Sharpe's Siege (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series, No. 9) [Paperback]

Bernard Cornwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

A classic Sharpe adventure: Richard Sharpe and the Winter Campaign, 1814. The invasion of France is under way, and the British Navy has called upon the services of Major Richard Sharpe. He and a small force of Riflemen are to capture a fortress and secure a landing on the French coast. It is to be one of the most dangerous missions of his career. Through the incompetence of a recklessly ambitious naval commander and the machinations of his old enemy, French spymaster Pierre Ducos, Sharpe finds himself abandoned in the heart of enemy territory, facing overwhelming forces and the very real prospect of defeat. He has no alternative but to trust his fortunes to an American privateer -- a man who has no love for the British invaders.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The same combination of thorough research and narrative drive that distinguished its predecessors. It is a gripping read.' Independent Praise for Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels: 'Sharpe is a great creation' Daily Mirror 'Consistently exciting! these are wonderful novels' Stephen King 'What makes these books such a successful formula is the blend of action, well-researched historical setting, colourful characterization and a juicy sub-plot' The Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bernard Cornwell worked for BBC TV for seven years, mostly as producer on the Nationwide programme, before taking charge of the current Affairs department in Northern Ireland. In 1978 he became editor of Thames Television's Thames at Six. Married to an American, he now lives in the United States. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140294376
• ISBN-13: 978-0140294378
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bernard Cornwell was born in London in 1944 - a 'warbaby' - whose father was a Canadian airman and mother in Britain's Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted by a family in Essex who belonged to a religious sect called the Peculiar People (and they were), but escaped to London University and, after a stint as a teacher, he joined BBC Television where he worked for the next 10 years. He began as a researcher on the Nationwide programme and ended as Head of Current Affairs Television for the BBC in Northern Ireland. It was while working in Belfast that he met Judy, a visiting American, and fell in love. Judy was unable to move to Britain for family reasons so Bernard went to the States where he was refused a Green Card. He decided to earn a living by writing, a job that did not need a permit from the US government - and for some years he had been wanting to write the adventures of a British soldier in the Napoleonic wars - and so the Sharpe series was born. Bernard and Judy married in 1980, are still married, still live in the States and he is still writing Sharpe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in Series, August 3, 2001

By 

A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sharpe's Siege (Paperback)

Hands down, my favorite of the Sharpe series. Major Sharpe and some of his Rifle regiment are sent to help take a French coastal fort that defends access to a number of small craft the Navy needs to capture to make a huge pontoon bridge for the invasion of France. Of course theres a French spy, a pompous and greedy British Naval officer, an American privateer, Sharpes wife possibly dying from fever, and lurking behind everything, Sharpes nemesis, French spymaster Pierre Ducos. Sharpe has to leave most of his men behind (but not, of course, Harper), and easily takes the fort. However, he is stranded on land with a company of Marines and must suddenly hole up in the flimsy fort and hope for salvation. This is Cornwell at his best, inventing a non-historic situation for Sharpe, taking him out of his natural element, presenting him with overwhelming odds, and then having him improvise his way to victory. The siege is a wonderfully frantic affair, as Sharpe must contend with overwhelming enemy numbers, low ammunition, and a crumbling defense. Great stuff.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, January 11, 2002

By 

"p_trabaris" (Naperville, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sharpe's Siege (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series, No. 9) (Paperback)

It's 1814 and Napoleon's conquest is nearing its finish, Englishman Major Richard Sharpe is assigned to take the fortress of Teste de Buch. The fortress is deep inside enemy territory and close to the strategic city of Bordeaux. The task is to take the fortress, secure the route to Bordeaux and determine if the city will capitulate to the British. However, things do not go as planned. While taking the fortress, Shape frees an American pirate (French sympathizer) Captain Killick. Which earns him the enmity of Captain Bampfylde, the officer in charge of this mission. Later, after Sharpe leads an attack outside of Bordeaux he is abandoned by Captain Bampfylde. That leaves Sharpe stuck inside the fortress while the French lay siege. Sharpe is surrounded by Napoleon's forces and trapped deep in enemy territory. Things are hopeless, until...

Bernard Cornwell writes good books. He is fun to read and his stores are always packed with adventure, action and intrigue. As with all of Sharpe books they keep you interested until the end. I have trouble putting them down. Cornwell's style is fast paced plots and he keeps the story going, you may guess the ending but who cares, half the fun is getting there.

If this is your first Sharpe book don't let it be your last, Sharpe's Eagle or Sharpe's Company are among the best in the series. However, all of Cornwell's Sharpe books are good reads, you will not be disappointed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, if not THE best, February 4, 2003

By 

General Pete (SC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sharpe's Siege (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series, No. 9) (Paperback)

When a quick raid on a French fort falls victim to cowardice and miscommunication it is up to Richard Sharp and his men to dig in and defend themselves. Can Sharp get his men out alive with nothing but their guns and an American privateer who may or may not be a friend? Lots of action and good battle scenes an excellent Cornwell book.

This particular edition of the Sharp's series is one of my particular favorites. My favorite character Patrick Harper has a notable part to play(b y which I mean the part played by his seven barreled navy gun). If you are one of those people that likes to start a series from the middle and work your way back this is an excellent book to start with