Sharpe's Revenge
1814, The peace of 1914.
Published: 1989
In Sharpe's Revenge the story feels like it is set the week before term finishes, the war is coming to an end, what we have know is ending and what is future is not yet known. The concept of a war winding down seems strange to me, but is what is conveyed by the book. The loss of camaraderie and friendships are sad, but war is a terrible thing, and the end of war must be good, but that is not really pot rayed by this or in fact any Sharpe Novel. However should i really let my pacifist leanings show in a Sharpe Book review?
Apart from that we see betrayal and treachery on just about every front. Between old enemies old allies and old friends, only his old friend Patrick Harper really stands apart from all the mayhem and skullduggery.
Synopsis
In Sharpe's Revenge after victory over the French has been achieved. The Duke of Wellington's Army is being dismantled by the army Bureaucracy. Major Richard Sharpe is amusing himself by dueling cowardly naval captains, and then things start to go wrong.
Firstly Jane Sharpe gets upset about the Duel and arranges to return to England to prepare for Richards glorious entry in society life, whether he likes it or not.
Then Sharpe, Harper and Frederickson get arrested and accused of stealing a large sum of money off the french government, when they stormed a French fort in Sharpe's Siege. The trial is not going well, and Sharpe can sense the machinations of Major Ducos behind proceedings.
The three rifleman feel there is no option, but to break free from the arrest, and travel across France to find the man who can prove there innocence. They find this plan is more complex than they imagined when they find him murdered (which they get blamed for) and Sharpe gets shot and seriously injured by the mans sister.
Meanwhile in England Jane hears that Richard has first been arrested, then that he has broke free from captivity, and is then wanted for murder. Turns to richards court contact Lord Rossendale for help, but then for comfort as she fears the worse. Frederickson heads for Paris to find Major Ducos whilst Sharpe is recovering.
Sharpe is left needing to prove his innocence, repair his marriage, reclaim his fortune and seek his revenge.
Sharpe's Revenge - Main Characters
Major Richard Sharpe
Sergeant Patrick Harper
Captain William Frederickson
Jane Sharpe
General Nairn
Pierre Ducos
Henri Lassan
Captain D'Alembord
Lord Rossendale
Lucille Castineau
General Calvet
Sharpe Books
Wise Words
"On no Hamlett was no Irishman, he was a fool"
- Captain Hogan
