I have been a big fan of the Sharpe series for a number of years, firstly when it was on TV and then later when I got into the books. For many fans the exploits of Sharpe as he single handedly wins the Peninsular War have been something to look forward to as Bernard Cornwell continually finds new battles to place the hero in.
With this mixed up Chronology in mind it is interesting that after the series appeared to end the writer decides to go back to the beginning by writing about a young Sharpe as he first makes his way in the army during the wars in India. This idea reminds me of the Star Wars franchise showing us the 'prequels' when we already know about Luke being Vaders son etc.
The 'India Trilogy' started with 'Sharpes Tiger' and showed Private Sharpe first learning about battle and gaining his promotion to Sergeant. It also showed the beginnings of his hate filled relationship with Hakeswill who was to become one of the main protagonists during the future series.
Sharpes Triumph picks up 4 years after 'Tiger'. Sergeant Sharpe is still in India being employed in an armoury, well away from the fighting and generally enjoying his comfortable role. However a routine trip to pick up some ammunition puts him in harms way as he is the only survivor of a massacre as a defecting English officer steals the cartridges as part of his initiation into the enemy forces. As the only man who can recognise the renegade Sharpe is forced to leave his easy role and join a British intelligence officer in his hurt for 'Major Dodd' so he can be brought to justice.
This man hunt takes place against the backdrop of one of the largest and most important battles of the Indian campaign - The battle of Assaye where General Wellington lead 7,000 troops against 100,000.
Sharpe sees first hand the strength of the enemy, but also the temptations within as he is offered to join them as an officer, where his skill and experience will be full appreciated, rather than wasted in the bigoted British army.
As Sharpes conscience is torn, and the two sides edge towards a dramatic and bloody conflict we are constantly reminded of the threat of Hakeswill who has been stalking Sharpe for the entire novel, having engineered a warrant for Sharpes arrest and execution.
This novel is one of the best of the series and for me one of the most exciting books I have read. As I mentioned early this is the second in the India Trilogy and to keep with the earlier Star Wars analogy this plays like 'The Empire Strikes Back'. Plot wise, this is the one of the three that develops the story most and has a climax that is guaranteed to give any fans of Sharpe good bumps. With this story coming out so long after the original series we know who survives, who dies and how each character develops, however it is still exciting, emotional and fun to se this from a position of knowledge.
Once again Cornwell excels in creating exciting battle scenes from several different points of view and manages to find niches in important situations where he can insert his hero. Sometimes you don't fully appreciate just how close to true events these novels are until you read the historical note at the end and find that several mysteries about events are tailor made for our favourite periodical hero to play a role. The story even finishes nicely as there are one or two loose ends left which leads nicely into 'Sharpes Fortress' although you do feel that this is a natural end to these events.
The writing is superb and I thoroughly recommend this book. The main subject matter is a battle that The Duke of Wellington often referred to as 'his favourite' and Cornwell has treated it with love and attention that a battle of this honour deserves.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I received 2 sharpe books as part of a deal when I bought other books from my book club (free) and I haven't gotten round to reading them yet, Must try soon x
Nov 2nd, 2006
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (97%):
