Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Sharpe's Eagle: Richard Sharpe and the Talavera Campaign July 1809

Sharpe's Eagle: Richard Sharpe and the Talavera Campaign July 1809
BethG avatar reviewed on + 108 more book reviews


Richard Sharpe and his riflemen have the bad fortune to be placed under the command of Colonel Simmerson, who has a lot of political influence, a very high opinion of himself, and absolutely no idea how to command men in battle.

Simmerson quickly proves that he has one talent. He can screw things up royally. And, when he does, he writes home to his important connections explaining that he had nothing to do with the debacle. No, it was all Sharpe's fault.

So Sharpe is stuck taking orders from a man who hates him, in an army trying to defeat the experienced, successful French. And their Spanish allies are so bad that they might as well be fighting for the French.

This book has lots of action, vivid characters, and even a little romance. Mr. Cornwell is a accomplished storyteller. I even learned a little history. Join the fun and get to know Sharpe. You won't regret it.