Sharpe's Escape

Book X of the Sharpe Series

De: Bernard Cornwell

Narrado por: Patrick Tull

It is 1810, and in Napoleon's determination to conquer Portugal, and push the British back to the sea, he sends his largest army yet across the Spanish frontier. But between the Portuguese border and Napoleon's seemingly certain victory are two obstacles; a wasted land, stripped of food by Wellington's orders, and Captain Richard Sharpe.

But Sharpe is in trouble. The captain of the Light Company is threatened from inside and out: first by an incompetent British officer, who by virtue of family connections is temporarily given Sharpe's command. An even greater danger is posed by two corrupt Portuguese brothers, Major Ferreira, a high-ranking officer in the army of Portugal, and his brother, nicknamed "Ferragus" (after a legendary Portuguese giant), who prefer to rule by crude physical strength and pure intimidation. Together the brothers have developed a devious plot to ingratiate themselves with the French invaders who are threatening to become Portugal's new rulers.

Sharpe's interference in the first stage of their plan earns the undying enmity of the brothers. Ferragus vows revenge and plots a merciless trap that seems certain to kill Sharpe and his intimates. As the city of Coimbra is burned and pillaged, Sharpe and his companions plot a daring escape, ensuring that Ferragus will follow on toward Lisbon, into the jaws of a snare laid by Wellington that is meant to be a daring and ingenious last stand against the invaders. There, beneath the British guns, Sharpe is reunited with his shattered but grateful company, and meets his enemies in a thrilling and decisive fight.

Don't forget to check out the rest of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series.

Don't miss the rest of Bernard Cornwell's literary masterpieces.

©2004 Bernard Cornwell (P)2004 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Another thrilling adventure." (Booklist)
"With fully fleshed-out characters and keen human insight, Cornwell just keeps getting better." (Publishers Weekly)
"Adroitly capturing character, Patrick Tull sounds like a grizzled, gin-soaked foot soldier who saw it all firsthand and who enjoys nothing more than telling war stories." (AudioFile)

Excellent Adventure

I love the Sharpe stories read by Patrick Tull. Wish the others were still available.

More exciting battles in Portugal

My favorite stories by Cornwell in the Sharpe series involve the large Napoleonic battles. This story has a great mix of those and subterfuge when the large unit actions aren't in progress. Patrick Tull, as usual, shows plenty of enthusiasm but is lazy with the accents, and doesn't distinguish hardly at all with the voices for the various characters.

Good Series

One of my favorite series I've read or listened to. The story runs continuously through each book.

Tull, Cornwell & O'brian ...

As put sooo well by Bradley above, the combination of Cornwell & Tull is dangerously close to the O'Brian & Tull collaboration! Why is there not more Cornwell/Tull narratives?
After listening to the O'Brian-Tull stories for the 4th time (it never gets boring), I search for more Cornwell and Tull is by far and away the best voice for his tales. Such companions they've become! Give them 5 stars! And Ganimera is a good second choice, too!
Being a history buff, I revel in Cornwell's detailed grasp of the era, its people and society, and it is so very easy to fall under their sway.
One work of advice, start at the beginning and read them all!

Really enjoyed this one

One of the best Sharpe books. I love the scene where Sharpe and his companions are trapped in the cellar.

False Advertizing -- Another "ABRIDGED" Book

Any additional comments?

It is singularly annoying that with the newer books in the Sharpe series, Audible has ceased having the Performer read the Author's closing Historical Notes. The novel itself seems to have been read in its entirety, So why does Audible have so much trouble finishing the book by having the performer read just four-and-a-fraction more pages? Incomprehensible: History is a great part of what this genre is all about.

In this case, the novel is based on the invasion of Portugal by Massena. Unlike most of the Sharpe novels, the critical battle (Bussaco) happens rather early on in the novel. But Sharpe's success in the battlefield just adds to his life's complications. Cornwell delivers his usual fast-paced adventure for Captain Sharpe.He interweaves some rich historical detail into his novel (such as Massena taking off his hat and bowing at a dramatic moment before the fortifications of Torres Vedras). The books are also fun adventure, and well worth the listen.

Sharpe takes a beating

Yes it is true. Sharpe really gets smashed up in this one. It take a big guy who isn't too subtle but in the end Sharpe gets his own back and manages to get the girl. He saves the regiment as well and nobody seems to stand in his way, not even the French Army of Portugal. By now you would have lost count of the bodies Sharpe leaves behind and the women who he has managed to beguile. To be fare, most do quite well after an affair with Richard. This book is interesting from the part of the Portugal Campaign and fills in some lost months in the life & times of Sharpe and the South Essex's however Patrick Tull makes Sharpe sound like a grumpy old man. Could be worse, Sean Bean who did an excellent job on the TV series is terrible at reading these books. I suppose we all tell stories in our different way.

I love Tull! Great story.

Really easy to get into the story! Never let’s up. Love the series. Tull is very good.

Three cheers for Patrick Tull!

I am very pleased that Patrick Tull is starting to narrate the Sharpe series. I'm almost through Patrick O'brian's Aubrey/Maturin series, also narrated by Patrick Tull (note: don't even consider trying an Aubrey/Maturin audiobook if it isn't narrated by Tull) and discoveringCornwell's Captain Sharpe takes the edge off of the inevitable O'brian withdrawal.
Sharpe's Escape is a great listen, with well-developed characters and (unlike Scharra's historical fiction) realistic dialogue.

Another Obrian/Tull fan

If you like Patrick Obrians books read by Tull you will like this one. I very much hope Tull reads more of the Sharpe series.
One of my favorite aspects of the Aubrey/Maturin Series is the comedy between the two freinds. The comedy is different in these books but its just as good, and the action/detail is perfect.

Listen to it, you wont be sorry.