Sharpe's Devil: Napoleon and South America, 1820-1821

Thoughtful glimpses of time periods.

Cornwell has another great read. The history in this book will be of particular interest to most readers because the story is largely unknown to us. I strongly recommend the book.

As far as I can tell, there doesn't seem to be any further expectations for Sharpe novels in the future with the last edition having been published in 2007 and the series spanning over two and a half decades of Cornwell's and Sharpe's lives. This was such a good series that I can honestly say I'm going to miss Sharpe and Harper, well, until I read the series again some day. Cornwell captures the essence of the time, the martial life in the army or otherwise, the burden of command, friendship, love, honor, attitudes and every other aspect of 19th century England, France, Ireland and Chile in this case. The great thing about any book is that it takes you somewhere. If it does it well you feel satisfied and entertained. Cornwell succeeds in taking you somewhere you've never been and making you feel at home in this story. I'd recommend this and every other book in the series even if you're not particularly interested in historical or war fiction because first and foremost it's a great story about people. This last novel wraps up loose ends and leaves us with a picture of a successful and satisfied set of heroes. I liked the story although there was some predictability in it. I think it did a good job of showing what kind of men Sharpe and Harper will be for the remainder of their lives and it also showed that despite their worries that they’d never know what to do with themselves without war they found fulfillment in life without war. I enjoyed it and I think you will too, especially since you made it this far. I recommend it.

The plot assumes that ships could land passengers at St. Helena in 1820 to interview Napoleon. Such was not the case. The British fired on any unauthorized ship attempting to approach the island including, in one case, a ship in distress. Other than that, it is an interesting tale.This is the last novel, chronologically, in the Richard Sharpe series. Sharpe is separated from his wife and living in France with his latest mistress and their two children. His shortage of money indicates his wife in England has everything he stole in Spain. When the Countess of Mouromorto shows up to hire Sharpe to find her missing husband in Chile, his mistress is very receptive to the sight of the money (needed to improve her farm). Sharpe finds himself on his way to Chile with his old friend Patrick Harper, and makes the aforementioned stop at St. Helena to see Napoleon.Sharpe and Harper become involved, unwillingly, in the civil war raging in Chile between the Spanish royalists and the rebels under O'Higgins (supported by Lord Cochrane). Sharpe's fortunes take some twists and turns, as does the plot. The involvement of Lord Cochrane in Chile is described fairly accurately, including the action at Valdivia. Sharpe, of course, gets his share of the spoils. One can hope that Sharpe will fare better with his latest mistress than he has with earlier women in his life. Having Sharpe acquire bags full of loot always creates the possibility of further action (after all, Lord Cochrane did invite him to go along, and we know from history that Lord Cochrane later served in Brazil and Greece).

Great story! Possibly the best of the Sharpe novels.

It was an adventure worthy of Sharpe and Harper, but here they come out of retirement. That was the first difference. In addition, the main setting is away from Europe: Chile. That's the second. I found Cornwell's writing and storytelling to be stellar, as ever. In addition to reading the text, I also listened to Frederick Davidson read. I don't find his rendition of the characters appealing. He seems to miss a lot, especially in the battle scenes. He's not bad, but I would prefer less nasal and more enthusiasm. Davidson reads most of the Sharpe series, so at least he knows the character.One other difference is the naval setting. A lot of new naval terms in this installment. Sharpe has been on a ship in other adventures, but this is even more.

another great book in this series (and any one of these is easily able to stand on its own as a novel) - Richard Sharpe advances through the ranks as he fights first on one side and then another in battles arranged by Grand England sends its soldiers off in battles to improve and safeguard its nation while using up good men by the hundreds in pitched battles that really happened in history but which have the added characters of these fictional hero's (Sharpe and his friends ) involved so well in the stories you don't realize they really ARE fictional characters. Very readable, fast paced alternating with periods of moderate pace, really enjoyable to read. A bit too gory I'd think for children, but ideal for an adult.

A brilliant series, this final Sharpe entry doesn't do justice to either Sharpe or Sgt. Harper. From India to Trafalgar to Waterloo, Sharpe was courageous, undaunted and never boring. He and his main supporters, inc. Sgt. Harper and even Wellington were brilliant in the TV series as well as the books. Best to read them in battle chronological succession.

**Should Read as 4.5 Stars**Read this book in 2006, its the 22nd and I think the final part, chronologically, of the marvellous Richard Sharpe series.This tale is set in the years AD 1820/1821, five years after Waterloo, and Richard Sharpe in retirement in Normandy, and enjoying life in peace.While in retirement Sharpe is confronted by the wife of his old friend, Don Blas Vivar, this friend of his is supposedly gone missing in Chile and is now reported dead, but the Don's wife refuses to believe and asks Sharpe to investigate this case.Reluctantly he travels, with his old comrade, Patrick Harper, to South america, stopping at St Helena to visit an old enemy of theirs, the fallen Emperor Napoleon, where Napoleon will reveal some truths about his treatment and fears for his life.When arriving in Chile, Sharpe and Harper don't what to expect, but what they will get is treachery and deceit from various sides, and in this environment of mistrust and death, they must overcome these dangers and somehow free the Don and get away from Chile safely and in tact to live for another day.Very much recommended, for this is a very thrilling last episode of a terrific series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Very Enjoyable Sharpe's Final Mission"!

I loved this novel for the first half - the way that Sharpe and Harper are treated by the sly and manipulative Spanish really grips you.The only thing I disliked about it was how Don Blas was written - there was no real interaction, he was just used as a goal to achieve.Otherwise, once again, a wonderful novel in a line up of great books.

It's been ages since I read a Sharpe book. This was a brilliant read - and I'm always amazed to read the historical details upon which the story is based. Just when you think that something is too far-fetched to be believed, you find out it really happened. An excellent escape on a winter's night.

As a ardent Sharpe folower who all his book and videos I was looking forward to reading this latest bookonly to be very disappointed the is the worst book I have look foword to only to find it has ended up in my rubbush readthe poorest of a briant wrighterr

Some would argue that this is a book too far in this series but BC explains why it was written in the epilogue. It is a decent tale, and an enjoyable read for those who have read the rest of the series, so don't be put off by negative reviews as I nearly was. For those who have yet to read others in the series then start with them first.