Rating: 
Summary: Filling in Sharpe's Career
Review: This book was, perhaps, inspired by Forester's "Rifleman Dodd."
In this case, a large group of riflemen are cut off behind French Lines instead of a single rifleman. As in Forester's novel, they take decisive action to turn the tide.
Like other novels in the series, it is based on real events.After having Sharpe settle in France with his mistress, the author steps back in time to fill in a part of Sharpe's career, in this case in northern Portugal in 1809. It is based on the French capture of Oporto, and Marshal Soult's defeat by General Wellesley and his retreat back out of Portugal. The novel has a significant amount of blood and gore, including details of pillage, rape, and murder of civilians (based on content, I would give it a PG-13 rating). It illustrates the pig-headed type of military commander who expends men by assaulting enemy strongpoints rather than relying on strategy, bypassing strongpoints, and cutting off enemy supply lines. Perhaps it illustrates the historic problem of officers rising to general through influence rather than ability. There is also the double dealing Christopher from the Foreign Office, who tries to play both sides of the game. Sharpe again meets Lord Pumphrey of the Foreign Office, a somewhat shady individual who eliminates people who might know too much. Lord Pumphrey considers Christoper a problem, and sends Sharpe to deal with the problem. As in Denmark, it is convenient for the Foreign Office to have a murderous rogue like Sharpe available. There are some tasks that could not be assigned to a well-bred gentleman.
Rating:
Summary: History and Entertainment in one.
Review: To this day it is a a mystery how Soults forces in Portugal allowed a British Unit to slip across the Douro on the Eastern side of Opporto, and take control of the Seminary. It was a strategic disaster which ended in ignominy for Soult. At one moment he was poised to declare himself King in Portugal, and in the next he was fleeing across the mountians, leaving behind his baggage train and his artillery.
So, who better to fill in that mystery, than Lieutenant Richard Sharpe and his Greenjackets. Cornwell has slipped our favourite gang of riflemen into the right place at the right time to make Sharpe the hero of the day. And this is what makes the Sharpe novels so compelling.
I was reading this book, with David Gates "The Spanish Ulcer" open on my lap, and I was fascinated at how Cornwell managed to weave his story into the truth.
Even the "Evil Colonel Christopher" backstory of plot and counterplot to stage a mutiny against Soult, is borne up by the facts.
On top of all this is a cracking good story. The mid-section of the book is particulary compelling, when Sharpe has his men fortify a hill to keep them occupied, and then has to defend the hill against odds of 20 to one. His protagonist in this battle, and the 31st Leger of French Light Infantry, are again real characters.
This is served up with all the painstakingly researched detail of the loading and operation of the Baker rifle, Smoothbore muskets, Cannon, Howitzers and Mortars. We learn in-depth about fused shot, case shot, canister and round shot.
So, whether you are a history buff, a weapons buff, a fan of Napoleonic wars, in search of a good yarn, a war story or even a romance, there is something here for you.
Rating:
Summary: Another good read
Review: What Sharpe does is to give us a good story, and then makes it a good history lesson also. You either like them or do not not. After reading this one I then went back and reread all of the other ones just to make sure they were as good as I remember them to be. They give you an excellant idea of the French/British wars, and then for good measure they go back into India also. Sharpe and Wellington, along with Napolean are the constant characters. As those who know, Sharpe comes up from the ranks, from Private to an officer, which did not happen in England in a class society where everyone knew their place. Good war stories, good character studies, and good history. I just think that the series is wonderful, and this one is as good as any of them. Read it, and then do your self a favor and order all of these series, and enjoy yourself.
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