Sharpe's Eagle

By now chronologically the 7th book in the series but originally the first Cornwell wrote, 'Sharpe's Eagle' nevertheless does not feel as 'a first book'. All the ingredients that were later to account for the immense success of the Sharpe-novels are already here: the hero himself of course (courageous, inventive, irreverent, ... the kind of person we'd all like to be I sometimes think), enemies all around (not only the French, as in many other novels Sharpe's main worry is an English officer set on destroying him), sturdy friends (Sergeant Harper and others), and - last but not least - a woman, of the kind men will fight battles over.

And although I've seen this pattern return with virtually each novel (I'm reading them in chronological order), and though I'm fully aware that one could argue it's just 'more of the same', I do not hesitate to give a 4 star-rating because Cornwell, in this novel as in others, always manages to engage you with his sheer story-telling talent and will keep you reading on eagerly, because you so very much want to know 'what'll happen next?'...

Certainly not Nobelprize-material, but to keep you engrossed in a story full of action and drama few if any can rival Cornwell.

The original and best... (0/0 people found this helpful)

This was the first Sharpe novel penned by the prolific Bernard Cornwell, although chronologically it is now the eighth. The novel is Cornwell at his best, whatever misgivings the author himself may have (he says he has never re-read it). Sharpe and Harper are on top form in their most daring and famous exploit, the capture of the eponymous French standard. As usual, Sharpe faces enemies within the British ranks, but he has allies too, notably Captain Hogan of the Engineers and indeed, General Sir Arthur Wellesley himself. Sharpe is gazetted Captain after a skirmish in which he distinguishes himself, but which displays the incompetence of his new commanding officer. The capture of the Eagle is Sharpe's only way of remaining in the Peninsular Army and restoring the morale of the regiment. The book is thoroughly enjoyable as well as generally historically accurate, particularly in Cornwell's portrayal of life for the everyday soldiers in the British army. I have read it several times and still find it enthralling!

Best sharpe ever (4/5 people found this helpful)

Although this is the first Sharpe novel written it is by far the best in my opinion. The book combines historical settings with a strong storyline. Bernard Cornwell believes that this is his best book and I have to agree.

This book leads sharpe and Harper to glory whilst contending with enemies both in the British and French army. Cornwell has managed to paint the picture of an unlikely hero. Sharpe is not a gentlemen he is just a good soldier and it this lack of perfection which makes Sharpe a refreshing character.

Sharpe's Eagle is simply the best Sharpe novel to date and is a must buy.

Where it all started (11/12 people found this helpful)

Sharpe's Eagle is the first book in the series that Bernard Cornwell wrote (though not the first chronologically), and in the foreword he claims that he has not gone back and re-read it for fear of spotting crudities in his early writing.

However, the only thing that I would be worried about is the details about the characters which have been made incorrect as the series has developed, and that is unavoidable. What really matters is that the book is of the same high standard as found everywhere in the series.

Cornwell has the knack of providing plenty of background information, while not letting it flood the actual storyline. His attention to detail and description is beyond belief, and with almost casual ease he can place vivid images of the surrounding scenery and action in the reader's mind. His choice to have most of Sharpe's actual enemies, the ones he interacts with most, within the British army is inspired as it makes for a far more realistic experience and also provides Sharpe with a harder struggle to overcome. Sharpe has his foes amongst the French, make no mistake, but in Simmerson Cornwell is able to demonstrate the unfair system of promotion and power of the politicians in this period of British history.

I also liked the way that Cornwell doesn't paint the French as scruffy, ill-disciplined ruffians, in the way that a film-maker might be guilty of. This firstly makes gives the book another aspect of realism, but also makes Sharpe's victories more remarkable.

Finally, after the book, an appendix is provided by Cornwell in which he explains what actually happened, and how he altered events (subtly, I might add) to suit his story. This, as well as providing a useful history on the actual events, also goes to show just how well the author has researched his work.

The real thing... where ALL started... A great read... (0/0 people found this helpful)

It was a tour de force back then. (1980)

You see I bought it as a paperback to read on a plane... WOW! was I thrilled!... had been a Napoleonic wargamer for years but never had found a smasher novel about it all... I was hooked and read it as the page turner it is... and then I marched with them all the way! (yes, over the hills and far away).

The first ever published and the BIG PLUS is the ORIGINALITY of the whole scheme and plot... and the characters...

As every long saga it has produced some other good (Sharpe's SWORD), average (Sharpe's GOLD), very good or superior (Sharpe's SIEGE) novels... but the whole collection is always above average and minimum 4 stars... there are some odd thrown in but that happens even to Conan-Doyle...

ENJOY

ADB

Bernard Cornwell

Reader Reviews:

Very good, Sharpe at his best (1/1 people found this helpful)

The original and best... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Best sharpe ever (4/5 people found this helpful)

Where it all started (11/12 people found this helpful)

The real thing... where ALL started... A great read... (0/0 people found this helpful)

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