Redcoat

Title: Redcoat

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Published in: 1987

Date read: 3rd March 2017

Score: 4/5

Genre: Historical fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Redcoat" by Bernard Cornwell, published in 1987, is a standalone historical novel that vividly plunges into the brutal realities of the American War of Independence, particularly the crucial Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill) in 1775. While not part of his famed series, it showcases Cornwell's signature ability to bring historical events to visceral life through the eyes of compelling characters.

The story primarily follows Sam Hook, a young, naïve, and somewhat reluctant recruit from England. He joins the 33rd Regiment of Foot, the regiment of the British Army. Sam is initially drawn into the army by circumstances and the promise of adventure, but he quickly learns the harsh discipline and brutal realities of military life under King George III.

As Sam and his regiment are deployed to Boston, Massachusetts, they find themselves in a city under siege by American rebels. The tension between the British "redcoats" and the colonists is palpable, leading to skirmishes and a growing sense of inevitable, bloody conflict.

The narrative vividly builds towards the Battle of Bunker Hill (which was actually fought on Breed's Hill, a distinction Cornwell, a stickler for historical accuracy, clarifies). Cornwell masterfully depicts the British perspective, showcasing the meticulous planning, the rigid formations, and the immense courage demanded of the common soldier, as well as the blunders and underestimations of their leadership. The repeated frontal assaults by the Redcoats up the steep, fortified hill against entrenched American sharpshooters are portrayed with terrifying realism and devastating casualties.

Interwoven with Sam's experiences is the story of William Howe, the ambitious British general, and a broader look at the political and military strategies (and missteps) of the British command. There are also glimpses into the lives of the American colonists and their own motivations.

"Redcoat" is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of 18th-century warfare, emphasizing the mud, blood, and fear of battle from the perspective of the foot soldier. It delves into themes of duty, survival, the destructive nature of war, and the human cost of empire. The novel is a gripping, grim, and historically rich account of one of the pivotal early battles of the American Revolution.

Comments:
Still in my "Sharpe" phase and loving all historical fiction, this is a great stand-alone novel that I really enjoyed. I was particularly interested in the way the army used to control and the use of the triangle to deter desertion. Although it is fiction, there is so much well-researched fact in there, it sends you off to do more research of your own.

Books that we've read by Bernard Cornwell (28):
Sharpe's Eagle (Sharpe, #8) (1981), Sharpe's Gold (Sharpe, #9) (1981), Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13) (1982), Sharpe's Sword (Sharpe, #14) (1983), Sharpe's Enemy (Sharpe, #15) (1984), Sharpe's Honour (Sharpe, #16) (1985), Sharpe's Regiment (Sharpe, #17) (1986), Redcoat (1987), Sharpe's Siege (Sharpe, #18) (1987), Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6) (1988), Sharpe's Revenge (Sharpe, #19) (1989), Sharpe's Waterloo (Sharpe, #20) (1990), Sharpe's Devil (Sharpe, #22) (1992), Sharpe's Battle (Sharpe, #12) (1995), Sharpe's Tiger (Sharpe, #1) (1997), Sharpe's Triumph (Sharpe, #2) (1998), Sharpe's Fortress (Sharpe, #3) (1999), Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5) (2000), Sharpe's Trafalgar (Sharpe, #4) (2000), Gallows Thief (2001), Heretic (The Grail Quest, #3) (2003), Sharpe's Havoc (Sharpe, #7) (2003), The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1) (2004), Sharpe's Escape (Sharpe, #10) (2004), Sharpe's Fury (Sharpe, #11) (2005), The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2) (2006), Sword Song (The Saxon Stories, #4) (2007), Lords of the North (The Saxon Stories, #3) (2007)