: Up front, I'll tell everyone that I haven't had the pleasure of reading this book yet. However, I've read 12 of the Sharpe's books, and have 2 yet more to read and am looking forward to them with relish. Aside from the great stories, Cornwell deserves praise on two counts. First, the Historical Notes at the end of each book. Cornwell makes sure to point out what little bits of history he had to change to tell Sharpe's story. I admire his honesty. Second, I don't know how Cornwell did it, but he had Sharpe's entire backstory written before he wrote the first book. I love that now he's going back and writing the story of each of these little tidbits that are distributed so well through the entire series. The second greatest joy with these books is getting someone else to read them, and talking to them after each book. I've had the pleasure of addicting my father on these books. Now I have to get them back from him. If you haven't read these books, grab a copy of Sharpe's Tiger and start in!
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Summary: Caution! Reading This Book May Give You "Sharpe Fever"
Review: With the possible exceptions of Edgar Ride Burroughs (Tarzan or his Mars series) and Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) I cannot think of another writer who has written a series of books with the same hero so very well; maintaining the reader's interest, a high level of historic research, interesting characters, and intriguing plots. This book is one of that series and I have read them all and loved every one. Author Bernard Cornwell has not been able to maintain the same level in his non-Sharpe novels but the Sharpes are cracking good.
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