Sharpe's Regiment

In virtually every novel in the Sharpe-series our hero's had to deal with as many enemies from within the British army (Hakeswill being the foremost off course) as from the French but in "Sharpe's Regiment" he has nothing but enemies from within.

At the start of the story Sharpe is in Spain eagerly awaiting the necessary reinforcements for the South Essex Regiment when, to his utter astonishment, he learns that none are coming and the Regiment is likely to be disbanded (a fate only slightly less worse than losing your Colours). When Sharpe travels to England to investigate he stumbles upon a conspiracy by some very high-ranking people, and (no Sharpe-novel's complete without one) a woman he hasn't seen in quite a while.

I found this one of the best Sharpe-novels I've read so far, if only because there's not only the usual action and battle scenes, but Sharpe in England instead of Spain (or India in the first novels) makes for a very welcome change of scenery. An utterly compelling read, as we've come to expect for Bernard Cornwell!

Sharpe's Difference - but lacks action of others (3/3 people found this helpful)

Sharpe novels, as a rule, follow a strict template. A battle at the start, Sharpe being persecuted but winning, and a battle at the end. 'Sharpe's Regiment' takes the long running series in a different direction by taking Sharpe away from the battle field and placing him back in England.

Napoleon has retreated to France and a lull has occurred in the war. Sharpe believed that his regiment was being given reinforcements but it turns out that someone is selling his men to other regiments. It's up to Sharpe and Harper to stop fighting the old enemy and concentrates on the enemy within. Who needs enemies with friends like these?

I enjoyed this novel as a great diversion from the usual action packed battles and tales of revenge. The description of corruption and everyday life in England was very vivid. The reason I feel this was only an average novel was that the differences that made the novel stand out form the rest of the series, also stole the action that makes them so great.

As a Sharpe fan this is a great book to get to see the character's develop, but also as a fan book ending the novel with two out of place battles did not make up for the fact that I felt it lacked the urgency and excitement of many of the other Sharpe adventures.

a pleasant diversion (2/3 people found this helpful)

The first book of the Sharpe series to be set largely on British soil sees Sharpe return to England to save the South Essex from an uncertain future. Threatened with being disbanded due to dwindling recruits, Sharpe returns to their Chelmsford depot to uncover a political intrigue which his experience fighting against the French on the Iberian peninsula has little prepared him for.

Sharpe's regiment gives a fascinating insight into military bureaucracy and society during the Napoleonic wars. Despite the lack of pitched battles we see Sharpe at his most exciting; when fighting the upper ranks of his own army with the reintroduction of the inept but powerful Sir Henry Simmerson. However, there is a feeling that this book could fit almost anywhere in the chronology of the later books in the series and it seems chiefly designed to give us further insight into Sharpe's character.

No less exciting than its predecessors, but little opportunity for witnessing the further elevation of Sharpe's career.

Sharpe's Regiment (6/10 people found this helpful)

sharpe's regiment is by far the best book in it series. I don't what it was but i could not prize this book from my hands. If you are looking for a good book a reccommend this one.

The best in the long running series (10/11 people found this helpful)

When I first read this book a few years ago, I was slightly disapointed that it wasn't set in Spain, and was not expecting it to be great. However it turned out to be a fantastic read and I now regard it as my favourite. As the previous reviewer pointed out it is ironic that Sharpe and Harper have to re-enlist, another irony is they get mixed up in a dark world of intrigue, as deadly as any battlefield, despite being back home. Cornwells descriptions of London slums contrasted with the opulence of the prince regent at court are brilliantly crafted. Characters such as cautious and sly politicians, harsh drill sergeants and raw recruits seem to " walk off" the page. Excellent

Bernard Cornwell

Reader Reviews:

Sharpe on the loose in England (1/1 people found this helpful)

Sharpe's Difference - but lacks action of others (3/3 people found this helpful)

a pleasant diversion (2/3 people found this helpful)

Sharpe's Regiment (6/10 people found this helpful)

The best in the long running series (10/11 people found this helpful)

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