... The clever use of Lieutenant Lawford, who accompanies Sharpe into the jaws of the enemy, with his almost goody-two-shoes, gentlemanly behaviour serves perfectly to accentuate Sharpe's ruthlessness and down to earth attitude to life.
The only other character that is particularly well-drawn ... Read review
Advantages: Fills in some of the missing background to the "later" books, Pretty compelling read Disadvantages: Not as fresh as some of the others in the series.
...behaviour serves perfectly to accentuate Sharpe's ruthlessness and down to earth attitude to life.
The only other character that is particularly well-drawn (although he only plays a very small part in this book) is Sergeant Obadiah Hawkswill, the man that any fan of either the books or TV series loves to hate. He is perfectly described and although I couldn't help but picture Pete Postlethwaite (who played the role in the TV series), ... ...didn't seem as fresh as Sharpe's Rifles or Eagle. Locations were particularly well described, and even within the first chapter I could almost feel the heat and dust that Sharpe and his comrades were experiencing. There were however a few occasions when I felt that there was perhaps a little too much description and not enough action, which meant that the narrative didn't flow quite as well as it could have. Saying that the plot is still action packed, ... more
As the 18th century draws to a close Private Richard Sharpe finds himself persecuted, bored and ready to run from the British Army while stationed in India. After a particularly brutal (and undeserved) punishment he's given the chance to escape from the tyrannical (and insane) Sergeant Hawkswill, when he is sent into the midst of the enemy to rescue a senior officer and just possibly save the army from an ignominious and catastrophic defeat.
Although, in chronological terms, this is the first novel in the Sharpe series, it was actually one of the later books to be published. As such Cornwell seems to have far more of an idea of his main characters traits and rather than going through a natural progression throughout the book, it was almost as if they were transplanted "ready-made" from the very first page. While this doesn't make them any less believable it does make them less "fresh", after all both Cornwell and regular readers know how they are going to turn out.
But perhaps you'd like to know a little more about these characters, well my answer to that is read the book, there is no way I could do justice to them. I can only tell you whether they were believable (or not), whether I could emphasise with them, and the sort of feelings I had towards them. The main character, Sharpe, is well drawn, but does come across as somewhat over ruthless at times, there are parts of his character that I like, but believe me, I wouldn't want to cross him. I think what makes him so realistic is that he isn't the perfect all action hero, he has very real flaws and desires, he's greedy, he yearns wealth and women, and is willing to break a few rules to get them. The clever use of Lieutenant Lawford, who accompanies Sharpe into the jaws of the enemy, with his almost goody-two-shoes, gentlemanly behaviour serves perfectly to accentuate Sharpe's ruthlessness and down to earth attitude to life.
The only other character that is particularly well-drawn (although he only plays a very small part in this book) is Sergeant Obadiah Hawkswill, the man that any fan of either the books or TV series loves to hate. He is perfectly described and although I couldn't help but picture Pete Postlethwaite (who played the role in the TV series), I think that is actually a testament to Postlethwaite, in that he captured the essence of the slightly insane, and thoroughly evil twitching sergeant down to a tee. The more minor characters, are slightly less well developed (which is hardly surprising), but there does seem to be just about enough background to each of them to make them believable.
That's enough about the characters, lets move onto what I thought about the plot and writing style… Well, I'm sorry to say this but although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found the actual writing style a little dryer than those books in the series which were written prior to this. Somehow it just didn't seem as fresh as Sharpe's Rifles or Eagle. Locations were particularly well described, and even within the first chapter I could almost feel the heat and dust that Sharpe and his comrades were experiencing. There were however a few occasions when I felt that there was perhaps a little too much description and not enough action, which meant that the narrative didn't flow quite as well as it could have. Saying that the plot is still action packed, with some gruesome violence, gory battle scenes and even some humorous interludes, there was no point at which I was actually tempted to give up, and I did find myself thinking "I'll just finish this chapter then take a break" only to find I'd read another couple of chapters and still hadn't put the book down.
I think I've finally put my finger on one of the reasons that the book wasn't quite as good a read as those written earlier in the series. And that is the fact that certain parts of the storyline had to follow a pre-defined route, those of us that have read the later books or watched the series, already knew about certain events. But even though there has been an obvious effort at filling in the missing details, there are still a few inconsistencies, not very many, but a few and anyone who has read others in the series will pick up on them.
Whether or not the book is historically accurate is, to be honest, not for me to say. I am not an expert in the era, and never studied it at school. But when compared to the few novels I've read that were actually written in the era, it does feel right. And after reading the very handy historical note added at the back of the book, it does feel that although he has taken a few liberties, Cornwell certainly did do his research. Lets just say that there are no glaring inconsistencies that would deflect from your actual enjoyment of the story and let's remember that's what it is a fictional work, not a history text book.
So the ultimate question is whether I'm recommending this book and if so who to? And the answer is yes, I am recommending it, but not for younger readers (there is perhaps too much graphic violence), or as a first sojourn into Sharpe's world. Rather I am recommending it to those who have read other books in the series and want to fill in the details of Sharpe's life before he became an officer. This is not a demanding or particularly thought provoking read, but rather one that is full of action and adventure that easily transports you to another time and continent and as such is perfect for the casual as well as the more avid reader.
---Technical Bits---
Paperback : 352 pages Publisher : HarperCollins ISBN : 0006490352
Advantages: An excellent story, good characterisation, enjoyable book Disadvantages: -
...It turns out though that Sharpe's problems are just beginning and he has to make certain decisions to aid the British invasion.
This is currently the first novel in Bernard Cornwell's series of books following the adventures of Richard Sharpe. Of course most people will be more familiar with the exploits of Sharpe on ITV starring Sean Bean. Until recently this had been my only experience of the series as well, but having quite enjoyed the TV series ... ...recent addition to the series, Sharpe's Tiger takes the reader back to his first real battle.
The first thing that became apparent as I started to read this was Cornwell's attention to detail. He likes to give the reader a feel of what is really going on and I felt this added a hint of realism to his writing. The book is based on real events and he sums up the events during his 7 pages of historical notes at the end. All this seemed to add a real ...
Andy.mack 22.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Sharpe's Tiger - Bernard Cornwell
Advantages: Beginning of the Sharpe Series Disadvantages: None
...Sharpe at the beginning of Sharpe's Tiger, the first book (chronologically) in a series of (currently) around twenty novels charting his struggle against his twin enemies of bureaucracy and the French to achieve fame and fortune.
For now though, Sharpe is a lowly private, the lowest of the low. Well respected by his fellows for his competence and charisma, his good looks earn him a beautiful woman and the enmity of his thoroughly unpleasant sergeant ... ...to death, Sharpe is rescued from the triangle for a secret mission, to infiltrate the city of Seringapatam, and rescue a British Colonel who has vital knowledge.
One of the most impressive features of all the Sharpe books is the detailed research and wealth of historical fact that slips in to a book that also combines breakneck action and stunning heroism. You really get immersed in the world, and Cornwell has a real talent for introducing background ...
BenRowland 05.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Sharpe's Tiger - Bernard Cornwell
Advantages: Brilliant research coupled with superb storytelling Disadvantages: None
Sharpe’s Tiger is the book most devotees of the Sharpe series have been waiting for. Yet again we are treated to a magnificent far-reaching plot, this time set in the city states of India during the glory days of the East India Company. The year is 1799 and siege of Seringapatam is about to begin.
The book opens with a marvellously well written battle scene describing a meeting engagement between the English troops and their Indian allies ... ...in the aftermath of this battle that we finally discover the foundations of Richard Sharpe’s and Obadiah Hakeswill’s relationship of mutual loathing which is something that has been missing from the other books in this series. As you read this book you will be exposed to the brualisation of ordinary men and the character of Richard Sharpe cannot escape this historical fact something less brave authors might have shied away from. As a ...
Guzman 03.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Sharpe's Tiger - Bernard Cornwell
Advantages: Battle descriptions are realistic Disadvantages: None
Sharpe’s Tiger is another excellent book from Bernard Cornwell in his Sharpe series.
This book follows our hero, Richard Sharpe and the British Army on their conquest of India. Along with a well written sub-plot (Sharpe’s lovelife and ambitions), this book takes us through the siege at Seringapatam, and Sharpe’s own personal battle against his nemesis, Hawkeswill.
All Bernard Cornwell’s book are well written and researched, and the historical note ...
Peachypobs 17.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sharpe's Tiger - Bernard Cornwell
Advantages: Character development, strong plot Disadvantages: None
Sharpe’s tiger is the start of the series and sees Richard Sharpe as a new recruit joining the British army in India. The story is set around the siege of Seringapatam the home of the powerful Tippoo of Mysore.
An army officer is captured and Sharpe volunteers to attempt a rescue not counting on his advisory Obadiah Hakeswill. Sharp is on the inside and help is on the outside he has to use all of his cunning to survive.
Cornwell paints a vivid ...
cheekyboy 08.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sharpe's Tiger - Bernard Cornwell
This is the prequel to the "Sharpe" series, which goes back to his early soldiering days in India. The story centres on the epic siege of Seringapatam, island citadel of the Tipoo of Mysore, a potentate that the British are keen to remove from power. See all Product Description
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![Sharpe's Tiger: Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Seringapatam, 1799 [Sharpe 1] - Bernard Cornwell](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/86721907.jpg "Sharpe's Tiger: Richard Sharpe and the Siege of Seringapatam, 1799 [Sharpe 1] - Bernard Cornwell")
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