Sharpe's Rifles

Although "Rifles" is not necessarily as polished or complete as later books in the Sharpe series, it's still a great place to start for any historical fiction fan - or anyone who's seen the TV series and is keen to see where it all began! Cornwell's prose is pacy and engaging, and while total historical accuracy is not high on the list of this book's virtues, it provides a good introduction to the events of the Peninsular War for the interested amateur. A great read for a long plane or train journey, and very immersive.

Winter action in Spain (2/2 people found this helpful)

Sharpe (by now a Lieutenant) is covering the retreat of the British army towards Corunna in the bitter winter of 1809. The French army is in relentless pursuit when Sharpe and his men become isolated and have to face an enemy of their own...

As with any Sharpe-novel, do not expect lots of philosophical ponderings or in-depth exploration of characters and emotions, but rather: a good plot, plenty of action, and Cornwell's easy story-telling talent that will keep you up at night, desperate to find out what happens on the next page!

Enter Mr Harper (1/1 people found this helpful)

Before Bernard Cornwell wrote Sharpe's Prey, Rifles was the first book in the series to introduce Pat Harper and the other major characters within the 95th riflemen to us. Here we find Sharpe and the 95th in Portugal, during the British Army's retreat to Lisbon.

The book deals with two major themes - firstly, how Sharpe became the leader of the greenjackets that end up becoming isolated from the 95th (and joining the fictional South Essex in Sharpe's Eagle) and secondly, the Spanish fight against the French. Whereas most of the Spaniards Sharpe encounters in the series are partisans, Major Vivar is the leader of an elite Cazador squadron. Their fates are bound as Sharpe faces up to the destruction of his Battalion and Vivar escapes the attentions of a French Chasseur and a mysterious horseman who want to capture the strongbox in the Major's possession.

Sharpe is initially viewed as a mere Quartermaster, his experience in India counting for nothing. Long time readers will know of the antagonism his being promoted from the ranks causes among his fellow officers, but in this book we see how even the rank and file riflemen despise Sharpe, and throughout the story a side of the character is shown which is surprising - namely, his lack of confidence as an officer and his struggle to win the men round. This is especially true in the case of Harper, who is briefly one of Sharpe's main adversaries within the riflemen. The book climaxes with a thrilling street fight.

Again Cornwell's talent for producing characters with depth is evident as we watch Sharpe's transformation from an independent soldier to an accomplished officer. Because his writing style by this point is much more polished, the difference between Rifles and Eagles (the book which followed Rifles chronologically until the release of Havoc), you will notice differences between the two books. What has not changed is Cornwell's skill at painting vivid images in the reader's mind, especially the picture of the bleak Spanish winter and the relentless passion and fury of Vivar. It's surprising that the Major has not appeared later in the series until Devil, as he has enough depth to him to warrant further appearences.

I believe that this is an essential read for Sharpe fans, not only because it highlights such an important period in the character's career, but also because it is a fine story in its own right.

Excellent (10/10 people found this helpful)

Sharpe's Rifles is the story of Richard Sharpe and the French invasion of Galicia. From the outset this is a fast-paced story of faith and determination that is hard to put down.

Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series is a fantastic example of engaging historical fiction. I especially like the historical note at the end of each book explaining which parts of the story were fiction and which were genuine events. These books bring the Peninsular War (and the Indian campaign) to life.

I recommend reading the books in chronological order - not always easy as there are new ones written quite often. Enjoy!

an epic adventure full of excitment (17/27 people found this helpful)

I have recently finished the book and have read three others in the series.I have read "sharpe's tiger" this book is not as exciting or even realistic as the rifles, but then again how could it be as good, Richard Sharpe is beyond doubt one of the strongest adn well developed characters of modern day litterature. And being Irish myself i have to say that Patrick Harper is an outstandingly brave and couageous man. Mr Cornwell has written so many fantastic books and can describe situations in so much detail and build up many characters, but he does it in a way i have not read before he keeps the reader in a sense of expectation but he does not do it in such a way that we get fed up of reading. He has written a great adventure worthy of a top ten place in the centurys greatest books. Mr Cornwell has written a book that would drive you to take up arms and he does not glorify death and suffering and make this period glamourous he does the opposite he shows it up for what it was hard, strict, and unpleasent. Mr Cornwell is a true artist and an extraordinary novelist, the only problem is there is not enough Sharpe novels around.

Bernard Cornwell

Reader Reviews:

Good start to a great series (0/0 people found this helpful)

Winter action in Spain (2/2 people found this helpful)

Enter Mr Harper (1/1 people found this helpful)

Excellent (10/10 people found this helpful)

an epic adventure full of excitment (17/27 people found this helpful)

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