What do you think?
Rate this book
Sharpe #2
Sharpův triumf
Románem Sharpův triumf pokračuje Bernard Cornwell ve svém mnohadílném seriálu o vojáku britské armády Richardu Sharpovi.
Odehrává se v pohnutých letech období 1799 až 1820 a s jeho prvním příběhem se mohli čtenáři seznámit v knize Sharpův tygr.
Píše se rok 1803 a anglické vojsko pokračuje v boji o nadvládu nad Indickým poloostrovem s takzvanou Maráthskou konfederací. Sharpe - už ne vojín, ale seržant - se stane svědkem zrádného činu anglického důstojníka, který dezertuje od vojska Východoindické společnosti a přebíhá na stranu Maráthské konfederace. Sharpe se vydává za přeběhlíkem a při jeho stíhání proniká hluboko na území ovládané nepřítelem, kde musí čelit nejen nebezpečí, ale i velmi rafinovaným pokušením, o jakých se mu dosud ani nesnilo. Navíc za ním jde jako stín jeho největší nepřítel, proradný seržant Obadiah Hakeswill, který je rozhodnut jednou provždy s Sharpem skoncovat.Cesty zrady nakonec vedou do malé vesničky jménem Assaye, kde britský velitel sir Arthur Wellesley (budoucí vévoda z Wellingtonu) stojí s malou armádou proti přesile maráthského vojska, jež je nejen mnohem početnější, ale má k dispozici daleko víc děl. Přesto se Wellesley rozhodne bojovat, a Sharpe se tak ocitá v ohni bitvy, která se po skvělém vítězství Angličanů stane základem Wellesleyho budoucí pověsti. Sharpe však bere i tento boj jako další příležitost k tomu, aby se vyznamenal a mohl postoupit v armádní hierarchii výš. Nejdřív ovšem musí přežít vražedné šílenství bitvy. A právě zde, u Assaye, si uvědomí své skutečné ambice, stejně jako to, že jich může dosáhnout.
Odehrává se v pohnutých letech období 1799 až 1820 a s jeho prvním příběhem se mohli čtenáři seznámit v knize Sharpův tygr.
Píše se rok 1803 a anglické vojsko pokračuje v boji o nadvládu nad Indickým poloostrovem s takzvanou Maráthskou konfederací. Sharpe - už ne vojín, ale seržant - se stane svědkem zrádného činu anglického důstojníka, který dezertuje od vojska Východoindické společnosti a přebíhá na stranu Maráthské konfederace. Sharpe se vydává za přeběhlíkem a při jeho stíhání proniká hluboko na území ovládané nepřítelem, kde musí čelit nejen nebezpečí, ale i velmi rafinovaným pokušením, o jakých se mu dosud ani nesnilo. Navíc za ním jde jako stín jeho největší nepřítel, proradný seržant Obadiah Hakeswill, který je rozhodnut jednou provždy s Sharpem skoncovat.Cesty zrady nakonec vedou do malé vesničky jménem Assaye, kde britský velitel sir Arthur Wellesley (budoucí vévoda z Wellingtonu) stojí s malou armádou proti přesile maráthského vojska, jež je nejen mnohem početnější, ale má k dispozici daleko víc děl. Přesto se Wellesley rozhodne bojovat, a Sharpe se tak ocitá v ohni bitvy, která se po skvělém vítězství Angličanů stane základem Wellesleyho budoucí pověsti. Sharpe však bere i tento boj jako další příležitost k tomu, aby se vyznamenal a mohl postoupit v armádní hierarchii výš. Nejdřív ovšem musí přežít vražedné šílenství bitvy. A právě zde, u Assaye, si uvědomí své skutečné ambice, stejně jako to, že jich může dosáhnout.
360 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1998
1211 people are currently reading
3737 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
534 books19k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews
March 16, 2024
Excellent follow-up to SHARPE’S TIGER. It’s been four years since Richard Sharpe’s last adventure in India with the Tippoo. The year is 1803 and Sharpe’s currently serving as a Sergeant when circumstances beyond his control find him witness to murder. Life is harsh and treacherous in India.
June 28, 2017
A few years back I read most of Bernard Cornwell's action-packed serial adventure series on the Napoleonic Wars. I read through to what felt like a fairly satisfactory end and then I quit for a few years. Recently I noticed I still had about a half dozen books to go, and so when I came across Sharpe's Triumph, the second book in the series and the first I hadn't read yet, I figured it was time to get reacquainted with an old friend. It's so good to be back with Ol' Sharpie!
Richard Sharpe was an orphan from the London workhouses. He's a tough fighter, who escapes life-threatening danger time and again through wit, bravery and brawn. Mostly he wins by kicking ass, sometimes literally. However, at the start of the series, he's a lowly private in the army, who's never seen action. Reading about how he became who he eventually became was answered in book one to a small extent, but Cornwell went a step farther with it in book two.
Having seen the tv show starring Sean Bean based on these books, I knew how lowly Sgt Sharpe became an officer. That is a very big deal, because someone born to such a low station in life as Sharpe would not generally rise into the officer ranks. That's just not how the British army worked back then. It took an incrediblystupid brave act of daring to rise from the rank and file to become an officer. You basically had to step to the very edge of suicide and survive to make it happen. Sharpe's feat in this regard is detailed within this book and it differs slightly from how it was portrayed on the tv show. Nice to finally get that cleared up.
Book one felt quite strange to me, probably because it is set in India and most all of the others are set in Europe, usually Spain or France. Book two is also set in India, but it definitely feels more like a standard Sharpe book. Perhaps that's because there are huge set-piece battles led by Arthur Wellesley, aka the Duke of Wellington. It also includes plot mainstays like a damsel in distress, a conniving compatriot with a personal vendetta, and a pompous and/or cruel aristocratic officer or two, all of whom manage to make Sharpe's life hell.
I haven't read these books in order, which is perhaps wrong of me since they follow a chronological order. But then again, Cornwell didn't write these in order, so if he's not going to lead by example, how am I suppose to follow? Damn it, I demand authorial leadership! I kid. I'm honestly just happy he wrote these at all. It's been an absolute pleasure reading about Sharpe's adventures.
Richard Sharpe was an orphan from the London workhouses. He's a tough fighter, who escapes life-threatening danger time and again through wit, bravery and brawn. Mostly he wins by kicking ass, sometimes literally. However, at the start of the series, he's a lowly private in the army, who's never seen action. Reading about how he became who he eventually became was answered in book one to a small extent, but Cornwell went a step farther with it in book two.
Having seen the tv show starring Sean Bean based on these books, I knew how lowly Sgt Sharpe became an officer. That is a very big deal, because someone born to such a low station in life as Sharpe would not generally rise into the officer ranks. That's just not how the British army worked back then. It took an incredibly
Book one felt quite strange to me, probably because it is set in India and most all of the others are set in Europe, usually Spain or France. Book two is also set in India, but it definitely feels more like a standard Sharpe book. Perhaps that's because there are huge set-piece battles led by Arthur Wellesley, aka the Duke of Wellington. It also includes plot mainstays like a damsel in distress, a conniving compatriot with a personal vendetta, and a pompous and/or cruel aristocratic officer or two, all of whom manage to make Sharpe's life hell.
I haven't read these books in order, which is perhaps wrong of me since they follow a chronological order. But then again, Cornwell didn't write these in order, so if he's not going to lead by example, how am I suppose to follow? Damn it, I demand authorial leadership! I kid. I'm honestly just happy he wrote these at all. It's been an absolute pleasure reading about Sharpe's adventures.
November 9, 2021
Fascinating account of colonial warfare, hard to believe such an outnumbered force could achieve victory. The details are breathtaking. Hugely entertaining, and simply thrilling. The battle sequence was a page turner, I could not stop. I felt like I was in the battle!
February 5, 2024
Дет' се вика, историята тепърва ще набира скорост, но и в тази книга се случват много интересни неща. :)
Шарп вече е баснословно богат и макар да не може да го афишира, започва да си мисли, че ще е добре да стане някак си офицер и по този начин да се отърве от трудностите и несгодите съпътстващи неизменно живота на ниските рангове в британската армия. Има само два начина да го постигне - да си купи чин или да бъде повишен за показана безпрецедентна храброст на бойното поле. Първата опция не е възможна и така му остава само втората, която е и доста по-интересна за читателите.
В книгата е описана битката при Асаи, първата голяма победа на Уелингтън, при това срещу многократно превъзхождащ армията му противник. Шотландският 74-ти полк печели голяма част от сражението и доказва, че никой не може да се опълчи към момента на британската пехота и така завладяването на държавите на полуостров Индустан продължава.
Естествено и сержант Обадая Хейксуил е налице, да трови с гадната си същност пейзажа. :) Луд като шапкар, както казват англичаните!
Шарп вече е баснословно богат и макар да не може да го афишира, започва да си мисли, че ще е добре да стане някак си офицер и по този начин да се отърве от трудностите и несгодите съпътстващи неизменно живота на ниските рангове в британската армия. Има само два начина да го постигне - да си купи чин или да бъде повишен за показана безпрецедентна храброст на бойното поле. Първата опция не е възможна и така му остава само втората, която е и доста по-интересна за читателите.
В книгата е описана битката при Асаи, първата голяма победа на Уелингтън, при това срещу многократно превъзхождащ армията му противник. Шотландският 74-ти полк печели голяма част от сражението и доказва, че никой не може да се опълчи към момента на британската пехота и така завладяването на държавите на полуостров Индустан продължава.
Естествено и сержант Обадая Хейксуил е налице, да трови с гадната си същност пейзажа. :) Луд като шапкар, както казват англичаните!
March 25, 2017
Read a book set in a place you've never been but want to visit.
I love this series of books. I love the characters, the action, the adventure. They are so much fun. This is the second installment of Cornwell's India trilogy, and takes place 4 years after Sharpe's Tiger leaves off. Dick Sharpe has become a sergeant in the King's army and he's been laying low, kinda quietly living off the wealth he acquired when he killed the Tipoo Sultan of Seringpatam. When an officer of the East India Company goes rogue and commands a mass slaughter of every man, woman, and child in a neighboring company, Sharpe is the only one who lives to tell the tale, and sees his face. He is recruited by his friend Colonel McCandless, head of intelligence for the East India Company, to seek out the traitor and destroy him. Of course, anything that involves showing honor and courage, and fighting manly fights with his bare hands is something Sharpe is a master at.
I breezed through this is a few days and learned quite a lot about this time period and about the politics and history of India, a country I am fascinated with. I chose this book for my challenge because I have always wanted to visit India. I have an aunt who spent a great deal of time there during the British Occupation and was going to take me for my high school graduation when the British left India and everything went to hell in a handbasket. So, it's kinda on my bucket list. Cornwell is very meticulous about his historical accuracy in his novels, and I applaud him for that. Most of the officers in this novel are in fact based upon real officers (like General Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington) who fought in the legendary Battle of Assaye which serves as the setting for the second half of this novel. I thought all of the action sequences were engaging and fun, and I thought it was fascinating to learn about the inner workings and politics involved in the military and in war at that time. And Cornwell's characters are so dynamic and consistent, and I felt as if I were reading about real people. From our hero Sergeant Richard Sharpe
to his mentor, the Scotsman Colonel McCandless
To his arch-nemesis the slimy Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill
To the traitor Major William Dodd
I enjoyed every minute of them. I even gave the books to my dad who gobbled them all up. I think I enjoyed this one slightly more than Sharpe's Tiger but overall both were extremely enjoyable. There is a smokin hot action scene at the end where I am just dying to see Jason Statham on the big screen kicking ass and taking names. Because that's what Sharpe does.
February 5, 2024
Sharpe's adventures in India continue with another thrilling adventure of battle and derring-do. I've still to be as gripped by these India novels as I was with the later Spanish and French campaigns, but there is still plenty to enjoy, particularly seeing Sharpe's later character starting to form. This book also includes one of the pivotal moments of Sharpe's story, and for that alone is worth the read.
September 28, 2021
Read this book in 2006, and its the 2nd part (chronologically) of the marvellous Richard Sharpe series.
This book is set in the year AD 1803, and we once again follow the path of the now Sergeant Richard Sharpe of the 95th Rifles.
The story evolves basically when a murderous act of treachery is committed by a British officer, and who has defected from the East India Company to the Mahratta Confederation.
When Sharpe penetrates enemy territory all in the hunt for the renegade Englishman, he is closely followed by his own worst enemy within, Sergeant Obiadah Hakeswill.
This path of treachery will lead them to the village of Assaye, where the young Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Lord Wellington, and his small army will take on the Mahratta horde at the Battle of Assaye, and although being outnumbered and outgunned, they will be victorious against this Mahratta horde and thus make a name for himself as a commander, and who knows for Sharpe too.
Very much recommended, for this is a superb continuation of the Richard Sharpe series which at the moment is taking place in India, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Great Sharpe India Sequel"!
This book is set in the year AD 1803, and we once again follow the path of the now Sergeant Richard Sharpe of the 95th Rifles.
The story evolves basically when a murderous act of treachery is committed by a British officer, and who has defected from the East India Company to the Mahratta Confederation.
When Sharpe penetrates enemy territory all in the hunt for the renegade Englishman, he is closely followed by his own worst enemy within, Sergeant Obiadah Hakeswill.
This path of treachery will lead them to the village of Assaye, where the young Sir Arthur Wellesley, later Lord Wellington, and his small army will take on the Mahratta horde at the Battle of Assaye, and although being outnumbered and outgunned, they will be victorious against this Mahratta horde and thus make a name for himself as a commander, and who knows for Sharpe too.
Very much recommended, for this is a superb continuation of the Richard Sharpe series which at the moment is taking place in India, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Great Sharpe India Sequel"!
March 24, 2019
Sgt. Sharpe is at it again. This time he is accompanying Gen. Wellesley in taking on the Mahratta horde during 1803. It is the retelling of the Battle of Assaye in September of that year.
Sharpe goes on a mission to hunt down a rogue British Officer who has become a mercenary. At the same time Sgt. Hakeswill is still trying to take out Sharpe and has a warrant for Sharpe's arrest. These are the two main plot points. On the first- it is very well done. The Battle of Assaye (where Gen Wellesley did indeed find a navigable ford to press his infantry forwards) takes place right in front of you. Cornwell's tactical descriptions are fairly close to the real thing (mind you he has to make stuff up for the fictional characters) and his assessment of the value of shock assault to British forces is absolutely correct. But that has nothing to do for most people, so I'd suggest just enjoy the battle and appreciate the men who had to fight in such conditions.
It is the second plot point that caused me to deduct a point from this otherwise superb novel. Sgt. Hakeswill, after the events of the first book, ought not to be in service anymore. I am surprised he hasn't at least been busted down. His continued existence is a cheap plot point, only made worse by the nebulous ending for his character (WTF is it with Sharpe and killing people via animals? Shoot him you imbecile!). It irritated me and gives Sgt. Hakeswill a teflon character that doesn't fit that realistic narrative.
That minor quibble aside, this is a great book. The story is exciting and the descriptions of the Battle are spot on. I certainly enjoyed this book and will look forward to more of Sharpe's adventures. At the rate he's getting promoted he'll be a Field Marshal by book 4 *l* If you like historical fiction you will certainly be a fan of the intrepid, though slightly stupid, Sharpe. I am.
Sharpe goes on a mission to hunt down a rogue British Officer who has become a mercenary. At the same time Sgt. Hakeswill is still trying to take out Sharpe and has a warrant for Sharpe's arrest. These are the two main plot points. On the first- it is very well done. The Battle of Assaye (where Gen Wellesley did indeed find a navigable ford to press his infantry forwards) takes place right in front of you. Cornwell's tactical descriptions are fairly close to the real thing (mind you he has to make stuff up for the fictional characters) and his assessment of the value of shock assault to British forces is absolutely correct. But that has nothing to do for most people, so I'd suggest just enjoy the battle and appreciate the men who had to fight in such conditions.
It is the second plot point that caused me to deduct a point from this otherwise superb novel. Sgt. Hakeswill, after the events of the first book, ought not to be in service anymore. I am surprised he hasn't at least been busted down. His continued existence is a cheap plot point, only made worse by the nebulous ending for his character (WTF is it with Sharpe and killing people via animals? Shoot him you imbecile!). It irritated me and gives Sgt. Hakeswill a teflon character that doesn't fit that realistic narrative.
That minor quibble aside, this is a great book. The story is exciting and the descriptions of the Battle are spot on. I certainly enjoyed this book and will look forward to more of Sharpe's adventures. At the rate he's getting promoted he'll be a Field Marshal by book 4 *l* If you like historical fiction you will certainly be a fan of the intrepid, though slightly stupid, Sharpe. I am.
July 11, 2025
Richard Sharpe has beaten the British class system again to rise above his station much to the consternation of his eternal foe Hakeswill. This book elucidates the reader on why Obadiah Hakeswill hates Sharpe: Old Sharpie does not fear Hakeswill or any man and he defies every attempt to bring him down. Obadiah Hakeswill attributes the fact he does not die to God but I believe he has the devils luck because he got away with murder as always. Sharpe meets some British soldiers who go over to the Mahratta forces in exchange for gold and a chance to achieve a higher rank that the British army would ever give them. Sharpe is tempted but refuses because he wants to find glory in the British army to show those who mocked him in his younger days that he is a somebody. That is a strange motivation for a character since people would respect you if you have a ton of gold. I feel his motivation is deeper than just being somebody and it is a loyalty to the men he has fought alongside in the army. This book was an epic novel but I feel guilty for enjoying a battle where Scotsmen and Sepoys were treated as cannon fodder to further an Imperialist cause.
November 2, 2022
It's been four years since the events of Sharpe's Tiger and in a world of blood and war, all Major John Stokes wants to do is tinker with clocks while Sharpe and Colonel McCandless have an epic bromance, and I find that beautiful. If only the presence of Obadiah Hakeswill didn't make my blood boil.
I love when characters play well into their role, whether hero or villain, but Obadiah Hakeswill and his "Sharpie" and "Says so in the scriptures" needs to die. Forget the war criminals in sff books, this man right here is a true villain.
I’m honestly impressed by Cornwell’s writing and I’m convinced to give the Warlord Chronicles another chance. Rupert Farley’s narration remains superior.
I love when characters play well into their role, whether hero or villain, but Obadiah Hakeswill and his "Sharpie" and "Says so in the scriptures" needs to die. Forget the war criminals in sff books, this man right here is a true villain.
I’m honestly impressed by Cornwell’s writing and I’m convinced to give the Warlord Chronicles another chance. Rupert Farley’s narration remains superior.
January 5, 2024
The 2nd adventure of Sharpe as he steers himself through life in India and as an infantry man in the King's Army.
Sharpe still has seen no action after years of service and he still pines to become an officer. Not something that happens to a low-class person-unless that person literally puts his life on the line. Although I was curious how Sharpe manages this, I was surprised that event happens in this early tale of the series. Cornwell did not write these books in chronological order, but I have chosen to read them that way. I enjoy books more this way.
Many friends here recommended this series to me last year, when I started reading other Cornwell stories. I thank you all. Sharpe and I have become fast friends and this is definitely a series I can binge on when the mood strikes.
Sharpe still has seen no action after years of service and he still pines to become an officer. Not something that happens to a low-class person-unless that person literally puts his life on the line. Although I was curious how Sharpe manages this, I was surprised that event happens in this early tale of the series. Cornwell did not write these books in chronological order, but I have chosen to read them that way. I enjoy books more this way.
Many friends here recommended this series to me last year, when I started reading other Cornwell stories. I thank you all. Sharpe and I have become fast friends and this is definitely a series I can binge on when the mood strikes.
December 4, 2013
3.5 Stars
Random Ramblings
In chronological order, Sharpe's Triumph, is the second book of the Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" series. This volume was written as part of prequels written about the Main Character, Richard Sharpe.
Plot summary
Sharpe has now been promoted to sergeant and been reassigned to a battalion of the East India Company. While on a mission to buy stolen ammunition, he witnesses the mass murder of soldiers and civilians alike. He is tasked by Colonel McCandless, his prison mate from the previous book, to track down the leader of the mercenary group that killed the innocent English subjects. Along the way, Sharpe is involved in several battles, including the famous battle of Assaye in which a force of 15,000+ British soldiers face 100,000 mercenary fighters.
The Good
Cornwell writes excellent battle scenes. The action occurs quickly and you can almost taste the tang of gun powder in the air. The battle of Assaye as well as several other skirmishes are well described.
Richard Sharpe continues to be a well developed character. He is an enjoyable anti-hero type character. While he fights for the British with some conviction, he is not afraid to fight, kill or steal from those he considers to be evil or unscrupulous. Again, this leads to more interesting plot developments as he is not bound by a strict moral code.
The writing is superb and Cornwell's use of historical is superb. We meet many historical figure including the great Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
The Bad
The Battle of Assyne was considered by Arthur Wellesley to be the greatest battle he ever fought. Coming from the man who had defeating Napoleon at Waterloo on his resume. While the battle scenes were excellent, the superb battle should have taken an entire book. Given the enormous odds of defeat and the David vs. Goliath numbers, the battle should have been epic. Unfortunately, it received short shrift.
Compared to the previous novels, the support cast was less developed are more two dimensional. It simply did not carry the impact of the first book.
While it was still an entertaining and exciting read, it did not compare the first book in the series.
Content Advisories
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 2
There were a few sexual reference and one insinuation that sex may have occurred between two characters. Regardless, the sexual content was low and suitable for younger readers.
Language - 2
The adult language used was minor and used rarely. The main character spent much time with Colonel McCandless was a religious man who frowned on swearing, most occurrence of adult language were followed by a stern rebuke.
Violence - 4
Given that this is a book about war, violence is a main theme. There are multiple battles in which hundreds to thousands of people are killed. Despite this, the descriptions tend to be less graphic than the first book. There several instances where a death is especially grisly and explained in detail. If you wish to avoid violence in your reading, you will want to avoid this novel.
Random Ramblings
In chronological order, Sharpe's Triumph, is the second book of the Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" series. This volume was written as part of prequels written about the Main Character, Richard Sharpe.
Plot summary
Sharpe has now been promoted to sergeant and been reassigned to a battalion of the East India Company. While on a mission to buy stolen ammunition, he witnesses the mass murder of soldiers and civilians alike. He is tasked by Colonel McCandless, his prison mate from the previous book, to track down the leader of the mercenary group that killed the innocent English subjects. Along the way, Sharpe is involved in several battles, including the famous battle of Assaye in which a force of 15,000+ British soldiers face 100,000 mercenary fighters.
The Good
Cornwell writes excellent battle scenes. The action occurs quickly and you can almost taste the tang of gun powder in the air. The battle of Assaye as well as several other skirmishes are well described.
Richard Sharpe continues to be a well developed character. He is an enjoyable anti-hero type character. While he fights for the British with some conviction, he is not afraid to fight, kill or steal from those he considers to be evil or unscrupulous. Again, this leads to more interesting plot developments as he is not bound by a strict moral code.
The writing is superb and Cornwell's use of historical is superb. We meet many historical figure including the great Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
The Bad
The Battle of Assyne was considered by Arthur Wellesley to be the greatest battle he ever fought. Coming from the man who had defeating Napoleon at Waterloo on his resume. While the battle scenes were excellent, the superb battle should have taken an entire book. Given the enormous odds of defeat and the David vs. Goliath numbers, the battle should have been epic. Unfortunately, it received short shrift.
Compared to the previous novels, the support cast was less developed are more two dimensional. It simply did not carry the impact of the first book.
While it was still an entertaining and exciting read, it did not compare the first book in the series.
Content Advisories
It is difficult to find commentary on the sex/violence/language content of book if you are interested. I make an effort to give you the information so you can make an informed decision before reading. *Disclaimer* I do not take note or count the occurrences of adult language as I read. I am simply giving approximations.
Scale 1 - Lowest 5 - Highest
Sex - 2
There were a few sexual reference and one insinuation that sex may have occurred between two characters. Regardless, the sexual content was low and suitable for younger readers.
Language - 2
The adult language used was minor and used rarely. The main character spent much time with Colonel McCandless was a religious man who frowned on swearing, most occurrence of adult language were followed by a stern rebuke.
Violence - 4
Given that this is a book about war, violence is a main theme. There are multiple battles in which hundreds to thousands of people are killed. Despite this, the descriptions tend to be less graphic than the first book. There several instances where a death is especially grisly and explained in detail. If you wish to avoid violence in your reading, you will want to avoid this novel.
January 28, 2019
this is a Sharpe book so it gets a minimum of 3 stars. if no other reason than the brilliance of the series' formulaic style. the second in the chronological order is lackluster in comparison to even the previous book Sharpe's Tiger let alone the stalwarts of the Napoleonic novels. Triumph does have one of the signature moments of the whole series which not only the best part, but was probably the purpose of the novel itself. the battle of Assaye albeit the one Wellesley was most proud of was a lack luster affair fought against mercenaries. the rulers of the Mahratta Confederation were absent from the battle. in stark contrast to the Tippoo in Sharpe Tiger who fought to the end with his troops. The side characters were also lack luster. Anthony Pohlmanm the enemy commander was a greedy honor less mercenary. William Dodd the novels main antagonist was interesting only because of his ruthlessness. you hate Dodd but don't loath him. Simone the "Sharpe-Girl" in Triumph is a Bored, status hungry, miserable wife. McCandless is as likable as he was in Sharpe's Tiger. but hardly a great standalone character. the native mercenary Syud Sevajee is alright but is easily forgotten. the Scottish Campbell might be the best minor character in triumph and that says a lot given his minor role. Even Sargent Hakeswill stays on the periphery until the last third of the book, vainly following Sharpe for most of the book. you get a little closer to sir Arthur Wellesley which is fascinating because the series is really about him. even the build up to the Feature battle is lackluster with most of it spent with Col. Pohlmanm and McCandless healing from a fever. despite a shocking heart wrenching event at the end. and of course Sharpe's personal triumph this novel is best summed up as mediocre. Triumph was good but not great but keep in mind that it's the bridge in the Indian trilogy and Sharpe Dodd, Simone, Wellesley, and the others are back for a grand conclusion at an impenetrable fortress. wonder what Richard Sharpe has to say about that!
October 16, 2018
Review of the audiobook narrated by Frederick Davidson.
Sharpe's Triumph is lacking in what made me love the first book so much. The plot structure, which worked so well in Sharpe's Tiger, already seems formulaic. Tipu Sultan was such a great character in the last book and here there is no compelling antagonist. The battle sequences, which Cornwell is typically great at, are too long and drawn out to be exciting. Even if there is some entertainment to be had, this all adds up to a big disappointment after such a great start to the series.
I'm going to continue this series, although instead of keeping with the more recent books (1-5 are prequels, written from 1997-2001), I'm going to skip to book 6, written in 1988. Part of that decision is to keep the same narrator, as this was the latest published book in the series which Frederick Davidson provided narration for.
I didn't enjoy Frederick Davidson's narration as much in this book, although I think it's more because of a lack of interesting characters than a decline in performance.
Final verdict: 3 star story, 4 star narration, 3 stars overall
Sharpe's Triumph is lacking in what made me love the first book so much. The plot structure, which worked so well in Sharpe's Tiger, already seems formulaic. Tipu Sultan was such a great character in the last book and here there is no compelling antagonist. The battle sequences, which Cornwell is typically great at, are too long and drawn out to be exciting. Even if there is some entertainment to be had, this all adds up to a big disappointment after such a great start to the series.
I'm going to continue this series, although instead of keeping with the more recent books (1-5 are prequels, written from 1997-2001), I'm going to skip to book 6, written in 1988. Part of that decision is to keep the same narrator, as this was the latest published book in the series which Frederick Davidson provided narration for.
I didn't enjoy Frederick Davidson's narration as much in this book, although I think it's more because of a lack of interesting characters than a decline in performance.
Final verdict: 3 star story, 4 star narration, 3 stars overall
January 2, 2023
This is what I expect from Bernard Cornwell: detailed battles and great characterizations. Once again, he makes history come alive. My mind does drift some during the battles, and that's why audio works very well with this stuff, helping me to "skim", sorta. Plus, the narrator, William Gaminara, nails the characters with his voices.
March 10, 2018
Book two in the Sharpe series.
This another ripping yarn from the pen of Bernard Cornwell.
Once again Richard Sharpe, no longer private but newly promoted to Sergeant, finds himself up to his neck in it with his mineses Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill. In Sharpe's Tiger Sharpe finds himself in the possession of some of the Tippoo of Mysore fabulous wealth. Although Sharpe keeps this a secret Hackeswell knows that Sharpe has the treasure and sets a plan to take the treasure for himself. Sharpe needs all his cunning and intelligence to stay one step ahead of Hackeswell.
Whilst all this going on the British army, with its Indian allies, are engaged if the battle of Assaye. One of the bloodiest battles ever fought by the British during their India campagne.
Major General Arthur Wellesley is in command of the British army and at one point his horse is shot dead from under him. Wellesley is in imminent danger of being killed, luckley Sharpe is near by, at risk to own life Sharpe manages to save Wellesley. For his daring act of gallantry Wessley awards Sharpe a promotion that is beyond Sharpe emagining.
Cornwell manages to brings a cinematic feel to the battle scenes. All the screaming, crying, pain and blood lust, it's all there.
This is for lovers of a ripping yarn with a history lesson thrown in. A 4 star recommendation.
This another ripping yarn from the pen of Bernard Cornwell.
Once again Richard Sharpe, no longer private but newly promoted to Sergeant, finds himself up to his neck in it with his mineses Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill. In Sharpe's Tiger Sharpe finds himself in the possession of some of the Tippoo of Mysore fabulous wealth. Although Sharpe keeps this a secret Hackeswell knows that Sharpe has the treasure and sets a plan to take the treasure for himself. Sharpe needs all his cunning and intelligence to stay one step ahead of Hackeswell.
Whilst all this going on the British army, with its Indian allies, are engaged if the battle of Assaye. One of the bloodiest battles ever fought by the British during their India campagne.
Major General Arthur Wellesley is in command of the British army and at one point his horse is shot dead from under him. Wellesley is in imminent danger of being killed, luckley Sharpe is near by, at risk to own life Sharpe manages to save Wellesley. For his daring act of gallantry Wessley awards Sharpe a promotion that is beyond Sharpe emagining.
Cornwell manages to brings a cinematic feel to the battle scenes. All the screaming, crying, pain and blood lust, it's all there.
This is for lovers of a ripping yarn with a history lesson thrown in. A 4 star recommendation.
August 24, 2021
Another audiobook.
Historical fiction has always been my favorite genre & when it combines a strong story, a good narrator, and a time/place that interests me (India, early days of British colonialism) then I am a happy listener. This is the second of a long series that follows the career of Richard Sharpe, born to the London streets, who somehow makes it through the ranks of the British army. He's Sergeant Sharpe in this book & again is in Arthur Wellesley's army, traipsing across the Indian subcontinent.
Historical fiction has always been my favorite genre & when it combines a strong story, a good narrator, and a time/place that interests me (India, early days of British colonialism) then I am a happy listener. This is the second of a long series that follows the career of Richard Sharpe, born to the London streets, who somehow makes it through the ranks of the British army. He's Sergeant Sharpe in this book & again is in Arthur Wellesley's army, traipsing across the Indian subcontinent.
June 19, 2021
Триумфът на Шарп не закъснява: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
Както и в предишната част, и тук в основата на сюжета са реални исторически събития, този път при индийското селце Асай, където далеч по-малобройната британска армия побеждава многочислен и дори воден от европейски офицери и разполагащ с модерна артилерия враг. Точно около тези европейци на служба при местни владетели се завърта и новата интрига, след като Шарп едва оцелява след коварно нападание над един британски пост и с очите си вижда как един дезертьор избива безмилостно своите сънародници. Той превръща в своя цел да го открие и да отмъсти, а това чудесно съвпада и с желанието на полковник Маккендлис, който държи на всяка цена да го залови и изправи пред съд, за да покаже на местните, че англичаните не допускат предателствата да се разминават безнаказано.
Унискорп ИК
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
Както и в предишната част, и тук в основата на сюжета са реални исторически събития, този път при индийското селце Асай, където далеч по-малобройната британска армия побеждава многочислен и дори воден от европейски офицери и разполагащ с модерна артилерия враг. Точно около тези европейци на служба при местни владетели се завърта и новата интрига, след като Шарп едва оцелява след коварно нападание над един британски пост и с очите си вижда как един дезертьор избива безмилостно своите сънародници. Той превръща в своя цел да го открие и да отмъсти, а това чудесно съвпада и с желанието на полковник Маккендлис, който държи на всяка цена да го залови и изправи пред съд, за да покаже на местните, че англичаните не допускат предателствата да се разминават безнаказано.
Унискорп ИК
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/t...
June 24, 2017
Meh. Sharpe came across as rather a whiny git in this one, where there was no real plot to speak of and interminable battle scenes which lead up to a denouement that had been telegraphed from the start. I'm glad I only look for mindless entertainment in these books; unfortunately this one was a great deal more of the mindless than the entertainment.
November 25, 2025
Sargeant Richard Sharpe is serving in the British Army during the 1803 Indian campaign. Sharpe barely survives a betrayal by English traitor William Dodd, who has joined the mercenary forces against the British East India Company. The plot follows Sharpe's attempt to stop Dodd, avoid his revenge-seeking nemesis Obadiah Hakeswill, and earn promotion. The narrative is structured around the real historical battles using actual military records. Sharpe serves under (real) General Wellesley, and the climax of the story features the Battle of Assaye.
This book stands alone even though it is part of the larger Sharpe Series. It contains both battle sequences and quieter scenes that construct the personalities of the characters. Cornwell excels at depicting battle scenes in all their chaos and violence (it gets pretty gruesome). The storyline includes elements of loyalty, courage under fire, and class barriers in the military. Sharpe is a wonderful character. His low birth creates tension with officers who view commissions as the purview of the wealthy. Overall, I found it an enjoyable action-driven and realistic historical fiction.
This book stands alone even though it is part of the larger Sharpe Series. It contains both battle sequences and quieter scenes that construct the personalities of the characters. Cornwell excels at depicting battle scenes in all their chaos and violence (it gets pretty gruesome). The storyline includes elements of loyalty, courage under fire, and class barriers in the military. Sharpe is a wonderful character. His low birth creates tension with officers who view commissions as the purview of the wealthy. Overall, I found it an enjoyable action-driven and realistic historical fiction.
July 1, 2022
I'm re-reading this series since a new one will be published in December. Yay!!
It's 1803, and the British forces under Wellesley are still in India, allied with the East India Company against the massive Mahratta army. Amidst the backdrop of the war, and the Battle of Assaye, now Sgt. Sharpe and Col. McCandless are on the hunt for some murderous traitors, former members of the East India Company's forces. These two traitors- Pohlmann and Dodd- were real historical figures. And on the back trail of our two good guys is that vicious nutcase, Sgt. Hakeswill, or He of the Uncontrollable Twitches due to mercury poisoning. I really, really hate his rotten fictional guts.
This is a good story, (I don't think the author could write garbage if he tried), but still not my favorite. As I said in my review of Sharpe's Tiger, I prefer the books of this series detailing the war with the French under Napoleon, and the presence of the fabulous Irishman, Patrick. But the escalade at the fort with the fearless Scottish regiment and the actual Battle of Assaye were both phenomenally written sections!
It's 1803, and the British forces under Wellesley are still in India, allied with the East India Company against the massive Mahratta army. Amidst the backdrop of the war, and the Battle of Assaye, now Sgt. Sharpe and Col. McCandless are on the hunt for some murderous traitors, former members of the East India Company's forces. These two traitors- Pohlmann and Dodd- were real historical figures. And on the back trail of our two good guys is that vicious nutcase, Sgt. Hakeswill, or He of the Uncontrollable Twitches due to mercury poisoning. I really, really hate his rotten fictional guts.
This is a good story, (I don't think the author could write garbage if he tried), but still not my favorite. As I said in my review of Sharpe's Tiger, I prefer the books of this series detailing the war with the French under Napoleon, and the presence of the fabulous Irishman, Patrick. But the escalade at the fort with the fearless Scottish regiment and the actual Battle of Assaye were both phenomenally written sections!
September 19, 2025
In chronological order Sharpe's Triumph is the second book in the prequel series, set in India. It contains the pattern set before. Sharpe is a man of action who adapts and also operates within a certain level or morality and hustle. The two India novels are fascinating looks into the early 19th Century's colonialism within India. But also, clearly, it is a look at class, money, and race. Enjoyed it. So far these books aren't quite at the level of O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels, but still very enjoyable. A treat really.
July 17, 2022
India, 1803. Sergeant Richard Sharpe witnesses a murderous act of treachery carried out by an English officer. One who defected from the East India Company to join the mercenary army of the Mahratta Confederation. The hunt for the dissident Englishman leads deep into the enemy's territory where Sharpe faces subtle temptations. And his formidable enemy, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill has a plan to break Sharpe for the last time.
An enjoyable tale: the action doesn't let up. Cornwell also writes excellent battle scenes. An entertaining and exciting read. Thoroughly recommended.
An enjoyable tale: the action doesn't let up. Cornwell also writes excellent battle scenes. An entertaining and exciting read. Thoroughly recommended.
January 18, 2015
Well, it had to happen. I finally found a book by my favourite author that is everything I find tedious about a lot of other authors.
It was Cornwell's 'Warrior Chronicles', tales of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, which reanimated my inner bookworm and sold me on historical fiction to begin with. Of all the Cornwell series I've read so far, the Sharpe series has proven to be the most wooden, labourious and tedium inducing.
The almost blinkered mechanical focus on the military logistics and battle details feels like it comes at the expense of the characterisation and ability to get into each of the protagonists minds.
One of the things that appeals to me most about Cornwell is his ability to not only write vivid, immersive battles but also really get you into the characters heads and create lifelike, palpable figures you can almost see in your mind. There's virtually none of that in this. Even the most antagonistic of characters, the rogue Lieutenant Dodd, feels like a half-hearted attempt at a pretty inconsequential villain. The attempts at adding extra layers to the story - such as Obadiah Hakeswill's quest to have his revenge on 'Sharpie' - all feel like afterthoughts and as such are remarkably flimsy.
To put this in the form of a musical analogy, this is akin to having heard a band's recent albums, been blown away and making the mistake of going back to the band's earlier days, listening to their early, more raw releases and having the bubble of hype you'd surrounded the band in burst.
Genuinely re-evaluating whether to even bother with the rest of the series.
It was Cornwell's 'Warrior Chronicles', tales of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, which reanimated my inner bookworm and sold me on historical fiction to begin with. Of all the Cornwell series I've read so far, the Sharpe series has proven to be the most wooden, labourious and tedium inducing.
The almost blinkered mechanical focus on the military logistics and battle details feels like it comes at the expense of the characterisation and ability to get into each of the protagonists minds.
One of the things that appeals to me most about Cornwell is his ability to not only write vivid, immersive battles but also really get you into the characters heads and create lifelike, palpable figures you can almost see in your mind. There's virtually none of that in this. Even the most antagonistic of characters, the rogue Lieutenant Dodd, feels like a half-hearted attempt at a pretty inconsequential villain. The attempts at adding extra layers to the story - such as Obadiah Hakeswill's quest to have his revenge on 'Sharpie' - all feel like afterthoughts and as such are remarkably flimsy.
To put this in the form of a musical analogy, this is akin to having heard a band's recent albums, been blown away and making the mistake of going back to the band's earlier days, listening to their early, more raw releases and having the bubble of hype you'd surrounded the band in burst.
Genuinely re-evaluating whether to even bother with the rest of the series.
October 23, 2014
Another great Sharpe novel. Again, the fictional aspect was fairly small & explained at the end by the author. The hardships the armies & their trains had to endure was amazing. Poor food, horrible medical conditions & constant betrayal were all just facts of life.
One thing did bother me about the ending - really bothered me.
I'll look forward to the next, Sharpe's Fortress.
One thing did bother me about the ending - really bothered me.
I'll look forward to the next, Sharpe's Fortress.
February 25, 2016
Well, I guess you can't hit them out of the park all the time.
This was a lot more uneven than Sharpe's Tiger, which I found compelling all the way through. Parts of the story just fell flat. For example:
*I'm detecting a formula at work here. Sharpe is on a suicidal mission, gets threatened by false accusations from Sgt. Hakeswill, gets the girl, loses the girl, does something heroic and gets commended, throws Hakeswill to almost-certain death (that he will survive), and leaves. Does this continue for all 20-odd books?
*About women in this book - I understand that the historical period was not the greatest time for female agency, but it'd be nice if the author could treat the female characters as human beings. Simone is a prop. She's virtually a non-character. She sleeps with Sharpe and disappears from the story. What was the point of her?
*The final battle at Assaye is built up a lot and ends up being a little anti-climactic.
Despite my griping, I am interested in seeing where this series goes and will put Sharpe's Fortress on hold soonish.
This was a lot more uneven than Sharpe's Tiger, which I found compelling all the way through. Parts of the story just fell flat. For example:
*I'm detecting a formula at work here. Sharpe is on a suicidal mission, gets threatened by false accusations from Sgt. Hakeswill, gets the girl, loses the girl, does something heroic and gets commended, throws Hakeswill to almost-certain death (that he will survive), and leaves. Does this continue for all 20-odd books?
*About women in this book - I understand that the historical period was not the greatest time for female agency, but it'd be nice if the author could treat the female characters as human beings. Simone is a prop. She's virtually a non-character. She sleeps with Sharpe and disappears from the story. What was the point of her?
*The final battle at Assaye is built up a lot and ends up being a little anti-climactic.
Despite my griping, I am interested in seeing where this series goes and will put Sharpe's Fortress on hold soonish.
April 30, 2019
4 Stars
This book was really good and I really enjoyed reading this book. I was recommended this book by one of my goodreads friends. I thought I would give a try and it turns out that I liked it. Now, I have never read any Bernard Cornwell books but I thought I would a try being I normally don't read these type of book. I would maybe read this book again. I would recommend this book to anyone.
This book was really good and I really enjoyed reading this book. I was recommended this book by one of my goodreads friends. I thought I would give a try and it turns out that I liked it. Now, I have never read any Bernard Cornwell books but I thought I would a try being I normally don't read these type of book. I would maybe read this book again. I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 1, 2010
Unabridged audio.
This one made very little mark on my brain. Sharpe gets promoted in it and the bully get's his comeuppance but other than that I just don't pull much out. The Sharpe's books can be good and absorbing, but they can also (for some reason) hit some very dry patches.
This one made very little mark on my brain. Sharpe gets promoted in it and the bully get's his comeuppance but other than that I just don't pull much out. The Sharpe's books can be good and absorbing, but they can also (for some reason) hit some very dry patches.
October 4, 2021
Truly excellent historical fiction. Set in the British campaigns against the Mahratta's in India, in 1803, Cornwell stays extremely close to the actual history, adding only a few characters and some minor embellishments. And just wow, can the man write a thrilling, visceral, incredibly realistic 19th century battle scene.
The real Battle of Assaye was a bloody triumph for a very badly outnumbered British/Indian force, and was the stepping stone to greatness for Arthur Wellesley (who would go on to become the famed Duke of Wellington, perhaps "the" Duke of Wellington who will always be remembered by that name down the ages). Cornwell portrays the battle about as close to reality as a fictional account can, and his ability to make history come alive is genuinely amazing.
An excellent piece of historical fiction, takes into account the various cultures involved, picks up on the nuances of them, and does them honor, as well. It also serves to heighten interest in the British in India, and Indian history in general.
Very highly recommended.
The real Battle of Assaye was a bloody triumph for a very badly outnumbered British/Indian force, and was the stepping stone to greatness for Arthur Wellesley (who would go on to become the famed Duke of Wellington, perhaps "the" Duke of Wellington who will always be remembered by that name down the ages). Cornwell portrays the battle about as close to reality as a fictional account can, and his ability to make history come alive is genuinely amazing.
An excellent piece of historical fiction, takes into account the various cultures involved, picks up on the nuances of them, and does them honor, as well. It also serves to heighten interest in the British in India, and Indian history in general.
Very highly recommended.
September 8, 2020
The second of the series was a good read (listen) as was the first "Sharpe's Tiger", same narrator Frederick Davidson, also did a good job.
It's Sgt. Richard Sharpe now, whom we see enjoying easy duty, and living a better lifestyle, when he is the only survivor from an attack by an East India Company defector, now in charge of a band of mercenaries. Sharpe finds himself on the hunt to capture the murderer, when he becomes part of the battle of Assaye 1803, fighting under Sir Arthur Wellesley.
Sharpe has his little side stories with a lady in distress, Sgt. Hakeswill still out to get him, and on a doomed mission with the opposite outcome. Much the same as "Sharpe's Tiger", but has lost it's luster in this episode, thus the 4 stars in my estimation.
The plans, battle details, and the fighting were authentic and well written, also the author cleared up fact from fiction in the end; so I always enjoy that.
It's Sgt. Richard Sharpe now, whom we see enjoying easy duty, and living a better lifestyle, when he is the only survivor from an attack by an East India Company defector, now in charge of a band of mercenaries. Sharpe finds himself on the hunt to capture the murderer, when he becomes part of the battle of Assaye 1803, fighting under Sir Arthur Wellesley.
Sharpe has his little side stories with a lady in distress, Sgt. Hakeswill still out to get him, and on a doomed mission with the opposite outcome. Much the same as "Sharpe's Tiger", but has lost it's luster in this episode, thus the 4 stars in my estimation.
The plans, battle details, and the fighting were authentic and well written, also the author cleared up fact from fiction in the end; so I always enjoy that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews