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A review by komet2020
Sharpe's Command by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
SHARPE'S COMMAND is another engaging and spellbinding novel from Bernard Cornwell from his Sharpe series, set during the Peninsular War.
Major Sharpe and his intrepid band of riflemen are tasked with meeting with 'El Héroe' and his group of partisans ostensibly fighting from a mountain hideout French forces in Spain (which at that time in early 1812 was under French occupation). El Héroe proves to be not all that he purported himself to be. He is vain, shallow, and greedy. A Spanish nobleman more interested in getting from Sharpe rifles and gold that were promised to him, along with putting Sharpe firmly under his thumb.
Sharpe was tasked by the British commander in the area (General Hill) with obtaining intelligence from El Héroe as to the disposition of French forces, as well as their intentions against the British Army firmly ensconced just across the border in Portugal. Sharpe soon discerns the true character of El Héroe and sets out with his rifleman to determine for themselves the strength of a group of French forts nearby. This is to assist General Hill with the surprise attack he has planned to bring his forces (infantry, cavalry, and artillery) to bear against the French, and so weaken their hold over that portion of the frontier with Portugal - with a view to an eventual British incursion into Spain to expel the French therefrom.
This novel gives the reader an almost visceral feel of the rigors of being a soldier in a hazardous, parched landscape and engaging in savage, close quarters combat that is often bloody and ugly. For anyone who enjoys a well-told tale, go with Sharpe's Command. It's a winner.
Major Sharpe and his intrepid band of riflemen are tasked with meeting with 'El Héroe' and his group of partisans ostensibly fighting from a mountain hideout French forces in Spain (which at that time in early 1812 was under French occupation). El Héroe proves to be not all that he purported himself to be. He is vain, shallow, and greedy. A Spanish nobleman more interested in getting from Sharpe rifles and gold that were promised to him, along with putting Sharpe firmly under his thumb.
Sharpe was tasked by the British commander in the area (General Hill) with obtaining intelligence from El Héroe as to the disposition of French forces, as well as their intentions against the British Army firmly ensconced just across the border in Portugal. Sharpe soon discerns the true character of El Héroe and sets out with his rifleman to determine for themselves the strength of a group of French forts nearby. This is to assist General Hill with the surprise attack he has planned to bring his forces (infantry, cavalry, and artillery) to bear against the French, and so weaken their hold over that portion of the frontier with Portugal - with a view to an eventual British incursion into Spain to expel the French therefrom.
This novel gives the reader an almost visceral feel of the rigors of being a soldier in a hazardous, parched landscape and engaging in savage, close quarters combat that is often bloody and ugly. For anyone who enjoys a well-told tale, go with Sharpe's Command. It's a winner.