Sharpe’s Gold - Bernard Cornwell (Audiobook)

Narrated by William Gaminara

Listened to: August 2010 (at age 32)

First time read

What to Expect:

This is the ninth book (chronologically) in the Sharpe series of historical fiction revolving around events of the Napoleonic wars.  It was the 2^nd book written, though, and it’s worth starting either at Sharpe’s Eagle (8^th), or at Sharpe’s Tiger (1^st).  It is a solid book of historical military fiction, and a fun listen.  It was a bit darker than the rest of the series – not in terms of body count, but in terms of decisions that need to be made by our hero.

From the back cover:

Richard Sharpe and the Destruction of Almeida, August 1810

Bold, professional and determined, Richard Sharpe embarks on a desperate mission. He must recover the treasure, vital to the success of the war, now hidden behind enemy lines. The gold is in the possession of a powerful guerrilla leader, feared by ally and enemy alike. And he has no love for Sharpe, the man who has stolen his woman. But Sharpe's fiercest battles lie with the British officers, ignorant of his deadly secret and mistrustful of his ruthless methods.

The timing listed in the plot summary is a bit off, but it covers the general flavour of the book.

My Reactions (spoilers!):

Overall: 

I’m going to have to listen to something else for a while – my only real comments, beyond that this was a bit darker, are really “see Sharpe's Eagle”.  There was a bit more suspense in this book than in some of the others, but a few fewer heroic moments.  It was a solid book. 

Rating: 4

Characterization:  

Good.  Nothing really new here, but novelty isn’t everything.

Premise: 

Good. Sharpe gets to go behind enemy lines and save the war almost singlehandedly.  It’s a nice way to allow Sharpe some flexibility and control of his own destiny away from the main army.  This tactic – small independent missions for our hero – is used throughout the series, and I think that it makes for a better story than having him simply following orders the whole book.

Setting: 

Fair.  As before, the setting just didn’t stand out that much.  It was fine.

Plot: 

Good.  There was a girl, Sharpe got her, in addition to overcoming various obstacles to the mission.  A few battles.  A bit of single combat.  Some espionage.  That’s enough to support the story.

Narration: 

Excellent.  As before, William Gaminara did very well.  I liked the pacing, emphasis, and voices.

What other people think:

 http://ithinkthereforeireview.blogspot.com/2008/03/sharpes-gold.html