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Sharpe #13
Sharpe's Company
Captain Richard Sharpe has to lead the attack on the terrible fortress.
It is a hard winter. For Richard Sharpe it is the worst he can remember. He has lost command to a man who could buy the promotion Sharpe covets. His oldest enemy, the ruthless and indestructible Hakeswill, joins the regiment and he is a man with a mission to ruin Sharpe.
But Sharpe is determined to change his luck. The only way - a desperate choice - is to volunteer the Forlorn Hope, to lead the attack on the impregnable fortress town of Badajoz, a road to almost certain death or, just possibly, to heroic glory.
Soldier, hero, rogue - Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.
It is a hard winter. For Richard Sharpe it is the worst he can remember. He has lost command to a man who could buy the promotion Sharpe covets. His oldest enemy, the ruthless and indestructible Hakeswill, joins the regiment and he is a man with a mission to ruin Sharpe.
But Sharpe is determined to change his luck. The only way - a desperate choice - is to volunteer the Forlorn Hope, to lead the attack on the impregnable fortress town of Badajoz, a road to almost certain death or, just possibly, to heroic glory.
Soldier, hero, rogue - Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.
343 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 1982
464 people are currently reading
2758 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.2k 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
July 30, 2024
Rifleman risen from the ranks, Officer Richard Sharpe is the sort of ill-mannered, pissed off soldier to do any dirty work that needs doing. The Battle of Badajoz in 1812 Spain looks to be just the kind of dirty work our hero was made for!
Most of the time, Sharpe is at odds with his commanding officers or anyone who ranks above him in anyway really, but this time he has a friend in Colonel Lawford. Of course, Lawford is knocked out of the picture. That's how Cornwell rolls. Get used to it. Nothing is made easy for Sharpe and having too many friends, especially influential ones, is too great an asset for a main character meant to be consistently shat upon.
And as if losing Lawford isn't enough, an old enemy returns to haunt Sharpe's every waking hour. This guy is the sort of evil you love to hate and is one of my favorite characters in the whole series.
AND AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, Sharpe must also defend his woman. I say "his woman" because this is just that kind of macho. But fear not, my femies, Teresa is a badass and tougher than most of the dudes. But yeah, Cornwell really loves to pile it on poor ol' Sharpy.
Regardless of the hero's woes, these books are just flat out fun!
Most of the time, Sharpe is at odds with his commanding officers or anyone who ranks above him in anyway really, but this time he has a friend in Colonel Lawford. Of course, Lawford is knocked out of the picture. That's how Cornwell rolls. Get used to it. Nothing is made easy for Sharpe and having too many friends, especially influential ones, is too great an asset for a main character meant to be consistently shat upon.
And as if losing Lawford isn't enough, an old enemy returns to haunt Sharpe's every waking hour. This guy is the sort of evil you love to hate and is one of my favorite characters in the whole series.
AND AS IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, Sharpe must also defend his woman. I say "his woman" because this is just that kind of macho. But fear not, my femies, Teresa is a badass and tougher than most of the dudes. But yeah, Cornwell really loves to pile it on poor ol' Sharpy.
Regardless of the hero's woes, these books are just flat out fun!
October 21, 2025
This eventful historical adventure is the 13th volume of the "Richard Sharpe" series.
At the front of the book you'll a well-drawn map of Spain and Portugal with Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz as the main objectives, and a map of the Siege of Badajoz March-April 1812, as well as a short quote by William Shakespeare.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Historical Note, where the well researched historical details concerning this story are wonderfully documented.
The book is divided into four parts, starting from January 1812 and ending in April 1812.
The first smaller part of the book is about the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812, while the bigger second part will encompass the Siege of Badajoz that will be fought from March until 7th April 1812, and although both Sieges are greatly pictured and described by the author, they will cause many casualties to both victor and defeated.
Due to incoming new commissioned officers with money, now again Lieutenant Richard Sharpe in between horrific and lethal Sieges will have to face humiliation and become frustrated at times because of this system, he will still do his duty out of loyalty to his men and country, while also an adversary of old namely, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, will make Richard Sharpe's life a misery as well as his Company due the man's cruelty and thieving, and that will come to a head in Badajoz itself in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Loyal Fighting Company"!
At the front of the book you'll a well-drawn map of Spain and Portugal with Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz as the main objectives, and a map of the Siege of Badajoz March-April 1812, as well as a short quote by William Shakespeare.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Historical Note, where the well researched historical details concerning this story are wonderfully documented.
The book is divided into four parts, starting from January 1812 and ending in April 1812.
The first smaller part of the book is about the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812, while the bigger second part will encompass the Siege of Badajoz that will be fought from March until 7th April 1812, and although both Sieges are greatly pictured and described by the author, they will cause many casualties to both victor and defeated.
Due to incoming new commissioned officers with money, now again Lieutenant Richard Sharpe in between horrific and lethal Sieges will have to face humiliation and become frustrated at times because of this system, he will still do his duty out of loyalty to his men and country, while also an adversary of old namely, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, will make Richard Sharpe's life a misery as well as his Company due the man's cruelty and thieving, and that will come to a head in Badajoz itself in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Loyal Fighting Company"!
February 18, 2019
Number 13 in the Richard Sharpe series.
The siege of Badajoz from January to April 1812.
Of all the conflicts during the Peninsular Wars the taking of Badajoz by the British army was right up there in acts of great heroism. But sadly the acts of rape and pillage done at the hands of the victorious British army to the citizens of Badajoz were of such depravity it was also one of its lowest points.
In this tale Richard Sharpe get demoted from Captain back to Lieutenant. Sharpe feels like he has been kicked in the guts, once again, by the ruling elite. Sharpe is held in awe by most of his men but as he came from the gutters of London most of the upper echelon officers despise him for being of such low birth. To make matters worse, Sharpe is reunited with his arch nemesis ‘Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill’. Where ever Obadiah goes trouble inevitably follows as Sharpe knows only too well. When Sharpe was only a private Obadiah was responsible for Sharpe receiving 150 strokes of the lash, scars that Sharpe carries to this day.
One of the better things that happen is that Sharpe finds out that he is father. A daughter, the only other person in the world that carries his blood line and to say he is overjoyed would be an understatement. Trouble is brewing; Obadiah has seen the beautiful Mrs. Sharpe and wants her and come what may he will have her, Richard Sharpe or no Richard Sharpe.
So, between the take the of bastion of Badajoz and trying to keep his daughter and wife safe from Obadiah Hakeswill, Richard Sharpe and his company of men are in for one hell of a fight.
As usual with all Bernard Cornwell’s book the history is illuminating and the story is highly entertaining.
Highly recommended 5/5 stars.
The siege of Badajoz from January to April 1812.
Of all the conflicts during the Peninsular Wars the taking of Badajoz by the British army was right up there in acts of great heroism. But sadly the acts of rape and pillage done at the hands of the victorious British army to the citizens of Badajoz were of such depravity it was also one of its lowest points.
In this tale Richard Sharpe get demoted from Captain back to Lieutenant. Sharpe feels like he has been kicked in the guts, once again, by the ruling elite. Sharpe is held in awe by most of his men but as he came from the gutters of London most of the upper echelon officers despise him for being of such low birth. To make matters worse, Sharpe is reunited with his arch nemesis ‘Sgt. Obadiah Hakeswill’. Where ever Obadiah goes trouble inevitably follows as Sharpe knows only too well. When Sharpe was only a private Obadiah was responsible for Sharpe receiving 150 strokes of the lash, scars that Sharpe carries to this day.
One of the better things that happen is that Sharpe finds out that he is father. A daughter, the only other person in the world that carries his blood line and to say he is overjoyed would be an understatement. Trouble is brewing; Obadiah has seen the beautiful Mrs. Sharpe and wants her and come what may he will have her, Richard Sharpe or no Richard Sharpe.
So, between the take the of bastion of Badajoz and trying to keep his daughter and wife safe from Obadiah Hakeswill, Richard Sharpe and his company of men are in for one hell of a fight.
As usual with all Bernard Cornwell’s book the history is illuminating and the story is highly entertaining.
Highly recommended 5/5 stars.
October 9, 2025
Книга за преломен в живота и кариерата на Шарп момент.
Британската армия обсажда Бадахос, ключова крепост за изтласкването на френските войски от Испания. Няма време и трябва да се действа бързо и дори безрасъдно!
Временната заповед за капитански чин дадена му от Уелингтън е отхвърлена в Англия и той отново е лейтенант и губи ротата си.
Очаква го среща с Тереза, а за капак се появява сержант Обадая Хейксуил, който разговаря с фуражката си денонощно! :)
Една от най-добрите части от поредицата до тук!
Британската армия обсажда Бадахос, ключова крепост за изтласкването на френските войски от Испания. Няма време и трябва да се действа бързо и дори безрасъдно!
Временната заповед за капитански чин дадена му от Уелингтън е отхвърлена в Англия и той отново е лейтенант и губи ротата си.
Очаква го среща с Тереза, а за капак се появява сержант Обадая Хейксуил, който разговаря с фуражката си денонощно! :)
Една от най-добрите части от поредицата до тук!
September 17, 2015
Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Badajoz, Spring 1812.
I have been reading the Sharpe books in chronological order, and I believe my decision is both helping me understand the evolution of the main character better, and putting a brake on my enjoyment when I come across some earlier written books ( I believe this is the third in publication order) that don't quite reach the high standards I expect from Bernard Cornwell. Sharpe's Company is both a bit simplistic, unsophisticated and an important turning point in the career of Sharpe during the Napoleonic Wars.
One criticism I have often felt like making about Richard Sharpe is that he is too much a Gary Stu, the embodiment of the perfect soldier, risen from the bottom of the military ladder through his courage, skill and a hefty dose of luck. In the opening pages of the present episode, Cornwell decided at last to give a little more depth to his hero, making Sharpe question his own bravery as he looks at the imposing stoneworks of the besieged cities of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. Does he have what it takes to lead a "Forlorn Hope" against a heavily defended breach in the walls, knowing that the chances of survival for the first troops in the attack are close to nil?
The decision is made for Sharpe when his temporary promotion to Captain is revoked by the bureaucrats in London. His pride demands nothing less that a quick reinstatement for bravery in battle, meaning that he MUST be there in the breach, leading the attack. An added aggravation is the return of his personal Nemesis from the time he served in the Indian Campaigns. Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill comes back to the regiment together with a new batch of superior officers who know nothing of Sharpe and who despise him for his modest origins. Hakeswill may be the most repulsive and devious adversary in the whole of Sharpe's career, and this novel showcases the reasons why. Very soon Sharpe is accused unjustly of incompetence and his best friend, Sergeant Harper is whipped in front of the troops for thieving, mirroring an incident from the very first Sharpe book ( Sharpe's Tiger )
Regarding the turning point in the career of Sharpe, the troubles with his Captaincy and with the ill will from Hakeswill, are only one side of the coin. On the other side, one of his former girfriends returns to him, and brings news.
Bernard Cornwell does one thing extremely well, and that is bringing to life famous battles by mixing historical detail with fictional characters. A quick check of online resources proves that most of the facts surrounding the bloody siege of the fortified city of Badajoz are accurate. The novel is one of the shortest in the series, but it makes in intensity what it lacks in bulk. Almost 5000 British soldiers died in the rushed and poorly prepared attack against the well defended French position, and Cornwell, through the eyes of Sharpe, puts the reader right in the middle of the carnage.
The aftermath of the battle though serves to remind me that the author doesn't need to claim the objectivity of the historian in the way he presents the tale, and it is pretty clear to me which team he plays for. Many British consider Badajoz one of the finest example of the bravery of their troops, but for the civilians in the city the so-called "liberators" are bunch of out-of-control drunkards, rapists and looters. Cornwell knows very well that the end of the siege saw almost as many civilians killed as soldiers trapped in the breach, and several times in the novel he tries to find excuses for the mob behaviour and to play down what by any definition of the word is a war crime. He couldn't leave out the details of the out of control mob that buned and pillaged the city for three days, while Wellington and his officers waited outside, but he repeatedly tries to argue that:
- everybody does it in war
- that the 'boys' were angry for the heavy losses they suffered
- that many of the common soldiers were criminals in England who found a way to escape prison by joining the army
- that the officers could do nothing to discipline their men
and so on ...
These arguments leave bitter aftertaste in my mouth, and taint all the glory that Richard Sharpe gains by his actions in the siege,
I will continue to read the Sharpe series, after all I'm almost two thirds through, but I don't think I will be tempted to keep the books for re-reads. I consider the Warlord and the Saxon books better examples of the talent of the author.
October 15, 2021
I have really enjoyed this ceries. I recommend it to all.
February 21, 2020
Probably the best of the early series. The streamlined plot focuses on the historical fact and how Sharpe contributes to them. Cornwell charatezation stands out. With Teresa, Harper, and the evil Sargent Hakeswill all adding memorable plot points. Sharpe through a bit unfair of military bueracracy is striped of his captaincy and company. Both are turned over to a high born man who lawfully bought the captaincy. This gives our boy Sharpe the righteous anger that makes his character so compelling. You feel bad for captain Rymer because he is in over his head and has the nightmarish Sharpe watching him. He is not the son of privalege Sharpe usually rails against. He is almost at the mercy of the system as is Sharpe the system is the enemy . And of course Hakeswill is the enemy. As the best villian of the series the man that can't be killed is totally over the top evil. Harper is flogged due to the sceeming Hakeswill and is also stripped of rank. He is there when Sharpe needs him most. Teresa is the best female character in the series period. Sharpe has to enter the bloody breech of Badajoz not only for pride but to protect Teresa and his baby from Hakeswill the finally is heart stopping suspense. Sharpe's company is as trillingly suspenseful as any in the series!
February 6, 2025
In William McRaven's book Make Your Bed is a lesson about accepting life is unfair and moving on. Richard Sharpe sees much unfairness as command of his unit is sold to an unqualified commander who is manipulated by his old enemy: Sargent Hakeswill. The sociopathic Obadiah Hakeswill has what you call the Devil's Luck because he has gotten away with many evil deeds over the years. What makes the man really vile is how he delights in brutalizing his men, rape, theft, attempted murder, and successfully blaming others for his crimes. Sharpe decides to soldier on as his unit participates in the siege of Badajoz and the writer describes the siege in a manner worthy of a great novelist. What really resonated with me was how the common soldiers suffered under social injustice in the war and at home under the British class system.
November 11, 2022
Holy guacamole. This slim sub-300 page book packs more of a punch than most of the epic fantasy books I've read at double or triple its size. Cornwell is a master of writing sieges, and this book has 2 harrowing ones to bookend the proceedings. If you want to experience what it's like to storm a well-defended fortress, this book will transport you there with the full sensory and emotional experience.
If the sieges aren't enough for you, to carry the middle of the narrative the personal drama of Sharpe and his position in the army is as taut with tension as it's ever been.
There was not a wasted page or a wasted sentence in this one, and I was utterly gripped to the page -- this feels like a return to the earlier India Sharpe books which just had an electricity to them that maybe was not present in a bunch of the other middle books of the series I've been reading recently.
This has me PUMPED to continue onward toward Waterloo and beyond!
If the sieges aren't enough for you, to carry the middle of the narrative the personal drama of Sharpe and his position in the army is as taut with tension as it's ever been.
There was not a wasted page or a wasted sentence in this one, and I was utterly gripped to the page -- this feels like a return to the earlier India Sharpe books which just had an electricity to them that maybe was not present in a bunch of the other middle books of the series I've been reading recently.
This has me PUMPED to continue onward toward Waterloo and beyond!
October 31, 2014
Sharpe's Company is the third of Bernard Cornwell's initial series of historical novels about daring British rifleman Richard Sharpe.
For new readers to the series, Sharpe was born in the gutters of London -- an orphan who had to fight and scrape his way out of his bleak world and into the ranks of the British army during the Napoleonic campaigns in Portugal and Spain (the Peninsular War). Napoleon would later refer to this on-going conflict with Wellington’s army as his “Spanish ulcer”.
An early fortuitous encounter with Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) at the Battle of Assaye sets Sharpe on a course that would take him from India, Denmark, Portugal and Spain into France itself. Sharpe is part of an elite company of rifleman – selected as his “Chosen Men” -- who proudly wear their green jackets instead of the redcoats. As skirmishers, they are often at the front of any conflict and use the new Baker rifles with deadly accuracy.
Sharpe saved the future duke’s life at Assaye and his reward was to be raised from the ranks. Sharpe’s misfortune is that he wasn’t born a gentleman. In the strictly hierarchical society of 19th century England, a man raised from the ranks was rare and even scandalous in the eyes of the proper officers of the battalion. It was assumed a ranker could never adjust to the ways and manners of his betters.
Sharpe is often in the thick of the action throughout the series and the Siege of Badajoz in 1812 provides him with such an opportunity.
The novel begins with Sharpe’s frustrating visit to Whitehall to check if his promotion to captain was confirmed. He would learn that, safe in England, the bureaucrats cared little for his exploits on faraway battlefields. He was the Hero of the Field of Talavera and captured a French Eagle battle standard, a formidable deed. He was toasted briefly by London’s high society, but these past glories mean nothing to either the government clerks who misplaced his information or to the powerful men on both sides of the English Channel who are running the war.
His ally, Lieutenant-Colonel Lawford, is seriously injured at Ciudad Rodrigo and Sharpe loses his only influential supporter in the South Essex, the fictional regiment that is now home to Sharpe. Sharpe is too proud to seek intervention from Wellington despite the duke’s appreciation for his services in the battlefield. The new commander Windham is likeable enough, but like many officers, he feels that Sharpe is out of his element and doesn’t fit in with the Officers’ Mess.
Sharpe’s promotion to captain has been refused. His company now has a new captain and he finds himself as a lieutenant again and a quartermaster, counting pickaxes and shovels. They are necessary tools for the siege, but Sharpe does not see it this way. It is not soldier’s work and he repeatedly requests to lead a Forlorn Hope – the first men in the breach, with a high probability of death. They would spring the fortress defences and traps (with their lives!), clearing the way for the attackers to pour into the city. Surviving a Forlorn Hope could confirm his captaincy.
Sharpe has other motivations too. His future wife, Teresa Moreno, has a new daughter in Badajoz. His daughter. The baby is ill and, if the fortress falls, Sharpe must ensure their safety for the aftermath of any siege is drunkenness, lawlessness, destruction and pillage. To the victors go the spoils and the city will be in chaos if Sharpe doesn’t reach her first. He must be first into the breach, into Badajoz – for his career, for his new family and for a soldier’s pride in accomplishing the impossible.
Badajoz is one of two great fortresses that guard the Portuguese-Spanish border. The other, Ciudad Rodrigo, was captured in January 1812 with fewer casualties than expected and many in the army naively believe that Badajoz would be just as easy. The rank-and-file know better. It is they who must jump into the mined and spiked ditches, they who must face the withering fire of cannon, canister and enemy muskets. Wellington must secure the fortress to pursue his campaign into Spain against the French and they all know that the price will be many lives. Wellington does not like sieges and must wait for the engineers to declare any breach in the wall as practicable: capable of being scaled by infantry.
It is a historical novel but don’t let this dissuade you. There is plenty of action and intrigue, even though a Wikipedia search can tell you how the siege ended. Cornwell tells the story such a way that you feel like you are in the trenches with the South Essex, with victory a fleeting hope and death one bayonet or musket shot away.
It is an adventure with plenty of interesting characters that drive the dramatic moments. Cornwell creates a unique cast of characters and you’ll meet them in Sharpe’s Company, including the new commander Windham, Sharpe’s sidekick the Irishman Patrick Harper, Spanish partisan girlfriend Teresa, engineer-spymaster Hogan, the cynical loyalist American officer Leroy and the rank-and-file soldiers who form the backbone of the South Essex.
Cornwell also excels in creating memorable antagonists – all the best heroes must have an equally convincing foil -- and none are as terrifying and evil as Obadiah Hakeswill. When Sharpe was in the ranks, Hakeswill framed him for a crime in India that resulted in a flogging. Hakeswell’s return to the battalion presents another challenge to the recently-demoted Sharpe. If Hakeswill is allowed to manipulate both officers and the common soldiers and poison the regiment with mistrust and fear, the South Essex could be broken from within.
The novel may be set in a 200-year old conflict – the British won at Waterloo, no surprises here – but Richard Sharpe is one of the most relatable fictional heroes. We’ve all found ourselves faced with insurmountable odds: at work, at home, among colleagues, with friends and even with enemies or competitors. He is an everyman hero, who, despite the obstacles of his birth, the indifference of his employer, his own endearing self-doubt and the scheming of his rivals and enemies, he can still dust off his green jacket, fire three rounds a minute, fight like a demon and (occasionally) win the girl in the end.
In a modern world where it seems no one keeps his word, money talks above merit and injustice goes unanswered, Sharpe represents a comfort -- a harkening back to an age where honour, duty, loyalty and doing what is right held more value. They meant something more than some 21st-century marketing punch lines or catch phrases. Sharpe lives his life by them.
I first discovered the Sharpe novels after watching the 1990’s ITV series of Sharpe TV movies based on them.
It’s an addictive series for binge-readers – why not start during the Christmas break? Follow Sharpe from his lowly private days in India to the glorious field at Waterloo in time for the battle’s 200th anniversary next June. Or you can start with this one -- it’s one of the best in the series. It's also acceptable to envision Sharpe as actor Sean Bean when you read them.
Millennials might think that Bean launched his career as Boromir in Lord of the Rings or as Eddard Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Some may even remember him as the villainous 006 in the James Bond flick Goldeneye. There are also the (inaccurate) viral internet memes that suggest that he dies in everything he’s ever starred in. He dies in plenty of them -- but let me put this meme to rest. There is one character he’s played that escapes this alleged curse.
The role that defined him, the one that made him an international name is Sharpe. And as any fan of Sharpe novels knows, he can never die. The TV series itself inspired the author to write more Sharpe novels and there were even two additional Sharpe TV movies made in 2006 and 2008. And, spoiler alert, he doesn’t die in them either.
Sharpe’s Company has everything you’d expect in a Napoleonic-era adventure novel, but Cornwell tells it better and with more style and verve than anyone in the business. Many historical novelists look to the Sharpe series as a standard to aspire to. These accolades are well-earned.
This novel would be a great way for a new reader to enter the world of Richard Sharpe.
For new readers to the series, Sharpe was born in the gutters of London -- an orphan who had to fight and scrape his way out of his bleak world and into the ranks of the British army during the Napoleonic campaigns in Portugal and Spain (the Peninsular War). Napoleon would later refer to this on-going conflict with Wellington’s army as his “Spanish ulcer”.
An early fortuitous encounter with Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) at the Battle of Assaye sets Sharpe on a course that would take him from India, Denmark, Portugal and Spain into France itself. Sharpe is part of an elite company of rifleman – selected as his “Chosen Men” -- who proudly wear their green jackets instead of the redcoats. As skirmishers, they are often at the front of any conflict and use the new Baker rifles with deadly accuracy.
Sharpe saved the future duke’s life at Assaye and his reward was to be raised from the ranks. Sharpe’s misfortune is that he wasn’t born a gentleman. In the strictly hierarchical society of 19th century England, a man raised from the ranks was rare and even scandalous in the eyes of the proper officers of the battalion. It was assumed a ranker could never adjust to the ways and manners of his betters.
Sharpe is often in the thick of the action throughout the series and the Siege of Badajoz in 1812 provides him with such an opportunity.
The novel begins with Sharpe’s frustrating visit to Whitehall to check if his promotion to captain was confirmed. He would learn that, safe in England, the bureaucrats cared little for his exploits on faraway battlefields. He was the Hero of the Field of Talavera and captured a French Eagle battle standard, a formidable deed. He was toasted briefly by London’s high society, but these past glories mean nothing to either the government clerks who misplaced his information or to the powerful men on both sides of the English Channel who are running the war.
His ally, Lieutenant-Colonel Lawford, is seriously injured at Ciudad Rodrigo and Sharpe loses his only influential supporter in the South Essex, the fictional regiment that is now home to Sharpe. Sharpe is too proud to seek intervention from Wellington despite the duke’s appreciation for his services in the battlefield. The new commander Windham is likeable enough, but like many officers, he feels that Sharpe is out of his element and doesn’t fit in with the Officers’ Mess.
Sharpe’s promotion to captain has been refused. His company now has a new captain and he finds himself as a lieutenant again and a quartermaster, counting pickaxes and shovels. They are necessary tools for the siege, but Sharpe does not see it this way. It is not soldier’s work and he repeatedly requests to lead a Forlorn Hope – the first men in the breach, with a high probability of death. They would spring the fortress defences and traps (with their lives!), clearing the way for the attackers to pour into the city. Surviving a Forlorn Hope could confirm his captaincy.
Sharpe has other motivations too. His future wife, Teresa Moreno, has a new daughter in Badajoz. His daughter. The baby is ill and, if the fortress falls, Sharpe must ensure their safety for the aftermath of any siege is drunkenness, lawlessness, destruction and pillage. To the victors go the spoils and the city will be in chaos if Sharpe doesn’t reach her first. He must be first into the breach, into Badajoz – for his career, for his new family and for a soldier’s pride in accomplishing the impossible.
Badajoz is one of two great fortresses that guard the Portuguese-Spanish border. The other, Ciudad Rodrigo, was captured in January 1812 with fewer casualties than expected and many in the army naively believe that Badajoz would be just as easy. The rank-and-file know better. It is they who must jump into the mined and spiked ditches, they who must face the withering fire of cannon, canister and enemy muskets. Wellington must secure the fortress to pursue his campaign into Spain against the French and they all know that the price will be many lives. Wellington does not like sieges and must wait for the engineers to declare any breach in the wall as practicable: capable of being scaled by infantry.
It is a historical novel but don’t let this dissuade you. There is plenty of action and intrigue, even though a Wikipedia search can tell you how the siege ended. Cornwell tells the story such a way that you feel like you are in the trenches with the South Essex, with victory a fleeting hope and death one bayonet or musket shot away.
It is an adventure with plenty of interesting characters that drive the dramatic moments. Cornwell creates a unique cast of characters and you’ll meet them in Sharpe’s Company, including the new commander Windham, Sharpe’s sidekick the Irishman Patrick Harper, Spanish partisan girlfriend Teresa, engineer-spymaster Hogan, the cynical loyalist American officer Leroy and the rank-and-file soldiers who form the backbone of the South Essex.
Cornwell also excels in creating memorable antagonists – all the best heroes must have an equally convincing foil -- and none are as terrifying and evil as Obadiah Hakeswill. When Sharpe was in the ranks, Hakeswill framed him for a crime in India that resulted in a flogging. Hakeswell’s return to the battalion presents another challenge to the recently-demoted Sharpe. If Hakeswill is allowed to manipulate both officers and the common soldiers and poison the regiment with mistrust and fear, the South Essex could be broken from within.
The novel may be set in a 200-year old conflict – the British won at Waterloo, no surprises here – but Richard Sharpe is one of the most relatable fictional heroes. We’ve all found ourselves faced with insurmountable odds: at work, at home, among colleagues, with friends and even with enemies or competitors. He is an everyman hero, who, despite the obstacles of his birth, the indifference of his employer, his own endearing self-doubt and the scheming of his rivals and enemies, he can still dust off his green jacket, fire three rounds a minute, fight like a demon and (occasionally) win the girl in the end.
In a modern world where it seems no one keeps his word, money talks above merit and injustice goes unanswered, Sharpe represents a comfort -- a harkening back to an age where honour, duty, loyalty and doing what is right held more value. They meant something more than some 21st-century marketing punch lines or catch phrases. Sharpe lives his life by them.
I first discovered the Sharpe novels after watching the 1990’s ITV series of Sharpe TV movies based on them.
It’s an addictive series for binge-readers – why not start during the Christmas break? Follow Sharpe from his lowly private days in India to the glorious field at Waterloo in time for the battle’s 200th anniversary next June. Or you can start with this one -- it’s one of the best in the series. It's also acceptable to envision Sharpe as actor Sean Bean when you read them.
Millennials might think that Bean launched his career as Boromir in Lord of the Rings or as Eddard Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Some may even remember him as the villainous 006 in the James Bond flick Goldeneye. There are also the (inaccurate) viral internet memes that suggest that he dies in everything he’s ever starred in. He dies in plenty of them -- but let me put this meme to rest. There is one character he’s played that escapes this alleged curse.
The role that defined him, the one that made him an international name is Sharpe. And as any fan of Sharpe novels knows, he can never die. The TV series itself inspired the author to write more Sharpe novels and there were even two additional Sharpe TV movies made in 2006 and 2008. And, spoiler alert, he doesn’t die in them either.
Sharpe’s Company has everything you’d expect in a Napoleonic-era adventure novel, but Cornwell tells it better and with more style and verve than anyone in the business. Many historical novelists look to the Sharpe series as a standard to aspire to. These accolades are well-earned.
This novel would be a great way for a new reader to enter the world of Richard Sharpe.
August 28, 2025
Another great addition to Bernard Cornwell’s thrilling series. It plunges you straight into the brutal siege of Badajoz, capturing the chaos, courage, and sheer terror of Napoleonic warfare. Cornwell’s writing is razor-sharp, pulling you into the mud, smoke, and blood of battle. What I love most here is the way the story balances relentless action with personal stakes—Sharpe’s struggle to secure his commission, his fierce loyalty to his men, and the return of the sinister Hakeswill make this unforgettable. The supporting cast, from Harper to Teresa, bring warmth and depth, giving the book heart as well as grit. A perfect blend of history, drama, and adventure—Cornwell at his very best. A truly outstanding read.
November 12, 2019
Richard Sharpe. He kills Frenchies in the field. He kills Frenchies in the mud. He kills Frenchies on the walls. For a change, he will occasionally kill a looting redcoat. Sharpe’s a good man, a (mostly) honest man, and a ladies’ man in an age and place where consent appears to be optional. Tall, raw boned and scarred, carrying a cavalry sword in the age of musket, he’s the guy you want to be, so long as you are not too squeamish.
Thirteenth chronologically, but the third written of the Sharpe series, the book’s focal point is the Siege of Badajoz during the Napoleonic War, a rich ground for celebrating British feats of arms. A near suicidal vanguard will be needed to assault the city, known as a “Forlorn Hope.” Sharpe tells us he needs to be in the Forlorn Hope, tells us he is going to be in the Forlorn Hope, asks the permission of every officer above him to be in the Forlorn Hope, takes every task that will put him in the Forlorn Hope. Also, his current lady in the city and is directly threatened by a fellow soldier, making being in the Forlorn Hope even more useful. This book is a straight line to a climax Klaxon blaring from two hundred pages out. Yeah, there is a “twist” or two, but it is all a clear set up to the finale.
And it is good. Cornwall writes a lot of books because he’s good at writing books. He is good at characterisation, he is good at dialogue, he is good at pacing. Yeah, it is about dudes with swords and the best female characters are the ones who a good with swords. Or knifes. Or guns. There is plenty of white-knighting by our heroes and it is a fantasy trip thinly veiled with some 19th Century technical details.
I still like it.
Thirteenth chronologically, but the third written of the Sharpe series, the book’s focal point is the Siege of Badajoz during the Napoleonic War, a rich ground for celebrating British feats of arms. A near suicidal vanguard will be needed to assault the city, known as a “Forlorn Hope.” Sharpe tells us he needs to be in the Forlorn Hope, tells us he is going to be in the Forlorn Hope, asks the permission of every officer above him to be in the Forlorn Hope, takes every task that will put him in the Forlorn Hope. Also, his current lady in the city and is directly threatened by a fellow soldier, making being in the Forlorn Hope even more useful. This book is a straight line to a climax Klaxon blaring from two hundred pages out. Yeah, there is a “twist” or two, but it is all a clear set up to the finale.
And it is good. Cornwall writes a lot of books because he’s good at writing books. He is good at characterisation, he is good at dialogue, he is good at pacing. Yeah, it is about dudes with swords and the best female characters are the ones who a good with swords. Or knifes. Or guns. There is plenty of white-knighting by our heroes and it is a fantasy trip thinly veiled with some 19th Century technical details.
I still like it.
November 13, 2018
Sharpe is a newly minted Captain...or is he? on the Iberian Peninsula. His worst enemy in the whole British Army, Hakeswill is back, once again sabotaging things and making life hell for all the soldiers under his command. Sharpe's personal life is also getting messy.
Sharpe comes to believe his only hope to advance is to lead a suicide charge into the breach.
Good stuff.
Sharpe comes to believe his only hope to advance is to lead a suicide charge into the breach.
Good stuff.
September 20, 2022
Sharpe #13...another re-read. This one revolves around the Siege of Badajoz, Spain. The events take place in 1812.
The French have holed up in the fortified city of Badajoz. The British forces, (comprised not just of English but Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Portuguese), have unsuccessfully tried to take this fortress city twice before. Wellington is determined to be victorious, and an ugly, horrible siege begins. Not that seiges are ever pleasant! It's just this one- particularly the aftermath with the sack of the city- were really hideous.
Meanwhile, the ridiculous political shenanigans continue within the army. Those with the finances are put in charge whether they are skilled at leading/warfare or not; the highly-skilled soldiers can't advance unless they can pay for the privilege and most of them are poor. As a result, there are some serious ninnies in charge. What a phenomenally stupid system.
Captain Sharpe's Significant Other- the fearless Teresa- is currently residing in Badajoz. If you have read the series up to this point, you know that she's quite capable of taking care of herself. There are special circumstances this time, though, so Sharpe is worried. To make matters worse, Sergeant Hakeswill is back. He is loathsome!! Despicable!! Creepy, even!!
This is such a good series! Onward to the next...
The French have holed up in the fortified city of Badajoz. The British forces, (comprised not just of English but Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Portuguese), have unsuccessfully tried to take this fortress city twice before. Wellington is determined to be victorious, and an ugly, horrible siege begins. Not that seiges are ever pleasant! It's just this one- particularly the aftermath with the sack of the city- were really hideous.
Meanwhile, the ridiculous political shenanigans continue within the army. Those with the finances are put in charge whether they are skilled at leading/warfare or not; the highly-skilled soldiers can't advance unless they can pay for the privilege and most of them are poor. As a result, there are some serious ninnies in charge. What a phenomenally stupid system.
Captain Sharpe's Significant Other- the fearless Teresa- is currently residing in Badajoz. If you have read the series up to this point, you know that she's quite capable of taking care of herself. There are special circumstances this time, though, so Sharpe is worried. To make matters worse, Sergeant Hakeswill is back. He is loathsome!! Despicable!! Creepy, even!!
This is such a good series! Onward to the next...
January 13, 2023
Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Badajoz, January to April 1812
It was a hard winter. For Richard Sharpe it was the worst he could remember. He had lost his command to a wealthy man – a man with money to buy the promotion Sharpe coveted. And from England came his oldest enemy – the ruthless, indestructible Hakeswill – utterly intent on ruining Sharpe.
But Sharpe is determined to change his luck. And the surest way is to lead the bloody attack on the impregnable fortress town of Badajoz, a road to almost certain death – or unimagined glory…
I recently finished reading "Sharpe's Company" and I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed. This book was a great blend of historical fiction and action-adventure, and I found myself fully immersed in the story from start to finish.
The main character, Richard Sharpe, is a complex and well-developed character who I found myself rooting for throughout the book. His journey from a lowly private to a respected officer was both exciting and emotional, and I found myself invested in his story. The supporting characters were also well-written and added depth to the story.
The action scenes in the book were well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat. The historical setting was also well-researched and added authenticity to the story. Overall, "Sharpe's Company" was a great read that I would highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and action-adventure.
It was a hard winter. For Richard Sharpe it was the worst he could remember. He had lost his command to a wealthy man – a man with money to buy the promotion Sharpe coveted. And from England came his oldest enemy – the ruthless, indestructible Hakeswill – utterly intent on ruining Sharpe.
But Sharpe is determined to change his luck. And the surest way is to lead the bloody attack on the impregnable fortress town of Badajoz, a road to almost certain death – or unimagined glory…
I recently finished reading "Sharpe's Company" and I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed. This book was a great blend of historical fiction and action-adventure, and I found myself fully immersed in the story from start to finish.
The main character, Richard Sharpe, is a complex and well-developed character who I found myself rooting for throughout the book. His journey from a lowly private to a respected officer was both exciting and emotional, and I found myself invested in his story. The supporting characters were also well-written and added depth to the story.
The action scenes in the book were well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat. The historical setting was also well-researched and added authenticity to the story. Overall, "Sharpe's Company" was a great read that I would highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and action-adventure.
September 17, 2016
Thirteenth in the Richard Sharpe military fiction series about an army captain who jumped up from the ranks and will do anything to keep his promotion.
My Take
It's amazing what power will do to a person, to a group. The Horse Guards in London thought it was more important to cater to men with money than with actually winning a war. Can you imagine what the English could have accomplished if they had promoted on merit instead of allowing men to buy their way into the rank they desired? As Cornwell points out, if the French had used the British system, there would never have been a Napoleon...ooh, wait, maybe that's a bad example… Still, the point remains the same.
How Windham can stand there and tell Sharpe that he has to give his Company up to Rymer because "He's purchased it, used his own money. You can see his rights…" Oh, yeah, instead of earning the rank and gaining experience while surviving combat, Rymer's money automatically makes him a natural and effective leader. Uh-huh. Let me out now!!!
We do have to give Windham credit for realizing that frame as quickly as he does. Not that it does much good for Harper's back. Still. Then Hogan takes a hand. At least Sharpe will have a chance at battle and get him away from the supply wagons, baggage train, and wives' inspections!
What is it with all these officers telling Sharpe he doesn't need the glory of leading a Forlorn Hope? His commanding colonel should just be jumping for joy at the thought of a good chance of getting rid of Sharpe. Wellington. Well, we know why Wellington won't let Sharpe lead one and Hogan doesn't want him to; he appreciates Sharpe's abilities and, hoo boy, ain't he mad when he finds out Sharpe's captaincy was gutted! They all think that Sharpe will win promotion on the battlefield with all the potential dead captains. If that's true, then why isn't Sharpe a captain for real now??
This is the first story in which Richard starts to hanker after a Forlorn Hope. It would cement his promotion and be a test for himself.
As Cornwell notes at the end, there is a real-life romance at the sack of Badajoz when Lieutenant Harry Smith rescued and married Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon. A love story that has found its way into many romances and history books.
The Story
It's at the assault on Ciudad Rodrigo where Sharpe's luck takes a sharp turn down, for Colonel Lawford is hit and the South Essex requires a new Colonel. One who won't be on Sharpe's side.
There's even a new captain along with the news that Sharpe's gazette as captain was refused. So Sharpe is back to being a lieutenant. Without a company. Instead his new colonel puts him in charge of baggage and the regiment's women.
If that isn't bad enough, Hakeswill is already up to his old tricks with a frame that takes a bit too long to be revealed to Colonel Windham, and Teresa is trapped in Badajoz, at risk from Hakeswill as well.
The Characters
Captain Richard Sharpe is a natural soldier and fearsome in battle for time slows down when Sharpe is in a battle rage and none can stand before him.
His men include Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal; Sergeant Read is a Methodist and worries about the men's souls; Lieutenant Harry Price is nice enough — his father bought him his commission to get him away from the ladies and the bottle or at least out of sight of Hampshire; Daniel Hagman, the oldest man in the regiment and a former poacher from Cheshire; Roach; Parry Jenkins; Gutteridge; Cooper; Harris, a former schoolteacher; Perkins, the youngest; Green; Horrell; McDonald; Cresacre; Smith; Sergeant Latimer; Peters; Clayton has a wife Sally with pretty tits; and, Corporal Jackson. Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill joins the South Essex with its new officers: Colonel Brian Windham, an energetic hunter with a dislike of jumped-up officers (and a very moralistic wife); Major Jack Collett; Captain Rymer is slated to replace Sharpe — he's one of us, don't 'cha know although it's too bad he's so indecisive in battle; and, Ensign William Matthews.
Teresa Moreno, a.k.a., La Ajuga (The Needle), comes back into Richard's life with a little something extra named Antonia and earns the enmity of Hakeswill. In the sack of Badajoz, Sharpe and Harper rescue Isabella from a rape.
Lieutenant Colonel the Honorable William Lawford is only here briefly. Major Forrest and Captain Leroy are still here with the South Essex.
Major Michael Hogan is the head of Wellington's Intelligence services and Sharpe's friend. Lieutenant Robert Knowles is now a captain in a Fusilier Battalion; he leads by thinking of what Sharpe would do. General Black Bob Crauford bites it. Colonel Fletcher is the Chief Engineer.
Arthur Wellesley is now Viscount Wellington and the General Marshal of Portugal's army and commander of the British forces in Portugal.
The Cover and Title
This must be the ugliest cover in the series. A black banner proclaims the author while the rest is a cream background with pen-and-ink sketches of a line of soldiers with fixed bayonets charging right behind Captain Sharpe with his sword in hand. There's a pastel [the media, not the colors] rendering in color of the smoke and fire of battle behind them.
The title rejoices in Sharpe's Company when he regains his men.
My Take
It's amazing what power will do to a person, to a group. The Horse Guards in London thought it was more important to cater to men with money than with actually winning a war. Can you imagine what the English could have accomplished if they had promoted on merit instead of allowing men to buy their way into the rank they desired? As Cornwell points out, if the French had used the British system, there would never have been a Napoleon...ooh, wait, maybe that's a bad example… Still, the point remains the same.
How Windham can stand there and tell Sharpe that he has to give his Company up to Rymer because "He's purchased it, used his own money. You can see his rights…" Oh, yeah, instead of earning the rank and gaining experience while surviving combat, Rymer's money automatically makes him a natural and effective leader. Uh-huh. Let me out now!!!
We do have to give Windham credit for realizing that frame as quickly as he does. Not that it does much good for Harper's back. Still. Then Hogan takes a hand. At least Sharpe will have a chance at battle and get him away from the supply wagons, baggage train, and wives' inspections!
What is it with all these officers telling Sharpe he doesn't need the glory of leading a Forlorn Hope? His commanding colonel should just be jumping for joy at the thought of a good chance of getting rid of Sharpe. Wellington. Well, we know why Wellington won't let Sharpe lead one and Hogan doesn't want him to; he appreciates Sharpe's abilities and, hoo boy, ain't he mad when he finds out Sharpe's captaincy was gutted! They all think that Sharpe will win promotion on the battlefield with all the potential dead captains. If that's true, then why isn't Sharpe a captain for real now??
This is the first story in which Richard starts to hanker after a Forlorn Hope. It would cement his promotion and be a test for himself.
As Cornwell notes at the end, there is a real-life romance at the sack of Badajoz when Lieutenant Harry Smith rescued and married Juana Maria de los Dolores de Leon. A love story that has found its way into many romances and history books.
The Story
It's at the assault on Ciudad Rodrigo where Sharpe's luck takes a sharp turn down, for Colonel Lawford is hit and the South Essex requires a new Colonel. One who won't be on Sharpe's side.
There's even a new captain along with the news that Sharpe's gazette as captain was refused. So Sharpe is back to being a lieutenant. Without a company. Instead his new colonel puts him in charge of baggage and the regiment's women.
If that isn't bad enough, Hakeswill is already up to his old tricks with a frame that takes a bit too long to be revealed to Colonel Windham, and Teresa is trapped in Badajoz, at risk from Hakeswill as well.
The Characters
Captain Richard Sharpe is a natural soldier and fearsome in battle for time slows down when Sharpe is in a battle rage and none can stand before him.
His men include Sergeant Patrick Harper, an Ulsterman from Donegal; Sergeant Read is a Methodist and worries about the men's souls; Lieutenant Harry Price is nice enough — his father bought him his commission to get him away from the ladies and the bottle or at least out of sight of Hampshire; Daniel Hagman, the oldest man in the regiment and a former poacher from Cheshire; Roach; Parry Jenkins; Gutteridge; Cooper; Harris, a former schoolteacher; Perkins, the youngest; Green; Horrell; McDonald; Cresacre; Smith; Sergeant Latimer; Peters; Clayton has a wife Sally with pretty tits; and, Corporal Jackson. Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill joins the South Essex with its new officers: Colonel Brian Windham, an energetic hunter with a dislike of jumped-up officers (and a very moralistic wife); Major Jack Collett; Captain Rymer is slated to replace Sharpe — he's one of us, don't 'cha know although it's too bad he's so indecisive in battle; and, Ensign William Matthews.
Teresa Moreno, a.k.a., La Ajuga (The Needle), comes back into Richard's life with a little something extra named Antonia and earns the enmity of Hakeswill. In the sack of Badajoz, Sharpe and Harper rescue Isabella from a rape.
Lieutenant Colonel the Honorable William Lawford is only here briefly. Major Forrest and Captain Leroy are still here with the South Essex.
Major Michael Hogan is the head of Wellington's Intelligence services and Sharpe's friend. Lieutenant Robert Knowles is now a captain in a Fusilier Battalion; he leads by thinking of what Sharpe would do. General Black Bob Crauford bites it. Colonel Fletcher is the Chief Engineer.
Arthur Wellesley is now Viscount Wellington and the General Marshal of Portugal's army and commander of the British forces in Portugal.
The Cover and Title
This must be the ugliest cover in the series. A black banner proclaims the author while the rest is a cream background with pen-and-ink sketches of a line of soldiers with fixed bayonets charging right behind Captain Sharpe with his sword in hand. There's a pastel [the media, not the colors] rendering in color of the smoke and fire of battle behind them.
The title rejoices in Sharpe's Company when he regains his men.
January 24, 2015
Bold, Professional, Ruthless – Hero and Man of Action.
One day, I will have that printed on business cards. Until then, I am content to read about the exploits of Richard Sharpe, an officer brought up from the ranks, who fights as a rifleman in the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe’s Company finds Captain Sharpe being demoted to Lieutenant thanks to bureaucrats disapproving of his gazetting. Frustrated by an old enemy’s arrival and with hurt pride, Sharpe turns his sights to Badajoz and the opportunity to lead a Forlorn Hope against the walls, securing his captaincy and proving his skill as a soldier.
Probably my favorite after Sharpe’s Eagle, Company stands out for several reasons: the first is that we meet Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, a loathsome creature and villain who opposed Sharpe earlier in the India prequels. I have heard that Cornwell admitted he had a hard time creating a villain in equal to Hakeswill, and it’s evident in the crop of devious and diabolical enemies Sharpe faces: Loup, the ruthless Frenchman; Simmerson, a useless and cowardly political enemy; and others who have come and gone. Hakeswill is a marvel; it seems amazing that a fictional creation can inspire so much blood-boiling rage, but Hakeswill manages it with every twitch and cackle. He’s in fine form in Company, rotting the battalion from within, attempting to murder Sharpe, and persecuting the genial Harper.
The other reason it stands out is in the sheer scale of the book. Old friends, like the loyal and hero-worshiping Robert Knowles and the laconic American Leroy, rub shoulders with the new, like the affably drunk letch Lieutenant Harry Price. Hogan, of course, is there, along with many others. And the siege itself is bloody and dangerous and horrendous. Of all the battles and sieges, Badajoz stands out as one of the most terrible. Cornwell describes bodies stacked high in a ditch, of fighting through the grasping hands of the wounded, the sheer scale of the damage taken in the siege. Its descriptions are terrifying and terrible.
It is, also, a turning point for the philandering Sharpe – though I won’t spoil why.
Savvy readers might notice a few inconsistencies sprinkled throughout. They are, for the most part, minor, and an almost unavoidable side effect of writing a chronological series out of order. Some readers may have picked up in an earlier book when Sharpe claims to have never met Daddy Hill, despite talking with him a book previous. These are much the same. The matter and manner of Sharpe’s flogging are not in line with the story given in the India trilogy, but mistakes can be forgiven (though not editors).
Whether taken by itself or in the series, however, Sharpe’s Company is one of the more finely written, the most triumphant and bloodthirsty, and one of the best of the Sharpe series.
One day, I will have that printed on business cards. Until then, I am content to read about the exploits of Richard Sharpe, an officer brought up from the ranks, who fights as a rifleman in the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe’s Company finds Captain Sharpe being demoted to Lieutenant thanks to bureaucrats disapproving of his gazetting. Frustrated by an old enemy’s arrival and with hurt pride, Sharpe turns his sights to Badajoz and the opportunity to lead a Forlorn Hope against the walls, securing his captaincy and proving his skill as a soldier.
Probably my favorite after Sharpe’s Eagle, Company stands out for several reasons: the first is that we meet Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, a loathsome creature and villain who opposed Sharpe earlier in the India prequels. I have heard that Cornwell admitted he had a hard time creating a villain in equal to Hakeswill, and it’s evident in the crop of devious and diabolical enemies Sharpe faces: Loup, the ruthless Frenchman; Simmerson, a useless and cowardly political enemy; and others who have come and gone. Hakeswill is a marvel; it seems amazing that a fictional creation can inspire so much blood-boiling rage, but Hakeswill manages it with every twitch and cackle. He’s in fine form in Company, rotting the battalion from within, attempting to murder Sharpe, and persecuting the genial Harper.
The other reason it stands out is in the sheer scale of the book. Old friends, like the loyal and hero-worshiping Robert Knowles and the laconic American Leroy, rub shoulders with the new, like the affably drunk letch Lieutenant Harry Price. Hogan, of course, is there, along with many others. And the siege itself is bloody and dangerous and horrendous. Of all the battles and sieges, Badajoz stands out as one of the most terrible. Cornwell describes bodies stacked high in a ditch, of fighting through the grasping hands of the wounded, the sheer scale of the damage taken in the siege. Its descriptions are terrifying and terrible.
It is, also, a turning point for the philandering Sharpe – though I won’t spoil why.
Savvy readers might notice a few inconsistencies sprinkled throughout. They are, for the most part, minor, and an almost unavoidable side effect of writing a chronological series out of order. Some readers may have picked up in an earlier book when Sharpe claims to have never met Daddy Hill, despite talking with him a book previous. These are much the same. The matter and manner of Sharpe’s flogging are not in line with the story given in the India trilogy, but mistakes can be forgiven (though not editors).
Whether taken by itself or in the series, however, Sharpe’s Company is one of the more finely written, the most triumphant and bloodthirsty, and one of the best of the Sharpe series.
December 7, 2018
If you are a fan of the TV series Sharpe with Sean Bean, you will love this book, everything you expect from the billiant author, lots of violence that you expect from this era, and the battles with the French. Very enjoyed, cornwell produces excellent sentences straight to the point, one of the authors that inspire me.
July 23, 2018
One of the best of the early SHARPE books -- Patrick Harper gets flogged, Sharpe loses his company, and Obadiah Hakeswell spends a lot of time talking into his hat.
February 10, 2021
3rd book into the series (by publication order) and Cornwell really hitting his stride. The action zips along, the characters have settled into their roles, and a really great baddie is introduced.
October 13, 2025
Wow. This one was awesome. My favorite Sharpe so far. Hakeswill is the ultimate villain. The final third of this book was incredibly intense. Swashbuckling adventure at its finest.
December 29, 2017
One of the more gripping Sharpe tales, the thrill quotient is enough to look over some of the flaws in this book.
I am reading the Sharpe series in chronological order and not in order of publication. This is the 13th Sharpe tale, though one of the earlier published books. Cornwell usually have a small story inside a big actual historical story approach. This works most of the times but in some Sharpe stories the small stories are just not interesting enough and often saved by Cornwell's absolute mastery of describing gritty battle scenes with historical accuracy.
Whether by design or because it is one of early books, this one doesn't really have a small story. It's mostly about the actual siege of Badajoz and that's what makes this book a powerful and short-ish Sharpe story. It starts from one bloody siege and ends with a bloodier siege, one of the worst in the history of Napoleonic Wars. The plot even though it is simplistic does play to Cornwell’s strengths.
Sharpe and Harper’s friendship is already well established and I like how his relationship with Major Hogan is developing. Teresa Cortes is one of the very few interesting women in Sharpe series, who doesn't come off as a cardboard character or an unnecessary plot prop. Hakeswill, the Joker to Sharpe’s Batman makes a triumphant return in this book.
I have never been a fan of Cornwell's tendency to add greater emphasis to important points in finishing sentences of chapters. In Sharpe's Company the hoopla about his Company “going to Badajoz” is repeated with unnerving frequency. There are some continuity issues which can easily come when books are not published chronologically. There is no mention of Sharpe's attempts to previously kill Hakeswill, which is common in Sharpe's stories in India. Also Harper's Portuguese girl Joanna, after being mentioned in multiple books is gone without trace.
I am reading the Sharpe series in chronological order and not in order of publication. This is the 13th Sharpe tale, though one of the earlier published books. Cornwell usually have a small story inside a big actual historical story approach. This works most of the times but in some Sharpe stories the small stories are just not interesting enough and often saved by Cornwell's absolute mastery of describing gritty battle scenes with historical accuracy.
Whether by design or because it is one of early books, this one doesn't really have a small story. It's mostly about the actual siege of Badajoz and that's what makes this book a powerful and short-ish Sharpe story. It starts from one bloody siege and ends with a bloodier siege, one of the worst in the history of Napoleonic Wars. The plot even though it is simplistic does play to Cornwell’s strengths.
Sharpe and Harper’s friendship is already well established and I like how his relationship with Major Hogan is developing. Teresa Cortes is one of the very few interesting women in Sharpe series, who doesn't come off as a cardboard character or an unnecessary plot prop. Hakeswill, the Joker to Sharpe’s Batman makes a triumphant return in this book.
I have never been a fan of Cornwell's tendency to add greater emphasis to important points in finishing sentences of chapters. In Sharpe's Company the hoopla about his Company “going to Badajoz” is repeated with unnerving frequency. There are some continuity issues which can easily come when books are not published chronologically. There is no mention of Sharpe's attempts to previously kill Hakeswill, which is common in Sharpe's stories in India. Also Harper's Portuguese girl Joanna, after being mentioned in multiple books is gone without trace.
September 18, 2021
Knee-deep into the Sharpe series and this, although without the finesse of Bernard Cornwell’s later-published writing, was perhaps one of my favourites! Despite the schism between the years in which the Sharpe books were written, this felt like it had a really good build-up, from Sharpe fighting his way out of the ranks and gaining his captaincy (although I swear he was a major by this point in the TV episodes, idk?) and then losing it here, as well as losing his beloved Riflemen. I’ve always loved about this series that Sharpe isn’t necessarily noble and accepting about his slights, but he’s angry and selfish and petty; it makes a good difference from perhaps more straight-forward protagonists with cooler heads.
So, I really enjoyed the plot of this one. It started strong and ended even stronger. Sometimes, I have to say, I lose interest a bit with the big long extended battle scenes – not the little skirmishes and action scenes which are always punchy, but the ones where we lose sight of Sharpe a bit and it gets a little...stodgy. This, though, was perhaps my favourite battle scene. The siege of Badajoz was *horrific* and the crazed bloodlust and desperation were amazingly and terrifyingly shown. And we never lost sight of Sharpe in the midst of it, other than when we went to Robert Knowles, who was a great stand-in as he scaled the walls of the castle.
There were a couple of other good characters in this too. Obviously, Harper, who I adore. But Hakeswill is a brilliant villain (and Pete Postlethwaite was perfectly cast!). It’s rare to get a character with absolutely no redeeming features whatsoever and they can still be enjoyable. There were a few moments where the POV head-jumping threw me a little but it didn’t take long to re-orient, because of the easy writing style.
I do have to take one thing up though: why *why* were we denied Lawford’s presence in the rest of the India novels when Sharpe mentions that he fought with him at Assaye and Gawilghur as well as Seringapatam?? It was a shame that he gets written out with his arm shot off at the start here, but I suppose we had to have Sharpe lose that influence and so lose his captaincy. I do kinda wish though that the rest of the novel was Sharpe looking after Lawford (I mean, you wouldn’t have to change the title of the book). Maybe I’ll write that one haha
Overall, a good one, and also good to see Teresa with more of a role other than ‘rape victim’ like in Gold. I mean she also fell into the other typical historical novel female character formula of ‘mother’ but...there was a bit more to the female character here? (Even if I can’t believe Sharpe would be happy with settling down with a kid, I just couldn’t get my head round it).
So, I really enjoyed the plot of this one. It started strong and ended even stronger. Sometimes, I have to say, I lose interest a bit with the big long extended battle scenes – not the little skirmishes and action scenes which are always punchy, but the ones where we lose sight of Sharpe a bit and it gets a little...stodgy. This, though, was perhaps my favourite battle scene. The siege of Badajoz was *horrific* and the crazed bloodlust and desperation were amazingly and terrifyingly shown. And we never lost sight of Sharpe in the midst of it, other than when we went to Robert Knowles, who was a great stand-in as he scaled the walls of the castle.
There were a couple of other good characters in this too. Obviously, Harper, who I adore. But Hakeswill is a brilliant villain (and Pete Postlethwaite was perfectly cast!). It’s rare to get a character with absolutely no redeeming features whatsoever and they can still be enjoyable. There were a few moments where the POV head-jumping threw me a little but it didn’t take long to re-orient, because of the easy writing style.
I do have to take one thing up though: why *why* were we denied Lawford’s presence in the rest of the India novels when Sharpe mentions that he fought with him at Assaye and Gawilghur as well as Seringapatam?? It was a shame that he gets written out with his arm shot off at the start here, but I suppose we had to have Sharpe lose that influence and so lose his captaincy. I do kinda wish though that the rest of the novel was Sharpe looking after Lawford (I mean, you wouldn’t have to change the title of the book). Maybe I’ll write that one haha
Overall, a good one, and also good to see Teresa with more of a role other than ‘rape victim’ like in Gold. I mean she also fell into the other typical historical novel female character formula of ‘mother’ but...there was a bit more to the female character here? (Even if I can’t believe Sharpe would be happy with settling down with a kid, I just couldn’t get my head round it).
March 29, 2023
A very good entry in the series, depicting Sharpe's involvement in the captures of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz (I suppose that's a spoiler, but it's history, so...). After all his work to turn the Light Company of the South Essex into an elite unit, not to mention his personal bravery in numerous exploits, Sharpe finds himself in a rather miserable position. Following their casualties at Ciudad Rodrigo, the South Essex is given a new commander along with a bunch of new officers, and Sharpe finds himself without a company, the Captaincy having been bought out from under him by a new officer (as was the British Army's rather insane practice at the time). Worse, the new colonel arrives with word from Horse Guards (basically, the British Army's central HQ) back in Britain that they have chosen not to endorse Sharpe's field promotion to captain. So it is he finds himself without a company, reduced in rank, and burdened with the regiment's administrative and logistic duties. As if that wasn't bad enough, his old nemesis from India, Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, is among the new replacements. Let's not sell this short, Hakeswill is one of the most despicable psychopathic monsters I've ever read about. He's cunning, vicious, utterly self-serving, and driven only by his own venal desires; he has literally no redeeming qualities, he isn't even a charming psychopath, he's just clever enough to suck up to officers enough that they ignore his cruelty. Pete Postlewaite played him to perfection back in the 1990's, and he's definitely on my list of all-time most loathsome villains. Yeah, he's the worst, and he particularly hates Sharpe (and vice versa). Beyond all that, Sharpe's lover Teresa and their infant daughter are also both stuck in Badajoz, the French citadel that General Wellesley is determined to capture at all costs. All in all, things are pretty bad for Sharpe, and they just keep getting worse (so much so that he develops a rather fatalistic obsession with trying to get assigned to the Forlorn Hope, the detachment of soldiers sent to make the first attempt to breach the fortifications). Despite all of Sharpe's misfortunes (or perhaps because of them and the motivation that they instill in him), this is another very good entry in the series, the stakes are high on both a personal and national level and Cornwell's attention to the details, his gripping action scenes, and his flair for characters does not disappoint.
May 14, 2021
Another enjoyable and very readable Sharpe book. Although I always find these books a little simplistic. The "perfect" soldier who has made his way up through the ranks leading a charmed life despite all the hardship he has faced both from the enemy and his own army. But at the same time it's easy to follow and Sharpe is an inherently likable character.
Cromwell does a good job of setting the scene and depicting the horrors of war. This is especially true in this book and in the way he explores the difficulty of storming a breach. A theme that also runs throughout is the atrocities committed by soldiers when sacking a city. This is highlighted a few times and it is always worth remembering such acts were frequently committed throughout human history.
I look forward to continue to read of the exploits of Sharpe, Harper and the villainous Hakeswill in the rest of the novels.
Best quote: "The only thing left for him to do now was to get out with his shreds of dignity intact and then get stinking drunk. Show fellow lieutenant Price how a real expert fell over" p129
Cromwell does a good job of setting the scene and depicting the horrors of war. This is especially true in this book and in the way he explores the difficulty of storming a breach. A theme that also runs throughout is the atrocities committed by soldiers when sacking a city. This is highlighted a few times and it is always worth remembering such acts were frequently committed throughout human history.
I look forward to continue to read of the exploits of Sharpe, Harper and the villainous Hakeswill in the rest of the novels.
Best quote: "The only thing left for him to do now was to get out with his shreds of dignity intact and then get stinking drunk. Show fellow lieutenant Price how a real expert fell over" p129
March 27, 2024
This was probably to best one so far. It had real stakes and for once felt like sharpe could fail and things weren’t going his way! The return of the annoying old sergeant added much to the drama too.
October 13, 2019
This is probably the Sharpe book where the most things go wrong for Sharpe. But it’s still a very very good read and I look forward to the next one in the series.
October 14, 2025
lots of crying in this one, and what was with hakeswill and his mum? good fun, but kinda didn't feel as good - maybe bc sharpe and harper weren't together for a lot of it? i miss them.
January 17, 2026
A straight forward Sharpe novel. Nothing to set it apart, but good entertaining fair about the citadel of Badajoz was attacked by Wellington which helped with the momentum of expelling France from Spain.
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