Sharpes Books

A Bloody Good Read

Sharpe's Escape

Sharpes Escape 1810, Lines of Torres Vedras.
Published: 1 June, 2004

ISBN 0-00-712013-3 (hardcover edition)
ISBN 0-00-712014-1 (paperback edition)

Sharpes Escape gets 4

Synopsis

In Sharpe's Escape, the largest French army yet across the Spanish frontier. The British are retreating toward a defensive position in Portugal leaving nothing but barren ground behind them. Lieutenant Richard Sharpe returned from shortened leave is with the South Essex in the rear guard before Napoleons advancing army.

But Sharpe has more immediate trouble. As captain of the Light Company is threatened from inside and out: First by an incompetent British officer, who by virtue of family connections is being positioned for Sharpe's command. And trouble with two brothers who are the Portuguese spy master and his criminal brother

The brutal manner of Sharpe's interference in the their plan to sell food to the French earns the undying enmity of the brothers. Ferragus vows revenge and sets a trap that seems certain to kill Sharpe and his allies - battle-tested ally Sergeant Harper, the Portuguese officer Jorge Vicente, and a prickly but lovely English governess. As the city of Coimbra is burned and pillaged by the French.

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 -- the massive lines of Torres Vedras, 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.

Sharpe's Escape - Main Characters

Captain Richard Sharpe
Sergeant Patrick Harper
Lieutenant Cornelius Slingsby
Major Ferriara
Sarah Fry
'Ferragus'
Major Michael Hogan
Colonel William Lawford
Captain Jorge Vicente