What do you think?
Rate this book
Sharpe #1
Sharpův tygr
První kniha série Richard Sharpe.
Knihou Sharpův tygr zahajuje Bernard Cornwell mnohadílný seriál příhod vojáka britské armády Richarda Sharpa, prostřednictvím jehož dobrodružných osudů provází autor čtenáře historií pohnutých let v období 1799 až 1820. Je to doba vojenských tažení, dlouhých obléhání a slavných bitev; doba napoleonských válek, ale také bojů britských koloniálních vojsk o ovládnutí Indie.
A právě zde, v Indii, příběhy Richarda Sharpa začínají. Píše se rok 1799 a britská armáda táhne k Seringapatamu, opevněnému sídelnímu městu maisúrského sultána Típúa. Vojínu Sharpovi, který uvažuje o dezerci, se náhle naskytne zvláštní příležitost uniknout tyranskému seržantu Hakeswillovi i nudnému vojenskému životu, jenž neuspokojuje jeho dobrodružnou povahu. Dostane od velitele armády generála Harrise úkol, aby se jako předstíraný dezertér pokusil proniknout do Seringapatamu a spojil se tam se zajatým britským zvědem plukovníkem McCandlessem, který ví, jakou past Típú na Brity nastražil. Nebezpečné poslání zavede Sharpa do exotického prostředí orientálního města, v němž musí vynaložit všechen svůj důvtip i odvahu, aby si zachoval život, a navíc zachránil britskou armádu před porážkou.
V dalších dílech seriálu bude mít čtenář možnost prožívat spolu s hlavním hrdinou Sharpem námořní bitvu proti Francouzům u Trafalgaru, bitvu u Salamanky nebo obléhání Badajozu při španělském tažení, vítězství nad Francouzi u Waterloo a jiné slavné boje tohoto období.
Knihou Sharpův tygr zahajuje Bernard Cornwell mnohadílný seriál příhod vojáka britské armády Richarda Sharpa, prostřednictvím jehož dobrodružných osudů provází autor čtenáře historií pohnutých let v období 1799 až 1820. Je to doba vojenských tažení, dlouhých obléhání a slavných bitev; doba napoleonských válek, ale také bojů britských koloniálních vojsk o ovládnutí Indie.
A právě zde, v Indii, příběhy Richarda Sharpa začínají. Píše se rok 1799 a britská armáda táhne k Seringapatamu, opevněnému sídelnímu městu maisúrského sultána Típúa. Vojínu Sharpovi, který uvažuje o dezerci, se náhle naskytne zvláštní příležitost uniknout tyranskému seržantu Hakeswillovi i nudnému vojenskému životu, jenž neuspokojuje jeho dobrodružnou povahu. Dostane od velitele armády generála Harrise úkol, aby se jako předstíraný dezertér pokusil proniknout do Seringapatamu a spojil se tam se zajatým britským zvědem plukovníkem McCandlessem, který ví, jakou past Típú na Brity nastražil. Nebezpečné poslání zavede Sharpa do exotického prostředí orientálního města, v němž musí vynaložit všechen svůj důvtip i odvahu, aby si zachoval život, a navíc zachránil britskou armádu před porážkou.
V dalších dílech seriálu bude mít čtenář možnost prožívat spolu s hlavním hrdinou Sharpem námořní bitvu proti Francouzům u Trafalgaru, bitvu u Salamanky nebo obléhání Badajozu při španělském tažení, vítězství nad Francouzi u Waterloo a jiné slavné boje tohoto období.
350 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
2097 people are currently reading
13378 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books18.9k 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 1,395 reviews
September 11, 2007
Ah, the delicious historical crack that is the Sharpe series. If ever there were a series of books that needed a drinking game, this is it, and I mean that in the best, most entertaining way possible. Sharpe hits something: drink! Sharpe is unjustly punished: drink! Sharpe saves the life of a superior officer: drink! Sharpe drinks: drink! Sharpe does something noble even though he hates doing it: drink! Sharpe pretends to be dumber than he is as a plot point: drink!
And that's just in the first twenty pages!
And that's just in the first twenty pages!
October 18, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. Full review coming soon...
February 26, 2024
1799 Mysore, in south India, is the location of military challenges of English troops vs troops led by the Tippoo. Private Richard Sharpe is sent on a mission to infiltrate the enemy and retrieve certain intelligence in aid of future battle plans.
Characters leap off the page due to the impressive word-smithing of Cornwell. If you like rigorous adventure, this is a read for you.
Characters leap off the page due to the impressive word-smithing of Cornwell. If you like rigorous adventure, this is a read for you.
October 15, 2024
Откак в средата на деветдесете гледах телевизионния сериал за приключенията на майор Шарп и неговите стрелци, очаквам серията книги по част от която е направен той да излезе на български.
След като това очевидно няма да се случи, направих поръчка на английски за първите две по хронологично развитие на събитията книги.
"Тигърът на Шарп" запознава читателя с част от героите, които ще участват и по нататък във войнишкия живот и в приключенията на редник Шарп. Това са неговия зъл антипод - сержант Обадая Хейксуил, гениално изигран в сериала от Пийт Постълуейт (със страхотна роля и във "В името на отца") и полковник Уелингтън, на който предстои да се окичи с неувяхваща слава на гениален тактик и командир в сраженията срещу Наполеон.
Шарп е още почти новобранец, без много боен опит и дори се замисля, дали да не дезертира - до гуша му е дошъл войнишкия живот. Само дето е част от кампанията на британците и техните индийски съюзници срещу Типу султан. Британска армия е на път през субконтинента, с идеята да обсади и превземе столицата на султаната Майсор - Шрирангапатна. И да иска, Шарп няма къде да дезертира. Следва отлична завръзка и сагата става много интересна.
Бърнард Корнуел е написал превъзходен исторически роман и сам признава, че е силно повлиян от серията на Сесил Б. Форестер за Хорнблоуър, която също е в плановете ми за прочит, след като вече съм изгледал отличния сериал направен по нея. Описанията са подробни и достоверни, героите пълнокръвни и развитието на събитията също е на много високо ниво.
Книгата се чете леко и дори аз, който още не съм свикнал да чета на английски, срещнах малко затруднения, които Гугъл транслейт с лекота разреши. :)
Продължавам напред, с втория роман - "Триумфът на Шарп".
P.S. Все пак, издава се на български от издателство Унискорп. :)
След като това очевидно няма да се случи, направих поръчка на английски за първите две по хронологично развитие на събитията книги.
"Тигърът на Шарп" запознава читателя с част от героите, които ще участват и по нататък във войнишкия живот и в приключенията на редник Шарп. Това са неговия зъл антипод - сержант Обадая Хейксуил, гениално изигран в сериала от Пийт Постълуейт (със страхотна роля и във "В името на отца") и полковник Уелингтън, на който предстои да се окичи с неувяхваща слава на гениален тактик и командир в сраженията срещу Наполеон.
Шарп е още почти новобранец, без много боен опит и дори се замисля, дали да не дезертира - до гуша му е дошъл войнишкия живот. Само дето е част от кампанията на британците и техните индийски съюзници срещу Типу султан. Британска армия е на път през субконтинента, с идеята да обсади и превземе столицата на султаната Майсор - Шрирангапатна. И да иска, Шарп няма къде да дезертира. Следва отлична завръзка и сагата става много интересна.
Бърнард Корнуел е написал превъзходен исторически роман и сам признава, че е силно повлиян от серията на Сесил Б. Форестер за Хорнблоуър, която също е в плановете ми за прочит, след като вече съм изгледал отличния сериал направен по нея. Описанията са подробни и достоверни, героите пълнокръвни и развитието на събитията също е на много високо ниво.
Книгата се чете леко и дори аз, който още не съм свикнал да чета на английски, срещнах малко затруднения, които Гугъл транслейт с лекота разреши. :)
Продължавам напред, с втория роман - "Триумфът на Шарп".
P.S. Все пак, издава се на български от издателство Унискорп. :)
April 29, 2015
India, tigers and Richard Sharpe? Where are we? What happened to my Napoleonic War historical fiction series?
Once upon a time Bernard Cornwell's series following Rifleman Richard Sharpe's career in Wellington's army during the Napoleonic Wars began in media res. The embattled rifleman was stuck in with his brothers on the European continent fighting a losing war.
After the originals were finished, Cornwell restarted the series and although this prequel is decent, showcasing his improved writing, I would've liked to have seen more of a character de-transformation, sending him back in time. This retains too much of what the man would later become. Sharpe is too cool, too confident in Tiger.
Don't get me wrong, there's some good stuff here. The history is laid on nicely with Sharpe essentially doing battle with a sultan during England's colony period in India. Old friendemies return like the despicable Sgt Hakeswill. The action is occasionally fun and exciting, as per usual. However, it all feels inconsequential, perhaps because the ultimate evil isn't Napoleon in this instance.
When the original series ended in a natural fashion soon after Waterloo, Cornwell realized he had a good thing going, so he wrote quite a few prequels and additions to stick in between the existing timeline. They feel a tad rushed, a little forced. It's like he's pushing them into the timeline and pushing them out publishing-wise, because he's got a cash-cow on his hands. Who could blame him? But even without blame, one wishes more time and tenderness was implemented in rendering his rough-and-ready, tenderless soldier. It's still good, action-packed historical fiction, but Cornwell can do better. You know he can, because he's done it before.
Once upon a time Bernard Cornwell's series following Rifleman Richard Sharpe's career in Wellington's army during the Napoleonic Wars began in media res. The embattled rifleman was stuck in with his brothers on the European continent fighting a losing war.
After the originals were finished, Cornwell restarted the series and although this prequel is decent, showcasing his improved writing, I would've liked to have seen more of a character de-transformation, sending him back in time. This retains too much of what the man would later become. Sharpe is too cool, too confident in Tiger.
Don't get me wrong, there's some good stuff here. The history is laid on nicely with Sharpe essentially doing battle with a sultan during England's colony period in India. Old friendemies return like the despicable Sgt Hakeswill. The action is occasionally fun and exciting, as per usual. However, it all feels inconsequential, perhaps because the ultimate evil isn't Napoleon in this instance.
When the original series ended in a natural fashion soon after Waterloo, Cornwell realized he had a good thing going, so he wrote quite a few prequels and additions to stick in between the existing timeline. They feel a tad rushed, a little forced. It's like he's pushing them into the timeline and pushing them out publishing-wise, because he's got a cash-cow on his hands. Who could blame him? But even without blame, one wishes more time and tenderness was implemented in rendering his rough-and-ready, tenderless soldier. It's still good, action-packed historical fiction, but Cornwell can do better. You know he can, because he's done it before.
December 4, 2013
I've read and re-read the Sharpe series countless times. For me, they're arguably one of the finest collections of historical fiction written. Cornwell knows what he's doing and does it well. There are some easy potshots to take at the books. The biggest one is that each book is essentially the same plot: Sharpe is thrown into an underdog fight, he saves the girl, and emerges victorious against all odds. However, that's fairly irrelevant due to everything else the books have to offer. Cornwell packs in the historical detail, weaving it seamlessly into the fiction of Sharpe's character. Reading through the entire series, we're given a superb look at the military career of Wellington, as well as the Napoleonic war, from the political maneuvering of the London politicians, to the allied tensions of Spain and Portugal, the conditions on the ground for the foot soldiers, and the heart-breaking triumphs and tragedies of the various campaigns of the British Army.
Cornwell draws Sharpe with a careful hand, creating an affable protagonist with just enough of the anti-hero in him to provide logical motivation for his frequent and ruthless savagery. He also spends the time to create fascinating three-dimensional supporting characters, from the loathsome villain Obadiah Hakeswill, to Sharpe's comrade-in-arms Harper. In addition, the obligatory female love-interest in each book is also given careful attention, resulting in complex characters with equally complex roles and motivations.
It's a superb series, a bit on the violent side, but I can't recommend them highly enough. Sharpe's Tiger is a wonderful beginning, set in India during some of the rajah wars of the British East India Company. Sharpe begins there as a lowly private, of course, and while it's a long journey from the Indian subcontinent to the conclusion of the Napoleonic wars, rest assured that it's a delightful one, with excellent companions.
Either the BBC or ITV (I can't recall which) shot the books as a mini-series with Sean Bean in the lead. I don't have much of an opinion on that, as I've only seen part of one episode.
Cornwell draws Sharpe with a careful hand, creating an affable protagonist with just enough of the anti-hero in him to provide logical motivation for his frequent and ruthless savagery. He also spends the time to create fascinating three-dimensional supporting characters, from the loathsome villain Obadiah Hakeswill, to Sharpe's comrade-in-arms Harper. In addition, the obligatory female love-interest in each book is also given careful attention, resulting in complex characters with equally complex roles and motivations.
It's a superb series, a bit on the violent side, but I can't recommend them highly enough. Sharpe's Tiger is a wonderful beginning, set in India during some of the rajah wars of the British East India Company. Sharpe begins there as a lowly private, of course, and while it's a long journey from the Indian subcontinent to the conclusion of the Napoleonic wars, rest assured that it's a delightful one, with excellent companions.
Either the BBC or ITV (I can't recall which) shot the books as a mini-series with Sean Bean in the lead. I don't have much of an opinion on that, as I've only seen part of one episode.
November 17, 2012
I had a ton of fun with this book. This was my first Sharpe novel but not my first Cornwell (I started with The Last Kingdom.) I have to insist (I'm pretty sure I brought this up in another Cornwell review but whatever) that this might be a better way to get into history than being forced to look at dusty textbooks when you're six, if someone had handed me a copy of this book when I was like 10 it would have sparked my interest in history way earlier, and I think it would do the same for most people. I mean, obviously this idea has its drawbacks and reasons to prevent it from happening, but seriously, it's just (for me) probably the most fun way to learn about this stuff. But I digress.
As far as the guy the books are named after, he's obviously very charismatic and likable but is flawed enough to be interesting and not too much of a Mary Sue. He's brave, smart, loyal and relatively compassionate, but at the same time he enjoys killing people a bit too much, isn't above looting dead dudes and was a criminal before his career in the army. This kind of juxtaposition keeps it interesting for me. I mean, you're not gonna get any stunningly insightful characterization from Cornwell but no one should be reading these books for that.
There were so many entertaining parts of this book that I want to talk about but it would spoil the good stuff for anyone who might read this. As always, Cornwell has a ton of action in his story and the climactic assault on Seringapatam is pretty thrilling. Lots of dudes firing rockets in every possible direction, musket volleys galore, stuff blowing up real nice, people getting eaten by tigers...the wholesome and gentle Cornwell we all know and love. A minor complaint I do have is that Cornwell gives little to no impression of the geography and landscape of India itself, which is something I liked a lot about the Saxon stuff. Obviously he's more familiar with England but I still noticed and missed it.
Before I wrap this up, I just have to mention who I consider to be Cornwell's greatest success in villain creation; Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill. What a fucking evil creep. I'm sure he'll eventually get murdered by Sharpe but I hope I see a lot more of him before that happens. It's awesome that Cornwell wrote so many of these books, I look forward to reading them. People mention that Cornwell's formulaic but I mean, that's what most of his readers (including myself) want from him; reliably entertaining and relatively educational books where the good guys always go through crazy shit and beat the bad guys. If Cornwell embarked on some weird free-association Faulkner trip and published a bunch of books in that style I'd be pissed (or maybe it'd be awesome.)
As far as the guy the books are named after, he's obviously very charismatic and likable but is flawed enough to be interesting and not too much of a Mary Sue. He's brave, smart, loyal and relatively compassionate, but at the same time he enjoys killing people a bit too much, isn't above looting dead dudes and was a criminal before his career in the army. This kind of juxtaposition keeps it interesting for me. I mean, you're not gonna get any stunningly insightful characterization from Cornwell but no one should be reading these books for that.
There were so many entertaining parts of this book that I want to talk about but it would spoil the good stuff for anyone who might read this. As always, Cornwell has a ton of action in his story and the climactic assault on Seringapatam is pretty thrilling. Lots of dudes firing rockets in every possible direction, musket volleys galore, stuff blowing up real nice, people getting eaten by tigers...the wholesome and gentle Cornwell we all know and love. A minor complaint I do have is that Cornwell gives little to no impression of the geography and landscape of India itself, which is something I liked a lot about the Saxon stuff. Obviously he's more familiar with England but I still noticed and missed it.
Before I wrap this up, I just have to mention who I consider to be Cornwell's greatest success in villain creation; Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill. What a fucking evil creep. I'm sure he'll eventually get murdered by Sharpe but I hope I see a lot more of him before that happens. It's awesome that Cornwell wrote so many of these books, I look forward to reading them. People mention that Cornwell's formulaic but I mean, that's what most of his readers (including myself) want from him; reliably entertaining and relatively educational books where the good guys always go through crazy shit and beat the bad guys. If Cornwell embarked on some weird free-association Faulkner trip and published a bunch of books in that style I'd be pissed (or maybe it'd be awesome.)
August 29, 2016
This book is fast paced and full of adventure. The author does a really good job at describing the characters and the backdrop of the story. I know almost nothing about this part of history and the author does a really good job at explaining everything so one understands how everything of that era works. This book is what I love about reading, finding out new things and Sharpe is a great protagonist. Will definitely read more of the Sharpe series in the future.
March 14, 2019
I'm a big fan of Bernard Cornwell and loved his Saxon Swords series. I'd heard of Sharpe, but this was my first time reading it. Luckily I started with the first book in the series.
Private Richard Sharpe of the 33rd Regiment of Foot (The Havercakes) is in India. His Regiment is going to fight Tippoo Sultan of Mysore. This fascinating journey takes you into a British Army regiment of the late 1700's (1799). Cornwell's descriptions are spot on and a pleasure to read. Complex concepts (like the operational plan to take Seringapatam) are explained, through narrative, in an understandable way. The story is quite exciting and fairly accurate to real history.
Along the way we see Sharpe run afoul of the awful Sgt. Hakeswill, go on a secret mission and eventually help the British in their conquest of the city. I generally believe that with historical fiction books there can be no spoilers (say what? The British eventually controlled India?! Um Yeah...), but I will still leave the plot up to you. Heck, even a young Col. Arthur Wellesley (eventually to become Duke of Wellington and a bane of Napoleon) makes an appearance.
Sharpe reminds me of Uthred, from the Saxon Tales, a capable warrior who sometimes gets on the wrong side of more powerful people. But I liked Sharpe and the fact that he got his revenge in the end-something Uthred always had an issue with. Good for Sharpe!
On a historical note- the fact that Cornwall has a mine be the reason for the breached wall would be disputed by historians since there was a mysterious explosion two days before the assault, but likely caused my artillery hitting a munitions dump. But it makes for a good story. Also kudos to making sure Tippoo was a Muslim. There has been an unfortunate trend in SJW revisionist Indian historians, who view Tippoo as a proto-independence fighter, to project him as a secret Hindu. He wasn't. Not even a teeny tiny bit. Plus while he was anti-British, he ruled over a Hindu city and would have allowed in the French instead. So not exactly a "pro-India" kinda guy. Especially not a Hindu India. He was, however, a truly brave individual and gets his due credit in the story.
But those two asides don't detract from the overall excellence of this period piece of military historical fiction set in India during 1799. Consider me a Sharpe fan.
Private Richard Sharpe of the 33rd Regiment of Foot (The Havercakes) is in India. His Regiment is going to fight Tippoo Sultan of Mysore. This fascinating journey takes you into a British Army regiment of the late 1700's (1799). Cornwell's descriptions are spot on and a pleasure to read. Complex concepts (like the operational plan to take Seringapatam) are explained, through narrative, in an understandable way. The story is quite exciting and fairly accurate to real history.
Along the way we see Sharpe run afoul of the awful Sgt. Hakeswill, go on a secret mission and eventually help the British in their conquest of the city. I generally believe that with historical fiction books there can be no spoilers (say what? The British eventually controlled India?! Um Yeah...), but I will still leave the plot up to you. Heck, even a young Col. Arthur Wellesley (eventually to become Duke of Wellington and a bane of Napoleon) makes an appearance.
Sharpe reminds me of Uthred, from the Saxon Tales, a capable warrior who sometimes gets on the wrong side of more powerful people. But I liked Sharpe and the fact that he got his revenge in the end-something Uthred always had an issue with. Good for Sharpe!
On a historical note- the fact that Cornwall has a mine be the reason for the breached wall would be disputed by historians since there was a mysterious explosion two days before the assault, but likely caused my artillery hitting a munitions dump. But it makes for a good story. Also kudos to making sure Tippoo was a Muslim. There has been an unfortunate trend in SJW revisionist Indian historians, who view Tippoo as a proto-independence fighter, to project him as a secret Hindu. He wasn't. Not even a teeny tiny bit. Plus while he was anti-British, he ruled over a Hindu city and would have allowed in the French instead. So not exactly a "pro-India" kinda guy. Especially not a Hindu India. He was, however, a truly brave individual and gets his due credit in the story.
But those two asides don't detract from the overall excellence of this period piece of military historical fiction set in India during 1799. Consider me a Sharpe fan.
April 24, 2014
This is the first in the James Bond style Sharpe series, focusing on Sharpe's earlier times in the British regiment as a private.
It's close to the turn of the century . .. late 18th century . .. and focuses on Sharpe's time in India as different groups struggle for power of the realm. Through luck and desperation, Sharpe goes undercover with a lieutenant to rescue a colonel from a fortified enemy city. This colonel is vital because he has crucial information for the British to take the town successfully.
A fun enough read but I find myself enjoying Cornwell's non-Sharpe novels the most.
STORY/PLOTTING/EDITING: B minus to B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; ACTION/ADVENTURE: B; OVERALL GRADE: B; WHEN READ: 2010 (revised review mid November 2012).
It's close to the turn of the century . .. late 18th century . .. and focuses on Sharpe's time in India as different groups struggle for power of the realm. Through luck and desperation, Sharpe goes undercover with a lieutenant to rescue a colonel from a fortified enemy city. This colonel is vital because he has crucial information for the British to take the town successfully.
A fun enough read but I find myself enjoying Cornwell's non-Sharpe novels the most.
STORY/PLOTTING/EDITING: B minus to B; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B; ACTION/ADVENTURE: B; OVERALL GRADE: B; WHEN READ: 2010 (revised review mid November 2012).
December 27, 2022
No ha estado mal esperaba un poco mas pero bueno la historia se centra en exclusiva en lo que fue el cerco y toma de posesión de la ciudad india de Seringapatam. Me ha gustado en tono de la obra especialmente de su protagonista, Sharpe, todo un personaje. Pero hay alguna cosilla que hacía un poco tediosa su lectura, como por ejemplo, capítulos muyyy largos, los distintos grados militares...
yo me armaba un poco de lio la verdad.
Valoración: 7/10
Sinopsis: El gobernador de Seringapatam, el Tipoo, sabe del avance del 33º Regimiento del Ejército de Su Majestad Británica, y le tiene preparada una trampa destinada a acabar con él. El fusilero Richard Sharpe es en esos momentos (1799) un desertor del ejército, pero esos no impide que su alto sentido del honor y del compañerismo el lleve a arriegar sus vida para salvar a sus camaradas. Para lograrlo, deberá primero liberar a un oficial cautivo de Tipoo que conoce las claves de la trampa, es decir, meterse en la boca del lobo. La batalla de Seringapatam es recordada, en el marco de las guerras anglo-mysore, por el cuantioso número de bajas británicas (casi 1.500), después de la gran victoria obtenida poco antes en Sidassir. Fue un importante impulso a la consolidación del Imperio Británico en la India.
#4. Un libro con un tigre en la portada, o con la palabra tigre en el título. Reto Popsugar 2022.
yo me armaba un poco de lio la verdad.
Valoración: 7/10
Sinopsis: El gobernador de Seringapatam, el Tipoo, sabe del avance del 33º Regimiento del Ejército de Su Majestad Británica, y le tiene preparada una trampa destinada a acabar con él. El fusilero Richard Sharpe es en esos momentos (1799) un desertor del ejército, pero esos no impide que su alto sentido del honor y del compañerismo el lleve a arriegar sus vida para salvar a sus camaradas. Para lograrlo, deberá primero liberar a un oficial cautivo de Tipoo que conoce las claves de la trampa, es decir, meterse en la boca del lobo. La batalla de Seringapatam es recordada, en el marco de las guerras anglo-mysore, por el cuantioso número de bajas británicas (casi 1.500), después de la gran victoria obtenida poco antes en Sidassir. Fue un importante impulso a la consolidación del Imperio Británico en la India.
#4. Un libro con un tigre en la portada, o con la palabra tigre en el título. Reto Popsugar 2022.
October 22, 2014
An excellent beginning to a great series, if you like historical fiction. Cornwell does an excellent job depicting the people & the times. He captures the essence of the battle & the issues surrounding it, but through the eyes of a common infantry man, Richard Sharpe.
Sharpe is not a nice guy, but he's not a bad man, either. He is the product of his times & that often leads him to actions most would be hesitant to take. As he says in one place - he's not a rapist, but he's lied, murdered & stolen when he had to. Above all, he's a tough man in a tough situation who manages to survive.
I've read another of this series & seen some of the 1 hour shows which were aired on PBS. There were also VHS tapes available from the library for a while. Both my wife & I enjoyed them, although Sharpe on screen is a much cleaner man than the books portray him to be. Still, we liked both & I look forward to reading more of the series.
Sharpe is not a nice guy, but he's not a bad man, either. He is the product of his times & that often leads him to actions most would be hesitant to take. As he says in one place - he's not a rapist, but he's lied, murdered & stolen when he had to. Above all, he's a tough man in a tough situation who manages to survive.
I've read another of this series & seen some of the 1 hour shows which were aired on PBS. There were also VHS tapes available from the library for a while. Both my wife & I enjoyed them, although Sharpe on screen is a much cleaner man than the books portray him to be. Still, we liked both & I look forward to reading more of the series.
September 22, 2022
Back when I still had dark brown hair I read the entire Sharpe's Rifle series or at least the half dozen books that were available at the time. Back then I'm sure I would have given these books a five star rating. I've lowered the rating to four stars because I no longer find the memory of these books appealing.
July 8, 2025
This book is set during the siege of Seringapatam when the British sought to siege control of Mysore from the its ruler: The Tippoo. Richard Sharpe is sent undercover as a deserter on a rescue mission in Seringapatam and joins the sultan's army. What makes the story interesting is how the Tippoo of Mysore is a superstitious man who relies less on Allah than on auguries that are not endorsed by orthodox Islam. What he should have consulted was a capable intelligence network and military experts rather than soothsayers. The Hindu subjects of Mysore seem to be in a no win situation because a Muslim ruler would someday impose their religion on them and a European power like Britain would be no better. The story was an action packed adventure that does not disappoint the reader with the hero bravely fighting to the end. What I did not care for was that lowlife Obadiah Hakeswell escaping once gain to plague Richard Sharpe another day.
January 28, 2019
the Sharpe series is one of my favorites and although I have read almost all the books previously. I did not read them in order and it has been over a decade since doing so. and so I endeavor to not only collect this treasured series but to follow Sharpe and Sir Arthur Wellesley again through their military careers.
If you have never read this series. stop hesitating and do it already! there is strong violence and foul language. they are guilty of being formulaic with an opening action scene, build-up to the main battle, and the battle named on the cover. the is always a short live love interest. I call the "Sharpe-Girls" because the remind me of the women in bond films and a Antagonist who has a personal vendetta against Sharpe. the battle sequences are always vivid and descriptive.
Sharpe's tiger is one of my favorite in the Sharpe series, all the violence, a good villain (from the same side), a interesting honorable enemy, a little espionage, tigers, and Sharpe being a total bad***. India is a great setting. I found myself endlessly interested in the British occupation of the country. and have looked for other book on the subject both historical and fictional. Cornwell's Sharpe series is pretty historically accurate for fiction and Sharpe is more interesting than real life. I can't say enough about the world building supplanted by my little knowledge of the country and events of the time I was transplanted to India. some people complain that Cornwell characters are one dimensional which may be true. but they are still good and convey the plot in a fascinating way. Mary is a good female character compared to others in the series. The Tippoo is truly fascinating and honorable and noble leader and I think a good ruler. I found the Jettis equally fascinating. and Obadiah Hakeswill is a right bastard. other like Lawford, Gudin, and McCandless are also notable. this book is full of action and adventure. a great start to the series!
If you have never read this series. stop hesitating and do it already! there is strong violence and foul language. they are guilty of being formulaic with an opening action scene, build-up to the main battle, and the battle named on the cover. the is always a short live love interest. I call the "Sharpe-Girls" because the remind me of the women in bond films and a Antagonist who has a personal vendetta against Sharpe. the battle sequences are always vivid and descriptive.
Sharpe's tiger is one of my favorite in the Sharpe series, all the violence, a good villain (from the same side), a interesting honorable enemy, a little espionage, tigers, and Sharpe being a total bad***. India is a great setting. I found myself endlessly interested in the British occupation of the country. and have looked for other book on the subject both historical and fictional. Cornwell's Sharpe series is pretty historically accurate for fiction and Sharpe is more interesting than real life. I can't say enough about the world building supplanted by my little knowledge of the country and events of the time I was transplanted to India. some people complain that Cornwell characters are one dimensional which may be true. but they are still good and convey the plot in a fascinating way. Mary is a good female character compared to others in the series. The Tippoo is truly fascinating and honorable and noble leader and I think a good ruler. I found the Jettis equally fascinating. and Obadiah Hakeswill is a right bastard. other like Lawford, Gudin, and McCandless are also notable. this book is full of action and adventure. a great start to the series!
January 31, 2022
“За това се бием тук – за търговия”.
Тези думи не са на редник Ричард Шарп, който гледа на ролята си в британската армията в по-дребни мащаби – в края на 18 век тя е пристан не толкова на пламенни патриоти, колкото на млади мъже, намиращи се в родината си насред житейска безпътица, като някои от тях дори са рекрутирани с измама. Началото на това първо приключение от поредицата за Шарп заварва отегчения герой на крачка от бягството - дните сред сухия пейзаж на Индия се точат бавно, без никакъв намек за предстояща битка. А Шарп е войник, при това истински, само че още не го съзнава съвсем.
И ето че голямата битка – обсадата на Серингапатам, а заедно с това и първата важна мисия на Шарп, променят краткосрочните му планове, и го изправят в много близка конфронтация с основния враг на Британската източноиндийска компаня – султан Типу и неговата страховита свита.
Няма съмнение, че Шарп е страхотно пленителен образ – класически мъжкар, който се бие, псува, богохулства, редовно пренебрегва йерархичния ред и е пълен антипод колкото на връзкарите офицери, толкова и на оскотелите по-низши чинове с криминални и садистични наклонности. Редник Шарп е семпъл мъж и обича семплите радости в живота – малко пари за пиячка и жени са достатъчни, за да е щастлив, но не отказва и някое и друго приключение, защото е (ах, тази позахабена дума) смел, дързък и находчив - безценни качества, когато си войник на друг континент с враждебен климат и заобиколен от външни и вътрешни врагове. А годината е 1799 г. и никой никого не щади – бичуването с камшик дори за дребно провинение е официална част от санкционната система в армията.
Бърнард Корнуел е идеалният разказвач на исторически приключения, а не знам да има много такива съвременни автори - сякаш пишещите в историческия жанр предпочитат повече любовните истории. (Последният такъв роман, който ми хареса, “Кавалери на шпагата” от Мишел Зевако, е от ученическите ми години!). В приключенията на Шарп сочните битки и добрата интрига изместват политиката, но не и историческата рамка – в книгата се мярва Артър Уелсли, бъдещият герой от Ватерло, който след превземането на Серингапатам става губернатор на града. Корнуел загатва, че отношенията между двамата ще се развият по особено интригуващ начин в следващите книги.
Тези, които са гледали телевизионната поредица за Шарп неизменно свързват (напълно коректно) образа от романа с актьора Шон Бийн. Аз също съм израснала със сериала и откритието, че е базиран на книги, и то доста добри, веднага ме нахъса да изгълтам и останалите от поредицата, но предвид амбициозния брой на кни��ите в нея, явно ще го направя на части и в подходящите за това моменти.
Тези думи не са на редник Ричард Шарп, който гледа на ролята си в британската армията в по-дребни мащаби – в края на 18 век тя е пристан не толкова на пламенни патриоти, колкото на млади мъже, намиращи се в родината си насред житейска безпътица, като някои от тях дори са рекрутирани с измама. Началото на това първо приключение от поредицата за Шарп заварва отегчения герой на крачка от бягството - дните сред сухия пейзаж на Индия се точат бавно, без никакъв намек за предстояща битка. А Шарп е войник, при това истински, само че още не го съзнава съвсем.
И ето че голямата битка – обсадата на Серингапатам, а заедно с това и първата важна мисия на Шарп, променят краткосрочните му планове, и го изправят в много близка конфронтация с основния враг на Британската източноиндийска компаня – султан Типу и неговата страховита свита.
Няма съмнение, че Шарп е страхотно пленителен образ – класически мъжкар, който се бие, псува, богохулства, редовно пренебрегва йерархичния ред и е пълен антипод колкото на връзкарите офицери, толкова и на оскотелите по-низши чинове с криминални и садистични наклонности. Редник Шарп е семпъл мъж и обича семплите радости в живота – малко пари за пиячка и жени са достатъчни, за да е щастлив, но не отказва и някое и друго приключение, защото е (ах, тази позахабена дума) смел, дързък и находчив - безценни качества, когато си войник на друг континент с враждебен климат и заобиколен от външни и вътрешни врагове. А годината е 1799 г. и никой никого не щади – бичуването с камшик дори за дребно провинение е официална част от санкционната система в армията.
Бърнард Корнуел е идеалният разказвач на исторически приключения, а не знам да има много такива съвременни автори - сякаш пишещите в историческия жанр предпочитат повече любовните истории. (Последният такъв роман, който ми хареса, “Кавалери на шпагата” от Мишел Зевако, е от ученическите ми години!). В приключенията на Шарп сочните битки и добрата интрига изместват политиката, но не и историческата рамка – в книгата се мярва Артър Уелсли, бъдещият герой от Ватерло, който след превземането на Серингапатам става губернатор на града. Корнуел загатва, че отношенията между двамата ще се развият по особено интригуващ начин в следващите книги.
Тези, които са гледали телевизионната поредица за Шарп неизменно свързват (напълно коректно) образа от романа с актьора Шон Бийн. Аз също съм израснала със сериала и откритието, че е базиран на книги, и то доста добри, веднага ме нахъса да изгълтам и останалите от поредицата, но предвид амбициозния брой на кни��ите в нея, явно ще го направя на части и в подходящите за това моменти.
December 29, 2015
Review in Portuguese from Desbravando Livros:
Como fã do Bernard Cornwell, não poderia deixar de ler Sharpe, uma das séries mais recomendadas do autor e que sai um pouco daquele período medieval que o Cornwell costuma abordar nas suas outras obras. As Aventuras de Sharpe passam-se durante o período das Guerras Napoleônicas, quando Inglaterra e França travavam batalhas ferrenhas para decidir quem era o país mais forte.
O Tigre de Sharpe introduz ao leitor o personagem principal Richard Sharpe, um recruta da Companhia Ligeira do 33º Regimento do rei que encontra-se atualmente na Índia, mais precisamente indo em direção à imponente fortaleza de Seringapatam, uma importante rota de comércio da região, que agora está sob o domínio do famoso sultão Tipu, que recentemente aliou-se aos franceses e agora precisará defender o local com unhas e dentes contra a invasão inglesa.
Pensando em desertar e levar sua amada Mary consigo, Sharpe acaba se envolvendo (infantilmente) em uma briga com o sargento Hakeswill, seu superior, e é condenado a levar 2.000 chicotadas (morte certa), punição essa que acaba não sendo totalmente feita, pois Sharpe é convocado pelo alto escalão e recebe uma missão urgente: infiltrar-se na fortaleza de Seringapatam e encontrar um espião escocês que tem informações extremamente úteis ao exército inglês, que precisa derrubar logo a fortaleza, pois as monções estão chegando e podem atrapalhar muito o seu avanço.
"Era por causa disso que pensava tanto em abutres. Estava pensando que queria fugir, mas que não queria servir de comida para os abutres. Não queria ser capturado. Essa era a regra número um do exército, e a única que importava. Porque se você fosse apanhado os bastardos ou açoitavam-no até a morte ou reorganizavam suas costelas com balas de mosquete. E, de um jeito ou de outro, os abutres esbaldavam-se."
Hakeswill acaba sendo o grande vilão desse livro, fazendo de tudo para que Sharpe se ferre e seja expulso do exército/morto. O sargento acaba sendo um homem de humor extremo, mas de uma vontade maior ainda de acabar com a alegria dos homens. Dei algumas risadas com ele durante a leitura, mas na maior parte do tempo senti um ódio extremo e vontade de espancá-lo. hauhuahua
Narrado em 3ª pessoa por vários pontos de visto, mas principalmente o de Sharpe, essa obra começa com um ritmo bem cadenciado, apresentando ao leitor os vários personagens que integram o lado inglês e o lado do sultão Tipu, enquanto vamos nos acostumando com o vocabulário particular da época, principalmente no que se relaciona ao arsenal, como baionetas, alabardas, mosquetes e assim por diante. Tudo muito bem feito, afinal, Cornwell é um autor mestre em ficção histórica, mesmo que alguns acontecimentos narrados não sejam verídicos, onde Cornwell tomou uma certa liberdade para criá-los e tornar O Tigre de Sharpe uma ótima leitura sobre o período desbravado.
Quando eu pensava que o ritmo iria manter-se até o final, eis que novas perspectivas aparecem, começamos a entender as motivações dos personagens, principalmente Tipu, um homem a ser admirado até mesmo por seus inimigos, além das relações meio conturbadas que os muçulmanos e os hindus têm um com o outro, ameaçando o destino dos milhares de habitantes de Seringapatam.
E é dentro da fortaleza que Sharpe mostra o seu grande potencial como soldado, tomando decisões arriscadas e muitas vezes contradizendo um de seus próprios superiores, o que pode ser entendido inicialmente como um sinal de rebeldia, mas revela aos outros a sua excelente visão estratégica.
"Seus homens uivavam com ele. Estavam contagiados pela loucura de Baird. Nesse momento, enraivecidos pelo calor inclemente e embriagados pela araca e pelo rum bebido durante a longa espera nas trincheiras, os casacas vermelhas eram deuses da guerra. Ofertavam morte com impunidade, enquanto desciam uma muralha ensanguentada seguindo um escocês enlouquecido. Baird conquistaria esta cidade ou morreria em sua poeira."
Inicialmente focando mais nas estratégias nas estratégicas militares do que no desenvolvimento dos personagens, temos aqui uma boa opção para quem gosta do tema e quer algo agradável de se ler.
As partes finais de O Tigre de Sharpe são excelentes, com uma tensão crescendo envolvendo o destino de Richard Sharpe e seus companheiros mais próximos, todos ao alcance de Tipu, um líder militar que é reconhecido até hoje quando se fala sobre o período das Guerras Napoleônicas, sem contar que os seus famosos tigres estão presentes na narrativa, com um papel de grande destaque.
As Aventuras de Sharpe é uma série composta por mais de 20 livros, sendo que, lá fora, eles foram lançados em ordem não-cronológica, diferentemente daqui do Brasil, onde a editora Record resolveu publicá-los na ordem cronológica, o que eu imagino ser uma decisão que faz mais sentido.
Certamente lerei os volumes seguintes, pois Sharpe é um personagem característico de Cornwell, com muitas qualidades e vários defeitos, mas impossível de não gostar. E que venha o próximo!
Como fã do Bernard Cornwell, não poderia deixar de ler Sharpe, uma das séries mais recomendadas do autor e que sai um pouco daquele período medieval que o Cornwell costuma abordar nas suas outras obras. As Aventuras de Sharpe passam-se durante o período das Guerras Napoleônicas, quando Inglaterra e França travavam batalhas ferrenhas para decidir quem era o país mais forte.
O Tigre de Sharpe introduz ao leitor o personagem principal Richard Sharpe, um recruta da Companhia Ligeira do 33º Regimento do rei que encontra-se atualmente na Índia, mais precisamente indo em direção à imponente fortaleza de Seringapatam, uma importante rota de comércio da região, que agora está sob o domínio do famoso sultão Tipu, que recentemente aliou-se aos franceses e agora precisará defender o local com unhas e dentes contra a invasão inglesa.
Pensando em desertar e levar sua amada Mary consigo, Sharpe acaba se envolvendo (infantilmente) em uma briga com o sargento Hakeswill, seu superior, e é condenado a levar 2.000 chicotadas (morte certa), punição essa que acaba não sendo totalmente feita, pois Sharpe é convocado pelo alto escalão e recebe uma missão urgente: infiltrar-se na fortaleza de Seringapatam e encontrar um espião escocês que tem informações extremamente úteis ao exército inglês, que precisa derrubar logo a fortaleza, pois as monções estão chegando e podem atrapalhar muito o seu avanço.
"Era por causa disso que pensava tanto em abutres. Estava pensando que queria fugir, mas que não queria servir de comida para os abutres. Não queria ser capturado. Essa era a regra número um do exército, e a única que importava. Porque se você fosse apanhado os bastardos ou açoitavam-no até a morte ou reorganizavam suas costelas com balas de mosquete. E, de um jeito ou de outro, os abutres esbaldavam-se."
Hakeswill acaba sendo o grande vilão desse livro, fazendo de tudo para que Sharpe se ferre e seja expulso do exército/morto. O sargento acaba sendo um homem de humor extremo, mas de uma vontade maior ainda de acabar com a alegria dos homens. Dei algumas risadas com ele durante a leitura, mas na maior parte do tempo senti um ódio extremo e vontade de espancá-lo. hauhuahua
Narrado em 3ª pessoa por vários pontos de visto, mas principalmente o de Sharpe, essa obra começa com um ritmo bem cadenciado, apresentando ao leitor os vários personagens que integram o lado inglês e o lado do sultão Tipu, enquanto vamos nos acostumando com o vocabulário particular da época, principalmente no que se relaciona ao arsenal, como baionetas, alabardas, mosquetes e assim por diante. Tudo muito bem feito, afinal, Cornwell é um autor mestre em ficção histórica, mesmo que alguns acontecimentos narrados não sejam verídicos, onde Cornwell tomou uma certa liberdade para criá-los e tornar O Tigre de Sharpe uma ótima leitura sobre o período desbravado.
Quando eu pensava que o ritmo iria manter-se até o final, eis que novas perspectivas aparecem, começamos a entender as motivações dos personagens, principalmente Tipu, um homem a ser admirado até mesmo por seus inimigos, além das relações meio conturbadas que os muçulmanos e os hindus têm um com o outro, ameaçando o destino dos milhares de habitantes de Seringapatam.
E é dentro da fortaleza que Sharpe mostra o seu grande potencial como soldado, tomando decisões arriscadas e muitas vezes contradizendo um de seus próprios superiores, o que pode ser entendido inicialmente como um sinal de rebeldia, mas revela aos outros a sua excelente visão estratégica.
"Seus homens uivavam com ele. Estavam contagiados pela loucura de Baird. Nesse momento, enraivecidos pelo calor inclemente e embriagados pela araca e pelo rum bebido durante a longa espera nas trincheiras, os casacas vermelhas eram deuses da guerra. Ofertavam morte com impunidade, enquanto desciam uma muralha ensanguentada seguindo um escocês enlouquecido. Baird conquistaria esta cidade ou morreria em sua poeira."
Inicialmente focando mais nas estratégias nas estratégicas militares do que no desenvolvimento dos personagens, temos aqui uma boa opção para quem gosta do tema e quer algo agradável de se ler.
As partes finais de O Tigre de Sharpe são excelentes, com uma tensão crescendo envolvendo o destino de Richard Sharpe e seus companheiros mais próximos, todos ao alcance de Tipu, um líder militar que é reconhecido até hoje quando se fala sobre o período das Guerras Napoleônicas, sem contar que os seus famosos tigres estão presentes na narrativa, com um papel de grande destaque.
As Aventuras de Sharpe é uma série composta por mais de 20 livros, sendo que, lá fora, eles foram lançados em ordem não-cronológica, diferentemente daqui do Brasil, onde a editora Record resolveu publicá-los na ordem cronológica, o que eu imagino ser uma decisão que faz mais sentido.
Certamente lerei os volumes seguintes, pois Sharpe é um personagem característico de Cornwell, com muitas qualidades e vários defeitos, mas impossível de não gostar. E que venha o próximo!
November 8, 2014
This excellent historical novel is the first in a series about Richard Sharpe, a soldier in the British army in 1799. The army is setting out to attack a city in southern India. Unfortunately, the leader of the city, the Tippoo, has set up a brilliant trap to surprise the attackers.
Although Sharpe was a thief before joining the army, he is a very clever, intelligent, likable rogue. Nevertheless, Sharpe is bedeviled by a hateful, cowardly British sergeant. In the middle of a brutal flogging, Sharpe is unwittingly saved by a general, and ordered to join an officer to spy on the Indian city.
Once in the city, Sharpe and the officer pretend to be British deserters, and join a battalion of European soldiers. He finds that the commander, a French officer, is actually quite a compassionate, intelligent human being who treats his subordinates with dignity. This is in stark contrast with British officers, who treat their soldiers with contempt as sub-human cannon fodder.
This is a fine adventure story, filled with action and a big dose of violence. Bernard Cornwell tells a great story, one that closely follows the historical record. The story is quite believable, but at times becomes melodramatic, as coincidental events occur "just in time".
I didn't read this book--I listened to it as an audiobook. The narrator, Frederick Davidson, does a fantastic job bringing all of the characters to life. There are many accents; English, Irish, Scottish, Indian, and French--and Davidson plays them well in the numerous dialogues.
Although Sharpe was a thief before joining the army, he is a very clever, intelligent, likable rogue. Nevertheless, Sharpe is bedeviled by a hateful, cowardly British sergeant. In the middle of a brutal flogging, Sharpe is unwittingly saved by a general, and ordered to join an officer to spy on the Indian city.
Once in the city, Sharpe and the officer pretend to be British deserters, and join a battalion of European soldiers. He finds that the commander, a French officer, is actually quite a compassionate, intelligent human being who treats his subordinates with dignity. This is in stark contrast with British officers, who treat their soldiers with contempt as sub-human cannon fodder.
This is a fine adventure story, filled with action and a big dose of violence. Bernard Cornwell tells a great story, one that closely follows the historical record. The story is quite believable, but at times becomes melodramatic, as coincidental events occur "just in time".
I didn't read this book--I listened to it as an audiobook. The narrator, Frederick Davidson, does a fantastic job bringing all of the characters to life. There are many accents; English, Irish, Scottish, Indian, and French--and Davidson plays them well in the numerous dialogues.
September 28, 2021
Read this book in 2006, and its the 1st part, chronologically, of the great Richard Sharpe series, from the author, Bernard Cornwell.
Set in the year AD 1799, our main protagonist, Richard Sharpe, finds himself in India with the British forces under the tyrannical Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill.
When A British Officer gets captured by the Tippoo of Mysore's forces, private soldier Sharpe is called into action to rescue this Officer.
As a result of this undertaking Sharpe will enter a dangerous world of the Tippoo, and he will need all his wits and cunning to make this mission a success.
What will also feature for Sharpe and the British Army is the Siege of Seringapatam of AD 1799, and where the British will be successful in their endeavour under the leadership of a young Arthur Wellesley, later to become known as Lord Wellington, and other important senior officers.
Highly recommended, for this is a great start of a tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this first (chronologically) episode: "A Brilliant Sharpe Seringapatam Adventure"!
Set in the year AD 1799, our main protagonist, Richard Sharpe, finds himself in India with the British forces under the tyrannical Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill.
When A British Officer gets captured by the Tippoo of Mysore's forces, private soldier Sharpe is called into action to rescue this Officer.
As a result of this undertaking Sharpe will enter a dangerous world of the Tippoo, and he will need all his wits and cunning to make this mission a success.
What will also feature for Sharpe and the British Army is the Siege of Seringapatam of AD 1799, and where the British will be successful in their endeavour under the leadership of a young Arthur Wellesley, later to become known as Lord Wellington, and other important senior officers.
Highly recommended, for this is a great start of a tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this first (chronologically) episode: "A Brilliant Sharpe Seringapatam Adventure"!
February 21, 2018
There's no getting away from it, Bernard Cornwell knows how to mix fact and fiction together and successfully turn it into a highly entertaining adventure.
Richard Sharpe is to 1800's what Jack Reacher is the 2000's. A man not to be messed with, under any circumstances. The main difference between the two is, with Sharpe you also get a history lesson to help broaden your horizons.
Richard Sharpe is at heart a good guy but he is not above doing some skulduggery to improve his circumstances. For every hero there has to be a villain and the villain in Sharpe's life is sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, who for whatever reason, just loves to make Sharpe's life as miserable as possible.
This particular tale take place during the siege and successful capture of Srirangapatna which ended the rule of The Tippoo Sultan of Mysore. Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without the help of Private Richard Sharpe.
This is a highly entertaining history lesson and comes with a 4 star recommendation.
Richard Sharpe is to 1800's what Jack Reacher is the 2000's. A man not to be messed with, under any circumstances. The main difference between the two is, with Sharpe you also get a history lesson to help broaden your horizons.
Richard Sharpe is at heart a good guy but he is not above doing some skulduggery to improve his circumstances. For every hero there has to be a villain and the villain in Sharpe's life is sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, who for whatever reason, just loves to make Sharpe's life as miserable as possible.
This particular tale take place during the siege and successful capture of Srirangapatna which ended the rule of The Tippoo Sultan of Mysore. Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without the help of Private Richard Sharpe.
This is a highly entertaining history lesson and comes with a 4 star recommendation.
September 9, 2024
Voto = ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Questo romanzo d’avventure scritto da Bernard Cornwell nel 1997 è il primo di una lunga saga temporalmente ambientata tra fine ‘700 e inizi ‘800 ed ha come protagonista Richard Sharpe un giovane inglese che in questo primo episodio viene presentato come soldato semplice arruolato nelle truppe britanniche durante la guerra di conquista dell’India: Bernard Cornwell parte da una situazione realmente avvenuta ma, come ammette egli stesso nella conclusiva “nota storica” mescola abilmente storia e fantasia confezionando un prodotto che a me, che ho sempre apprezzato i romanzi storici, risulta essere una lettura apprezzabile e per certi versi entusiasmante, adatta alle vacanze estive.
Questo romanzo d’avventure scritto da Bernard Cornwell nel 1997 è il primo di una lunga saga temporalmente ambientata tra fine ‘700 e inizi ‘800 ed ha come protagonista Richard Sharpe un giovane inglese che in questo primo episodio viene presentato come soldato semplice arruolato nelle truppe britanniche durante la guerra di conquista dell’India: Bernard Cornwell parte da una situazione realmente avvenuta ma, come ammette egli stesso nella conclusiva “nota storica” mescola abilmente storia e fantasia confezionando un prodotto che a me, che ho sempre apprezzato i romanzi storici, risulta essere una lettura apprezzabile e per certi versi entusiasmante, adatta alle vacanze estive.
October 25, 2021
Cornwell created a character you can't help but like. He is a classic anti-hero with valid reasoning behind his actions. Sharpe is also willing to do anything to get the job done, even if it means leaving a loved one behind. But no main character can act alone and lucky for Sharpe he has some amazing supporting characters. Up first is Obadiah Hakeswill, a lowly educated psychopath who will betray everyone to progress in the army and stay alive. Then we have the British Officers who lord it over the common man and who seem to be more of a villain than the actual villain. Finally we have the Tippoo of Mysore, a completely ruthless dictator who refuses to stand down in the face of the British Military. He is an amazing character and has some of the best sidekicks in the book.
I suppose in part it’s that open honesty in Cornwell’s depiction that allows me to trust him to be my guide through this historical time and place. For the most part there’s little effort wasted on trying to show anyone as “wrong” or “right”. It simply was what it was.
The book doesn’t lack for adventure. Sharpe is not quite a superhero—certainly he’s not the brightest candle on the cake, but he’s a competent soldier, and when he gets riled up in a good cause he’s almost unbelievably good. But that’s the adventure aspect coming through, and it’s good fun.
An amazing start to the series and I highly recommend it. I am excited to see how Sharpe travels from India and the Rajah Wars to the end of the Napoleonic wars.
I suppose in part it’s that open honesty in Cornwell’s depiction that allows me to trust him to be my guide through this historical time and place. For the most part there’s little effort wasted on trying to show anyone as “wrong” or “right”. It simply was what it was.
The book doesn’t lack for adventure. Sharpe is not quite a superhero—certainly he’s not the brightest candle on the cake, but he’s a competent soldier, and when he gets riled up in a good cause he’s almost unbelievably good. But that’s the adventure aspect coming through, and it’s good fun.
An amazing start to the series and I highly recommend it. I am excited to see how Sharpe travels from India and the Rajah Wars to the end of the Napoleonic wars.
June 13, 2019
"My story is better, it has tigers" :D
4.5/5
4.5/5
July 24, 2023
*2nd read update: [enjoyed it just as much the second time around -- I listened to it over the course of the month with my mom, who ended up loving it to pieces as her first exposure to historical fiction and audiobooks. Rupert Farley is an absolute madman of a narrator]
What a rip-roaring start to my experience with Bernard Cornwell! This was the first time in 2 years I read fiction that wasn't sff, but it might as well have been since 1799 south India felt like a journey to a new world anyway.
I've been wary of trying more historical fiction ever since being bored to death by Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander, but I shouldn't have been so worried--Cornwell was engaging on every page! We never got bogged down with jargon or historical detail, as it was seamlessly included throughout the book which was instead more about the characters and a suspenseful plot.
This felt like I was reading a non sff First Law book -- chock full of colorful characters, many of whom are cynical pragmatists, with dialogue that jumps off the page with its liveliness and incredibly visceral and gritty violence. You also get POVs from lowly privates like Sharpe through the ranks of sergeants, captains, colonels, generals, to the Sultan of Mysore, and all were extremely distinctive.
What Cornwell did with Obadiah Hakeswill here is write the most odious villain I've ever read, and I wanted him to die a grisly death from chapter 1--it's something you won't believe until you experience it.
Cornwell wrote an essay afterward that talked about his time researching the location in India and about the changes he made from the historical record of the event--which mostly revolved around his fictional creation of Sharpe and the plot device that created a lot of suspense and an opportunity for heroics. I loved the plotting in this one so I appreciate the creative liberties he took and also the essay that explained them.
To finish up, I'd say that I was surprised with how much personality the young protagonist Sharpe had--he's a world-weary private from an orphan background, and he's not some personality-less cypher like many youngish protagonists. The siege and action in general did not disappoint, and I can tell this series is gonna be quite the incredible journey.
What a rip-roaring start to my experience with Bernard Cornwell! This was the first time in 2 years I read fiction that wasn't sff, but it might as well have been since 1799 south India felt like a journey to a new world anyway.
I've been wary of trying more historical fiction ever since being bored to death by Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander, but I shouldn't have been so worried--Cornwell was engaging on every page! We never got bogged down with jargon or historical detail, as it was seamlessly included throughout the book which was instead more about the characters and a suspenseful plot.
This felt like I was reading a non sff First Law book -- chock full of colorful characters, many of whom are cynical pragmatists, with dialogue that jumps off the page with its liveliness and incredibly visceral and gritty violence. You also get POVs from lowly privates like Sharpe through the ranks of sergeants, captains, colonels, generals, to the Sultan of Mysore, and all were extremely distinctive.
What Cornwell did with Obadiah Hakeswill here is write the most odious villain I've ever read, and I wanted him to die a grisly death from chapter 1--it's something you won't believe until you experience it.
Cornwell wrote an essay afterward that talked about his time researching the location in India and about the changes he made from the historical record of the event--which mostly revolved around his fictional creation of Sharpe and the plot device that created a lot of suspense and an opportunity for heroics. I loved the plotting in this one so I appreciate the creative liberties he took and also the essay that explained them.
To finish up, I'd say that I was surprised with how much personality the young protagonist Sharpe had--he's a world-weary private from an orphan background, and he's not some personality-less cypher like many youngish protagonists. The siege and action in general did not disappoint, and I can tell this series is gonna be quite the incredible journey.
February 12, 2021
Едва ли има каквато и да е изненада, че книгата ми хареса. Много ми хареса.
Шарп си е Шарп и макар малко да ме гложди, че започваме на български по хронологията на Шарп, а не по реда на писането (не за друго, ами незапознатите читатели дали ще се зарибят с приключенията на редник Шарп, вместо на Лейтенант, чисто по Юнг) съм страшно доволен.
Корнуел може да описва битки. При това този специфичен начин на водене на бой за епохата, който комбинира несъвършените огнестрелни оръжия с хладни такива. А превземането на крепоста беше музика.
Между другото в "Маратон" на Крисчън Камерън, която четох преди година, имаше чудесно описано превземането на Милет. Тогава го отдадох на миналото на автора като активен войник, но сега видях, че направо цели пасажи са нинджени от тази книга.
Както и да е, запознайте се с редник Шарп - английски сирак, който няма много други алтернативи освен да се запише в армията на Брутиш Емпайър и да ходи да мизерства в Индия. Там си има проблеми, свързани с жена - изненада... не. И за да отърве кожата (буквално) ще трябва да изпълни самоубийствена мисия (също почти буквално). Ама който е гледал филмите знае, че Шарп е машина.
Голям кеф, майсторът си е майстор.
Баси, май нищо не казах тука.
Все едно, благодарности на МЕто, че ми припомни книгите и филмите.
Шарп си е Шарп и макар малко да ме гложди, че започваме на български по хронологията на Шарп, а не по реда на писането (не за друго, ами незапознатите читатели дали ще се зарибят с приключенията на редник Шарп, вместо на Лейтенант, чисто по Юнг) съм страшно доволен.
Корнуел може да описва битки. При това този специфичен начин на водене на бой за епохата, който комбинира несъвършените огнестрелни оръжия с хладни такива. А превземането на крепоста беше музика.
Между другото в "Маратон" на Крисчън Камерън, която четох преди година, имаше чудесно описано превземането на Милет. Тогава го отдадох на миналото на автора като активен войник, но сега видях, че направо цели пасажи са нинджени от тази книга.
Както и да е, запознайте се с редник Шарп - английски сирак, който няма много други алтернативи освен да се запише в армията на Брутиш Емпайър и да ходи да мизерства в Индия. Там си има проблеми, свързани с жена - изненада... не. И за да отърве кожата (буквално) ще трябва да изпълни самоубийствена мисия (също почти буквално). Ама който е гледал филмите знае, че Шарп е машина.
Голям кеф, майсторът си е майстор.
Баси, май нищо не казах тука.
Все едно, благодарности на МЕто, че ми припомни книгите и филмите.
November 13, 2023
As I will be laid up in December, I have been looking for a "go-to" series that is long, and readable one after the other. Having read 2 other books by Cornwell, and enjoying them, I decided to give this one a go.
Richard Sharpe is a young English soldier, in the time of Britain's dominance in India. This prequel to the other books sets up Sharpe as a rough, determined man and introduces his nemesis Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill. Both characters are well flushed out and Hakeswill is one of the best "Dick Dastardly" characters that I have ever come across in my reading.
As I said, the story takes place in India, the year is 1799. The English are readying for the siege of Seringapatam, the final battle of the Mysore War. As in his other books, I have read, Cornwell's research effort shines through. This era is something I know little about and found myself using Google through out my reading (one of my favorites habits).
Sharpe and I are preparing for a long winter camp out, and although irritable about having another surgery I am at least looking forward to his company.
Richard Sharpe is a young English soldier, in the time of Britain's dominance in India. This prequel to the other books sets up Sharpe as a rough, determined man and introduces his nemesis Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill. Both characters are well flushed out and Hakeswill is one of the best "Dick Dastardly" characters that I have ever come across in my reading.
As I said, the story takes place in India, the year is 1799. The English are readying for the siege of Seringapatam, the final battle of the Mysore War. As in his other books, I have read, Cornwell's research effort shines through. This era is something I know little about and found myself using Google through out my reading (one of my favorites habits).
Sharpe and I are preparing for a long winter camp out, and although irritable about having another surgery I am at least looking forward to his company.
November 18, 2019
My brother introduced me to the Sharpe series such a long time ago and I read about half of the books in this series (sadly not in chronological order) with such enthusiasm and a burning desire to see what happens next that I even surprised myself. Richard Sharpe's adventures in the British army from 1799 onwards, the struggles, discrimination and the disappointments he faces as well as the enemies and friends he makes in his long career in the army was a compelling read. I even became a fan of the TV series with Sean Bean who played Sharp!
I can't wait to reread them this year, especially since I've forgotten most of the characters and many of the details in the plot (except the main ones) so It'll feel brand new. There are a whopping 21 books in this series so it'll take me a while to get through them all but I'm up for the challenge this year.
I can't wait to reread them this year, especially since I've forgotten most of the characters and many of the details in the plot (except the main ones) so It'll feel brand new. There are a whopping 21 books in this series so it'll take me a while to get through them all but I'm up for the challenge this year.
December 26, 2021
Set in 1799 in India during the Myesore invasion, Richard Sharpe is a private in the British army. He is given a mission by the commander. Sharpe and a lieutenant pose as deserters to infiltrate the Tippoo Sultan’s stronghold and bring back intelligence for the upcoming battle of Seringapatam.
This is a prequel to the Sharpe series. It introduces the reader to Sharpe’s personality and sets up one of his main opponents, Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill. The characters are easy to picture and are drawn in detail. The battle scenes are beautifully rendered. It contains a pleasing mix of characterization and action. Tigers are involved.
Cornwell adheres to the historic record. He informs the reader of the liberties he has taken in the Afterword, but they are few and they make sense. I have read and enjoyed other books by Cornwell, but this is my first about Sharpe. It is a great starting point and I look forward to reading more of the series.
This is a prequel to the Sharpe series. It introduces the reader to Sharpe’s personality and sets up one of his main opponents, Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill. The characters are easy to picture and are drawn in detail. The battle scenes are beautifully rendered. It contains a pleasing mix of characterization and action. Tigers are involved.
Cornwell adheres to the historic record. He informs the reader of the liberties he has taken in the Afterword, but they are few and they make sense. I have read and enjoyed other books by Cornwell, but this is my first about Sharpe. It is a great starting point and I look forward to reading more of the series.
October 29, 2018
Преди да се прочуе (още повече) с „Игра на тронове” и „Властелинът на пръстените”, Шон Бийн вече отдавна се беше превърнал в мой любимец с ролята си в един друг военен епос. Преди Едард Старк, преди Боромир, Шон Бийн беше Шарп, коравият, но и човечен английски войник, преживял безброй приключения по времето на Наполеоновите войни. Предвид колко добре беше приет сериалът за Шарп у нас и колко много зрители все още си го спомнят, цяло чудо е, че до сега у нас така и не се бяха появили и романите на Бърнард Корнуел, по които е създадена ТВ поредицата. От изд. „Унискорп” обаче са се захванали със задачата да поправят тази грешка! И началото е вече тук – „Историите на Шарп – книга 1: Тигърът на Шарп”. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
December 4, 2013
A rousing 4 Stars
Sharpe's Tiger , my first foray into the world of Bernard Cornwell, was a success! The story is filled with interesting characters, an exotic locale and exciting action and espionage all set against the background of a British Army Battalion in 1799.
Characters
In reading other reviews, some readers complained that the characters were flat and one-dimensional. I have to respectfully disagree. While the characters may not be developed to point you may find in a Tana French novel, there is sufficient development of the major players for the reader to be concerned about their well being and keep the cheering for their safety (or death).
The main character, Richard Sharpe, is more on an anti-hero. Unlike the majority of characters of HF novels focusing on British Army, Richard Sharpe is not paralysed by his sense of morality. Given that he does not automatically choose "the high road" this leads to more satisfying plot turns.
Setting
The setting is India in 1799. The British Army is at war with the Tippo, a Muslim Leader in a Hindu nation, for the purpose of securing their trade routes and keeping the French at bay. I have read many novels set in this period but this is first set in India. Personally, I found the setting to be both intriguing and exotic. The setting provided an interesting mix of Christian, Hindu and Muslim elements. This alone provided an interesting mix of plot points and characters.
Plot
In short, a former thief and would-be deserter, Richard Sharpe, finds himself given an opportunity to literally save his hide. In saving his hide, he is forced to put in right back into danger by accepting a mission from his commanding officers that if both important to the war at hand and, by all accounts, likely bound for failure. The story is in part Historical Fiction Espionage and Historical Fiction Action Adventure.
The reason my rating was only 4 stars is the story takes a while to get off the ground. At the 1/3 point, the book was about 3 stars. One Sharpe makes his deal that will seal his fate, the excitement level increased substantially.
There are elements of the story that are not for the faint of heart. The descriptions of violence are more graphic than many other such HF novels. There are scenes of floggings, gun battles and public executions that have liberal descriptions of blood and various crunching sounds.
Overall, an exciting book and great start to the series. I am looking forward to reading on.
Sharpe's Tiger , my first foray into the world of Bernard Cornwell, was a success! The story is filled with interesting characters, an exotic locale and exciting action and espionage all set against the background of a British Army Battalion in 1799.
Characters
In reading other reviews, some readers complained that the characters were flat and one-dimensional. I have to respectfully disagree. While the characters may not be developed to point you may find in a Tana French novel, there is sufficient development of the major players for the reader to be concerned about their well being and keep the cheering for their safety (or death).
The main character, Richard Sharpe, is more on an anti-hero. Unlike the majority of characters of HF novels focusing on British Army, Richard Sharpe is not paralysed by his sense of morality. Given that he does not automatically choose "the high road" this leads to more satisfying plot turns.
Setting
The setting is India in 1799. The British Army is at war with the Tippo, a Muslim Leader in a Hindu nation, for the purpose of securing their trade routes and keeping the French at bay. I have read many novels set in this period but this is first set in India. Personally, I found the setting to be both intriguing and exotic. The setting provided an interesting mix of Christian, Hindu and Muslim elements. This alone provided an interesting mix of plot points and characters.
Plot
In short, a former thief and would-be deserter, Richard Sharpe, finds himself given an opportunity to literally save his hide. In saving his hide, he is forced to put in right back into danger by accepting a mission from his commanding officers that if both important to the war at hand and, by all accounts, likely bound for failure. The story is in part Historical Fiction Espionage and Historical Fiction Action Adventure.
The reason my rating was only 4 stars is the story takes a while to get off the ground. At the 1/3 point, the book was about 3 stars. One Sharpe makes his deal that will seal his fate, the excitement level increased substantially.
There are elements of the story that are not for the faint of heart. The descriptions of violence are more graphic than many other such HF novels. There are scenes of floggings, gun battles and public executions that have liberal descriptions of blood and various crunching sounds.
Overall, an exciting book and great start to the series. I am looking forward to reading on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,395 reviews