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Richard Sharpe #19
Sharpe's Skirmish: Richard Sharpe and the Defence of the Tormes, August 1812
Richard Sharpe and the defence of the Tormes, August 1812
It is the summer of 1812 and Richard Sharpe, newly recovered from the wound he received in the fighting at Salamanca, is given an easy duty; to guard a Commissary Officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets to repair. But unknown to the British, the French are planning a lightning raid across the River Tormes, and they reckon the obscure Spanish fort, which guards an ancient bridge across the river, will be lightly guarded. Sharpe is in for a fight.
It is the summer of 1812 and Richard Sharpe, newly recovered from the wound he received in the fighting at Salamanca, is given an easy duty; to guard a Commissary Officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets to repair. But unknown to the British, the French are planning a lightning raid across the River Tormes, and they reckon the obscure Spanish fort, which guards an ancient bridge across the river, will be lightly guarded. Sharpe is in for a fight.
61 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
15 people are currently reading
2101 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.2k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 6, 2022
I enjoyed this short story to finnish out this wonderful ceries. I recommend this ceries to all who like reading of war.
February 21, 2017
I reserve the four stars for the novel length adventures of soldier extraordinaire Richard Sharpe.
There’s nothing really wrong with the present novella, but there’s also little that I didn’t read in the fourteen or so previous installments.
As the title suggests, it’s a skirmish and not a full blown battle, but the stakes are, as usual where Sharpe is involved, nothing less than the fate of the whole English military campaign in the Iberian Peninsula. I believe in the previous episode ( Sharpe’s Sword ) our heroic rifleman was engaged in the cloak and dagger business in Salamanca, an activity that proves even more dangerous than the actual line of battle. It’s time then for a little Rest and Recovery on an easy job behind the lines. Sharpe and his Riflemen are sent to reclaim some abandoned French muskets from a derelict fort in the middle of nowhere. But the one thing guaranteed in a Sharpe story, even one only 60 pages or so long, is that ‘les crapauds’ are somewhere plotting to roll the British and their allies back into the Atlantic ocean. Can even Captain Sharpe overcome odds of 5000 againt 50?
Without going into specifics, Sharpe’s Skirmish is another action filled, hero worshipping, edge-of-the-seat adventure, a nice palate cleanser after some heavier reading and, for me, one step closer to finishing the damn series and starting on some of Cornwell’s better written series.
September 29, 2022
Sharpe #14.5. Yes, it's another re-read. This is a short story of sixty-one pages that takes place directly after the battles of Salamanca in Spain, in 1812.
Sharpe is given light duty as he has been recovering from the wounds inflicted by Colonel Leroux in Sharpe's Sword He is to guard the bridge that crosses the River Tormes at San Miguel, the Spanish fortress abandoned by the French after they were soundly defeated at Salamanca. When the French skedaddled, they left behind five thousand muskets in the fort. The British are repairing the muskets with the intention of giving them to their allies, the Spanish guerilleros. As usual in the Peninsular War, the French are rarely gone for good, and they plan to cross this bridge with the goal of attacking Wellington's supply lines.
My edition was published by the Sharpe Appreciation Society, and is one of the pride and joys of my physical library. This story is currently not available in e-book format. (I wish it were since my eyes like Kindle books better!) If you happen to find a copy in a secondhand store, I'd advise you to pick it up since this is no longer in print. You would have to pry my copy out of my dead hands 😉
Sharpe is given light duty as he has been recovering from the wounds inflicted by Colonel Leroux in Sharpe's Sword He is to guard the bridge that crosses the River Tormes at San Miguel, the Spanish fortress abandoned by the French after they were soundly defeated at Salamanca. When the French skedaddled, they left behind five thousand muskets in the fort. The British are repairing the muskets with the intention of giving them to their allies, the Spanish guerilleros. As usual in the Peninsular War, the French are rarely gone for good, and they plan to cross this bridge with the goal of attacking Wellington's supply lines.
My edition was published by the Sharpe Appreciation Society, and is one of the pride and joys of my physical library. This story is currently not available in e-book format. (I wish it were since my eyes like Kindle books better!) If you happen to find a copy in a secondhand store, I'd advise you to pick it up since this is no longer in print. You would have to pry my copy out of my dead hands 😉
August 13, 2023
🇬🇧 🇪🇸 🇫🇷 All of the Sharpe books are sinewy historical fiction but the ones describing the Napoleonic Wars are the best. He always seems to meet amazing warrior women, as well, wherever he goes, guerrillas fighting against Napoleon’s invasion and occupation of their countries.
[I served in a Rifle Regiment and our dress uniforms were the same color the original regiment wore, a dark almost black green, that is, a deep forest green. My regiment was nicknamed “little black devils”. The regimental drink was crème de menthe and black rum so green and black. Our sister regiment was a highland regiment - in Afghanistan, US troops borrowed pipers from British and Commonwealth Coalition Forces, particularly the Canadians, for repatriation services, that is, returning war dead to the United States.]
[I served in a Rifle Regiment and our dress uniforms were the same color the original regiment wore, a dark almost black green, that is, a deep forest green. My regiment was nicknamed “little black devils”. The regimental drink was crème de menthe and black rum so green and black. Our sister regiment was a highland regiment - in Afghanistan, US troops borrowed pipers from British and Commonwealth Coalition Forces, particularly the Canadians, for repatriation services, that is, returning war dead to the United States.]
April 6, 2020
You know your deep into a series when you buy copy of a short story that was once given away free as a promotion with another book from the series that you already own. giving away with Sharpe's Fortress 3rd in chorological order/19th in published order. The conclusion of Sharpe's Indian trilogy which is at the beginning of Sharpe's career in the series. told you I was in deep. Lee, (Butcher from Georgia) Richard Sharpe fanboy, that's me. Cornwell claims the promotion was a disaster but the story is quite good in my opinion.
my belief that the Battle at the end is the best part of the books is tested and proven correct here. most of the elements that comprise the formula are here just shortened and streamlined. we have a romantic rendezvous with his wife Teresa. a pompous superior officer who is dismissive of Sharpe because he is lowborn. And a enemy who beats Sharpe and must be defeated for prides sake. there are a few references to Sharpe's Fortress but no spoiler really. the story is a good transition from book 14 Sharpe's Sword to book 15 Sharpe's Enemy. continuity is a weak spot in the series IMO. I would recommend Sharpe Skirmish to anyone who wants a taste of Cornwell's unrivaled ability to write battle sequences without reading 300 pages. If you can find it!
my belief that the Battle at the end is the best part of the books is tested and proven correct here. most of the elements that comprise the formula are here just shortened and streamlined. we have a romantic rendezvous with his wife Teresa. a pompous superior officer who is dismissive of Sharpe because he is lowborn. And a enemy who beats Sharpe and must be defeated for prides sake. there are a few references to Sharpe's Fortress but no spoiler really. the story is a good transition from book 14 Sharpe's Sword to book 15 Sharpe's Enemy. continuity is a weak spot in the series IMO. I would recommend Sharpe Skirmish to anyone who wants a taste of Cornwell's unrivaled ability to write battle sequences without reading 300 pages. If you can find it!
December 14, 2008
This short 64 page story was originally a promotional give-away with the purchase of "Sharpe's Fortress" at W.H. Smith book stores.
Evidently the original pamphlet was not very well written and created problems with book stores that weren't part of the promotion. Cornwell decided to re-write the story in 2002 and gave it to the Sharpe Appreciation Society to publish with proceeds going to both the Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation that provides scholarship assistance for young people.
It is a fast read, to say the least. The story, which takes place in August 1812, literally zips along culminating in a skirmish between French forces trying to interdict Wellington's supply lines and Sharpe's small command in place to protect a bridge and a small fortress on the Tormes River in Spain.
As always the battle scenes are exceptionally well done. As you might imagine, there's not a lot of character development. Without having read some of the earlier novels, I suspect the reader could be somewhat confused.
No matter, I enjoyed the story immensely and my only criticism is that it was too short.
Evidently the original pamphlet was not very well written and created problems with book stores that weren't part of the promotion. Cornwell decided to re-write the story in 2002 and gave it to the Sharpe Appreciation Society to publish with proceeds going to both the Society and the Bernard and Judy Cornwell Foundation that provides scholarship assistance for young people.
It is a fast read, to say the least. The story, which takes place in August 1812, literally zips along culminating in a skirmish between French forces trying to interdict Wellington's supply lines and Sharpe's small command in place to protect a bridge and a small fortress on the Tormes River in Spain.
As always the battle scenes are exceptionally well done. As you might imagine, there's not a lot of character development. Without having read some of the earlier novels, I suspect the reader could be somewhat confused.
No matter, I enjoyed the story immensely and my only criticism is that it was too short.
November 21, 2023
Best short novel I have ever read. I do not like short stories. But this was a great exciting read.
The only downside was it made long for a new Sharpe novel. He has been one of my favourite characters of this period.
I look forward to the new Sharpe book coming out this year. Sharpe's Command
The only downside was it made long for a new Sharpe novel. He has been one of my favourite characters of this period.
I look forward to the new Sharpe book coming out this year. Sharpe's Command
November 19, 2022
An enjoyable fun little Sharpe novelette of 60 pages -- this is truly just necessary for Sharpe completionists like me, and one of I believe only three shorter works in the series. There was a stuck-up British supply officer and some overly arrogant French commander POVs that livened things up, plus Sharpe was off his game a little bit, which made things a tad concerning for the boys but an interesting change from his normal unfailing competence and bravado.
I'm so used to hearing Rupert Farley narrate the proceedings that I spoke much of the dialogue out loud as I read, having fun butchering some English, Irish, Scottish, and French accents in poor imitation of the master himself. But I did miss Farley dearly, and he really does add so much to these books. I'm excited to keep going but kind of dreading the book with the title Sharpe's Enemy.
Onward me march!
I'm so used to hearing Rupert Farley narrate the proceedings that I spoke much of the dialogue out loud as I read, having fun butchering some English, Irish, Scottish, and French accents in poor imitation of the master himself. But I did miss Farley dearly, and he really does add so much to these books. I'm excited to keep going but kind of dreading the book with the title Sharpe's Enemy.
Onward me march!
March 15, 2017
No matter how thrilling a Richard Sharpe adventure is, without a note regarding the historical accuracy of the events described at the conclusion it’s a bit of a letdown. Fourteen books into the series, with several more to go, it’s clear that Sharpe is going to survive each adventure and find a way to single handed turn the tides for the British in battle. What keeps these stories from being repetitive is plugging that formula into different historical events and making a cool hybrid of education and entertainment. That’s all a roundabout way of saying that while this short story was very exciting and entertaining it lacked the gravity of a more historical entry in the series.
Taking place almost immediately following the events of “Sharpe’s Sword,” here Richard is in charge of a Spanish fort on a crucial supply chain while the French in the area are all assumed to be retreating. He is there because he was shot in the previous book and is recovering in what is assumed to be a low stakes, hard to screw up position. Unbeknownst to British however, there is actually a sizable French force in the area with their sights set on this fort. Something happens that makes Sharpe suspect that he will be attacked, which becomes the dilemma of whether he should request more troops to be safe and possibly look paranoid or not request troops and possibly be undermanned during an attack. As an officer elevated through the ranks Sharpe must always be right or risk losing all he has gained thus far.
In addition to Richard Sharpe, long time readers will be pleased by the involvement of Sgt. Harper and Teresa in this book, as both play pivotal roles in the mission. There is also a soldier who remembers Sharpe from Gawilghur (which was detailed in “Sharpe’s Fortress”), so those following along chronologically get some nice literary Easter eggs. The two best parts of this story both involve horses. First, Cornwell does an excellent job describing the condition of the French army and their animals, all of whom have been retreating for miles and are in poor shape for battle. These sorts of details are where Cornwell really shines, bringing realism to stories that could so easily devolve into mindless action. **Slight spoiler for the ending** The climax also involves the horses, and several hundred bottles of wine that were not disposed of properly. Although with so few pages to plant seeds for plot twists, “Sharpe’s Skirmish” ends with a clever means for the British to thwart the charging enemy.
Taking place almost immediately following the events of “Sharpe’s Sword,” here Richard is in charge of a Spanish fort on a crucial supply chain while the French in the area are all assumed to be retreating. He is there because he was shot in the previous book and is recovering in what is assumed to be a low stakes, hard to screw up position. Unbeknownst to British however, there is actually a sizable French force in the area with their sights set on this fort. Something happens that makes Sharpe suspect that he will be attacked, which becomes the dilemma of whether he should request more troops to be safe and possibly look paranoid or not request troops and possibly be undermanned during an attack. As an officer elevated through the ranks Sharpe must always be right or risk losing all he has gained thus far.
In addition to Richard Sharpe, long time readers will be pleased by the involvement of Sgt. Harper and Teresa in this book, as both play pivotal roles in the mission. There is also a soldier who remembers Sharpe from Gawilghur (which was detailed in “Sharpe’s Fortress”), so those following along chronologically get some nice literary Easter eggs. The two best parts of this story both involve horses. First, Cornwell does an excellent job describing the condition of the French army and their animals, all of whom have been retreating for miles and are in poor shape for battle. These sorts of details are where Cornwell really shines, bringing realism to stories that could so easily devolve into mindless action. **Slight spoiler for the ending** The climax also involves the horses, and several hundred bottles of wine that were not disposed of properly. Although with so few pages to plant seeds for plot twists, “Sharpe’s Skirmish” ends with a clever means for the British to thwart the charging enemy.
June 27, 2017
This was an entertaining though quick short story with all the Richard Sharpe elements that are expected.
April 30, 2023
A nice little Sharpe story with an ingenious plan to foil the enemy but inevitably a little provincial.
August 23, 2009
This Sharpe outing is no biggie - but that's only because it's a short, 60-odd page effort originally written as a freebie before being later re-released on its own merits.
There aren't many Sharpe short stories out there, but I found the format holds up as well in brief form as it does in novel length. In essence, Sharpe finds himself in an isolated locale, up against overwhelming numbers of the French.
No prizes for guessing he manages to fight back in a rather splendid way.
Not much characterisation in this one - which is more than understandable - but some great scene-setting in the ruined riverside fortress. The brief action sequences on the bridge are exceptional, and there are some novel interludes involving bat dung and a cache of wine bottles.
Business as usual, then, in Cornwell's inimitable style.
There aren't many Sharpe short stories out there, but I found the format holds up as well in brief form as it does in novel length. In essence, Sharpe finds himself in an isolated locale, up against overwhelming numbers of the French.
No prizes for guessing he manages to fight back in a rather splendid way.
Not much characterisation in this one - which is more than understandable - but some great scene-setting in the ruined riverside fortress. The brief action sequences on the bridge are exceptional, and there are some novel interludes involving bat dung and a cache of wine bottles.
Business as usual, then, in Cornwell's inimitable style.
December 14, 2016
When the book arrived in the mail I was wondering where the rest of it was. Skirmish turns out to only be about 55 pages in length and the introduction explains why this is. The story itself is not bad. It's just that the story wraps up almost as soon as it begins and it was disappointing that there were not the usual historical notes at the conclusion.
June 22, 2022
I love a Richard Sharpe story. I have consumed the whole series of full novels and the short stories (except the very latest, long awaited reboot Sharpe's Assassin, which is on my huge tbr pile), and adored them all.
I am posting this review in support of the brilliant BOTH Press Kickstarter campaign to publish more exciting fiction, in a dyslexia-friendly format for adults. And the fact that one of these is a short story from the Sharpe canon, Sharpe's Skirmish, gives me a great opportunity to sing the praises of the genius historical fiction writer Bernard Cornwell, as well as promote a truly worthy campaign.
This story fits nicely into the main part of the series of novels that details the adventures of fictional rifleman Richard Sharpe in the Napoleonic Wars, and it features some very familiar faces for fans of the books. The story itself is short and sweet, which makes it perfect for a quick read, but it still contains the essence of what makes the Sharpe books so very enjoyable: the pace, the characters, the slow-burn tension, the humour, the military tactics, and the thrill of a good battle - or what Sharpe refers to as a just a skirmish, in this case.
I'm not sure how well this works as a stand-alone, as I am obviously familiar with the books, but I do think is gives a good introduction to what the series is about, and the engaging writing style of Bernard Cornwell.
Great care has been taken wuth the proposed BOTH Press version in terms of the font, spacing, and even the background colour of the page. I may not be dyslexic myself, but as a former school librarian, I know how much these features make a huge difference to dyslexic readers, and it is great to see gripping stories given this treatment. Anything that can be done to promote reading for pleasure to as wide an audience as possible is a great move.
I am posting this review in support of the brilliant BOTH Press Kickstarter campaign to publish more exciting fiction, in a dyslexia-friendly format for adults. And the fact that one of these is a short story from the Sharpe canon, Sharpe's Skirmish, gives me a great opportunity to sing the praises of the genius historical fiction writer Bernard Cornwell, as well as promote a truly worthy campaign.
This story fits nicely into the main part of the series of novels that details the adventures of fictional rifleman Richard Sharpe in the Napoleonic Wars, and it features some very familiar faces for fans of the books. The story itself is short and sweet, which makes it perfect for a quick read, but it still contains the essence of what makes the Sharpe books so very enjoyable: the pace, the characters, the slow-burn tension, the humour, the military tactics, and the thrill of a good battle - or what Sharpe refers to as a just a skirmish, in this case.
I'm not sure how well this works as a stand-alone, as I am obviously familiar with the books, but I do think is gives a good introduction to what the series is about, and the engaging writing style of Bernard Cornwell.
Great care has been taken wuth the proposed BOTH Press version in terms of the font, spacing, and even the background colour of the page. I may not be dyslexic myself, but as a former school librarian, I know how much these features make a huge difference to dyslexic readers, and it is great to see gripping stories given this treatment. Anything that can be done to promote reading for pleasure to as wide an audience as possible is a great move.
December 17, 2023
Sharpe's Skirmish delivers all the action and drama loyal fans have come to expect from Bernard Cornwell's iconic Sharpe series. As the title suggests, this compact novella chronicles Richard Sharpe's skirmish along the Tormes River in August 1812, on the heels of the Battle of Salamanca. Still recovering from grave wounds sustained in that major clash, Sharpe finds himself relegated to the quiet backwater of San Miguel. But in classic Sharpe fashion, the remote Spanish fort proves far from quiet for long.
Cornwell excels at plunging his rough-and-tumble protagonist into impossible situations, and Sharpe's Skirmish is no exception. Vastly outnumbered by skilled French cavalry determined to cross the vital river crossing, Sharpe must tap all his cunning and combat experience to defend the bridge. Cornwell delivers his trademark gripping battle sequences, made all the more intense in such a compressed format. Peppered with memorable new characters, old score-settling, and high stakes on Spain's war-ravaged landscape, Sharpe's Skirmish whets readers' appetites for more.
While more a snacks-ized amuse-bouche than a full entree compared to the hefty historical novels, Sharpe fans will relish this tight 60-page installment. Sharpe's Skirmish slips enjoyably between major series titles, offering a glimpse of our quick-witted hero at his scrappiest. This skirmish may be small, but with Richard Sharpe at the helm, it proves plenty momentous.
Cornwell excels at plunging his rough-and-tumble protagonist into impossible situations, and Sharpe's Skirmish is no exception. Vastly outnumbered by skilled French cavalry determined to cross the vital river crossing, Sharpe must tap all his cunning and combat experience to defend the bridge. Cornwell delivers his trademark gripping battle sequences, made all the more intense in such a compressed format. Peppered with memorable new characters, old score-settling, and high stakes on Spain's war-ravaged landscape, Sharpe's Skirmish whets readers' appetites for more.
While more a snacks-ized amuse-bouche than a full entree compared to the hefty historical novels, Sharpe fans will relish this tight 60-page installment. Sharpe's Skirmish slips enjoyably between major series titles, offering a glimpse of our quick-witted hero at his scrappiest. This skirmish may be small, but with Richard Sharpe at the helm, it proves plenty momentous.
August 27, 2017
"Sharpe's Skirmish" is a heavily compressed Sharpe adventure with all the formulaic elements of the longer novels but little of their characteristic charm. It's a standard setup for Sharpe, complete with a cunning French enemy, a bumbling "Jack Pudding" British senior officer, a hopeless battle that Sharpe must miraculously win, and Sharpe's grousing about the unfair expectations that an officer from the ranks is expected to meet. Notably missing are the elements that allow the Sharpe novels to rise above their genre-fiction trappings, particularly the human touches that keep the reader invested in Sharpe and his soldiers and Cornwell's loving attention to historical context. The story moves too swiftly and it suffers for not being anchored in historical events. Cornwell includes in his opening comments that it probably "shouldn't have been written," and though the story doesn't detract from the series as a whole, it adds little of value and could be easily given a miss by a reader working through the series.
October 7, 2021
A little 64-page story in the middle of the series, so it’s a bit hard to rate the same as the others. Basically a mini Sharpe story with everything but the heart of it cut out – the battle and the maverick decisions Sharpe and his men make to win. Great action, and the POV switching worked even in the short story – actually, it worked somewhat better than in longer entries in the series as the story had the feeling of being over and done with quickly. The writing might not have been as polished as the others but the introduction said it was written in a rush and then cleaned up for re-publication.
As an amusing side note, this short story was published for ‘a leading British bookseller’ as a promotional device to give out free with Sharpe’s Fortress. But then some stores started charging for it and upset all the other booksellers. As someone who works for this ahem ‘leading British bookseller’, I can one hundred percent say this is the epitome of them. Nothing has changed in those twenty or so years!
As an amusing side note, this short story was published for ‘a leading British bookseller’ as a promotional device to give out free with Sharpe’s Fortress. But then some stores started charging for it and upset all the other booksellers. As someone who works for this ahem ‘leading British bookseller’, I can one hundred percent say this is the epitome of them. Nothing has changed in those twenty or so years!
September 22, 2020
This book was okay. I didn't love it, nor hate it. I think if you're a huge fan of the Sharpe's series, you'll probably enjoy this book. It's my first (and last Sharpe book) my husband wanted me to read it because he's a huge fan of the Sharpe world. It's historical fiction, which is maybe where I already get lost. Either write a history book or write a fiction book, but part history, part fiction? I don't know, kind of weird to me. But, this is a quick read, so if you want to see if it's your style, this is a way to do it in about one hour, so I liked the level of commitment was low. And it's not a terrible story. I did get confused in at first because he jumps between different soiders without explaining that at all. Just one second he's talking about Spanish/British soldiers, the next French. But, I guess with such a short story, deep character development is difficult.
January 8, 2021
Originally written as a giveaway to promote another Sharpe book in 1999, then expanded by the author a little later. Takes place after "Sharpe's Fortress" and before "Waterloo," chronologically. Note the number "14.5."
Interesting short story for the Sharpe fan and can be read in one sitting in about an hour - depending upon how fast you read.
Now, I can say I've read all the Sharpe books!
Definitely for the Sharpe or Cornwell fan who wants everything! Lots of action packed into its 61 pages.
Interesting short story for the Sharpe fan and can be read in one sitting in about an hour - depending upon how fast you read.
Now, I can say I've read all the Sharpe books!
Definitely for the Sharpe or Cornwell fan who wants everything! Lots of action packed into its 61 pages.
February 9, 2021
I love the way Sharpe books end with the title. It was Sharpe's Skirmish! And that is was! A very enjoyable pamphlet, as my wife called it, that was an essential read to a completist like myself.
Only 60 pages long, as it was a bonus accompaniment for Sharpe's Fortress in certain bookshops, but a great little book when you are short of time.
All the usual good stuff is in there, although perhaps a little less descriptive and gory, and I am glad I went out of my way to find it.
Reading the series? Well you HAVE to include this!
Only 60 pages long, as it was a bonus accompaniment for Sharpe's Fortress in certain bookshops, but a great little book when you are short of time.
All the usual good stuff is in there, although perhaps a little less descriptive and gory, and I am glad I went out of my way to find it.
Reading the series? Well you HAVE to include this!
March 1, 2021
My only complaint was this book was way to short. It was the next book in my favorite series and I couldn't find it anywhere. Covid closed many libraries, so not all of the Link+ libraries were open. Once I was able to get the book I found out why it was so hard to find. It is a short story written in 1999 as a promotional gift to be given away with the purchase of a new Sharpe novel. Cornwell was not entirely happy with the story and he reworked it and rereleased it in 2002. This is probably way more information than anyone but me is interested in.
June 30, 2022
I loved the series of Sharpe with Sean Bean but I have never read any of the books so this was a great taster.
As always the book was comprehensive and set out in a way that was easy to read and easy to follow. It was well written with a cast of well developed characters, however I found myself having to try really hard to remember some characters and their purpose as there were a lot of characters for such a short read.
If you love fiction that is set amidst war and conflict or just historical fiction in general then this is the book for you
3.5 stars
As always the book was comprehensive and set out in a way that was easy to read and easy to follow. It was well written with a cast of well developed characters, however I found myself having to try really hard to remember some characters and their purpose as there were a lot of characters for such a short read.
If you love fiction that is set amidst war and conflict or just historical fiction in general then this is the book for you
3.5 stars
December 23, 2023
Rating 3.5
An enjoyable novella that I thought I had read but seeing this in the library and reading the opening pages realised that I hadn’t so gave it a go.
Nice to revisit the characters again, tight little story that had no fat on it, plot and action sped along at a high pace - as you would usually expect in a novella.
I admit that as I like reading short stories and novellas, it is a pity that there aren’t more of them featuring the characters from Sharpe.
Overall a solid recommendation - moved to a 4 star simply down to the enjoyment I had reading it.
An enjoyable novella that I thought I had read but seeing this in the library and reading the opening pages realised that I hadn’t so gave it a go.
Nice to revisit the characters again, tight little story that had no fat on it, plot and action sped along at a high pace - as you would usually expect in a novella.
I admit that as I like reading short stories and novellas, it is a pity that there aren’t more of them featuring the characters from Sharpe.
Overall a solid recommendation - moved to a 4 star simply down to the enjoyment I had reading it.
February 12, 2018
It actually falls into a murky category somewhere between short story and novella. No matter; after recently finishing two really unsatisfying novels, this was a great [if brief] diversion. It seems very much a coda to Sharpe's Sword, and not enough to make a novel of it's own, but that's OK. You are not likely to be reading this unless you are already a fan of the Sharpe books, so you know what to expect.
June 21, 2022
Fans of historic, war fiction will undoubtedly enjoy this.
It appears to be a novella from a series focusing around the character of Captain Sharpe. They characters were well written, I really liked Sharpe's wife. However there were A LOT of characters to try and remember who was on which side of the battle!
A fast paced little number with some fairly brutal, violent imagery so not for the faint of heart.
It appears to be a novella from a series focusing around the character of Captain Sharpe. They characters were well written, I really liked Sharpe's wife. However there were A LOT of characters to try and remember who was on which side of the battle!
A fast paced little number with some fairly brutal, violent imagery so not for the faint of heart.
August 19, 2020
There was a battle, in Spain, and we won. It was just a skirmish...
This is an oddity,originally a promotional short story which was later rewritten, and now amounts to something between a short story and a novella, being barely 60 pages long. But it is vintage Sharpe, all the elements squeezed into a soupçon rather than a full meal,but one for Sharpe completists.
This is an oddity,originally a promotional short story which was later rewritten, and now amounts to something between a short story and a novella, being barely 60 pages long. But it is vintage Sharpe, all the elements squeezed into a soupçon rather than a full meal,but one for Sharpe completists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
Super quick and enjoyable Sharpe Snack! Read the re-published and edited version, not the original. It was just as good as any Sharpe's you could want. Some allied officer who secretly hates Sharpe, a big bad that just has to face off against our Rifleman, and a battle that Sharpe and his ever dwindling company must win or else lose everything. Lots of fun.
August 4, 2023
I’m reading the books (audiobooks technically) in chronological order and they are all fantastic. I was happy to find this on YouTube read by the author himself! Exciting short story/novella. The ONLY negative is that I wanted more. I love the full length books. This was too short. Not exactly a negative. The story was excellent.
October 1, 2025
It's been a decade or more since I last indulged myself in a 'Sharpe' outing.
“Sharpe's Skirmish” is a novella (first issued as a promotion for “Sharpe's Fortress”).
It's too short to judge (and doesn't really provide anything new) but it is a decent read.
If you're thinking of reading the series this is a good introduction to Sharpe and his mindset.
3 Stars.
“Sharpe's Skirmish” is a novella (first issued as a promotion for “Sharpe's Fortress”).
It's too short to judge (and doesn't really provide anything new) but it is a decent read.
If you're thinking of reading the series this is a good introduction to Sharpe and his mindset.
3 Stars.
July 10, 2017
Not one of my favourite Sharpe stories. I still love the main characters and as always it fills in gaps in the period, but I think I might have overdone Sharpe a bit, I’m enjoying my new Peninsular War series more at the moment. Still it’s a good read and I enjoyed it.
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