Sharpe's Skirmish: Richard Sharpe and the Defence of the Tormes, August 1812 (Richard Sharpe Adventure Series)

By UNESCO standards, this publication just barely qualifies as a book. It is a 53 page story plus some white pages, introduction, etc. The price may seem a bit high, but it was republished for a fundraising effort after some rewriting. The original was a limited edition publication provided as a free promotional item for a bookstore.This is a short action (skirmish) set between the time periods of two of the novels in the Sharpe series. The time is 1812. The French are retreating from Spain. The British are advancing in Northwest Spain after the Battle of Salamanca, and Sharpe is given the task of guarding a small fort on the flank of the British supply lines. All is well until the French decide to make a surprise attack. The final defense of the bridge somewhat brings to mind Harclay's defense at Boroughbridge in 1322, except Harclay had longbows. It is difficult to charge on horseback over a defended bridge.

If you're looking for the Kindle edition of this book, forget about it. This book is self-published by the Sharpe Appreciation Society, which does not have the means to publish electronically.This book is SHORT. I mean, really short. It could be easily read in an hour. But it is some of Cronwell's best story telling. Unfortunately, there is no "historic note" at the end of the book, so we don't readily know how much of the story is anchored in historic characters and events. The map on the cover is very helpful when reading the story.Even though it is a short story, I feel it is worth the price. And proceeds from the sale of this book support a foundation that provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

This is one of the smallest paperback books I have ever seen. I don't know what I was expecting but I am used to paperback books of at least 150 pages. The books I have read by Bernard Cornwell in the "Richard Sharpe" series have been well over 150 pages. This book is 61 pages and the 15th in the series of 22. I was surprised. I have not read it yet, I am in another of Cornwell's series, but am looking forward to it. It is in excellent shape and arrived promptly.

Sharpe books by Bernard Cornwell are always excellent

This story experiments with telling a Richard Sharpe tale in the short story form. Compared to the ultra richly detailed Richard Sharpe novels, I thought the brevity might shortchange the characters. Upon reading however, I was not disappointed. Cornwell didnt just shave down or truncate the story, as I feared he would, rather I feel he properly recreated the retelling of a Sharpe story in this format. I can only speculate at his methods of writing but to me the final effect was well delivered.Some commentators think this would not be a good introduction to Sharpie. I am not so sure of that. Actually I think it would be and since the series ( or parts thereof) is offered in big box stores under at least two different published formats, many folks will get a non-chronological introduction to the protaganist nonetheless.I recommend it.

I would never credit this as being one of the best Sharpe stories but it was a welcome and entertaining diversion. It has none of the complexities of the Sharpe novels but I wouldn't expect that in a 67 page book. It is a simple action story where Sharpe's determination and refusal to lose win out over a superior French column.The setting is a simple one. While recovering from a wound, Sharpe is assigned with is company to guard a commissary officer who is taking possession of some captured arms (and wine). No one except Sharpe expects trouble. They get it anyway.The French decide to mount a raid behind the lines and Sharpe's detachment is all that stand between the peninsular armies and a military disaster. As everyone knows, however, Sharpe is too stubborn to lose.It was a pleasant diversion.

This short book, by Bernard Cornwell, is a gem of a short story. The story takes place in the summer of 1812, while Sharpe is recovering from wounds he received at Salamanca. He is given an easy duty, to guard a Commissary Officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets. The French plan a lightning strike across the River Tormes, and the obscure fort is in the way. Sharpe and his handful of riflemen and infantry are in for a fight, but that never stopped Sharpe from mastering the situation. La Aguja also is included as an important participant. 61 pages, but well worth it.

I ordered this just after I finished 'Sharpe's Sword'. That put it in context. It's a good short story but it is - alas - short.I read all the non-Sharpe Cornwell books and then I started the Sharpe stories. In the meantime Cornwell has written more novels. I am ready to start 'The Pagan Lord'. I read three or four of the Hornblower books again too. I guess someday maybe someday soon I will run out of Cornwell books and I will have to re-read all of them again too.

It's very short but a nice read. Typical Bernard Cornwall style, the familiar characters are all in attendance. But it is 100% fictional fluff, there is no historical basis for this except that it represents the countless untold skirmishes that occur in any war. If you are a Sharpe completist you need this. If not, you will be better served with one of the mainstream Sharpe books, with more meat and a genuine historical context.

Like all Sharp's stories slow beginning stronger middle and good finish just right to wet ones appetite for more stories

A great short story, its not on Audible, so I read the book, but its a Sharpe classic, so well worth reading

Considering that this story was written as a “filler”.It is a good story, well up to Cornwell’s Usual standard.Very good!

Bought this book to add to my collection of Sharpe stories, it was a great story and I enjoyed reading it.