Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6)

Title: Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6)

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Published in: 1988

Date read: 22nd July 2017

Score: 5/5

Genre: Historical fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Sharpe's Rifles" by Bernard Cornwell, published in 1987, is the first novel chronologically in the epic Richard Sharpe series, setting the stage for his legendary career in the Peninsular War. It introduces Richard Sharpe as a mere Sergeant in the 95th Rifles, fighting in Portugal in 1807.

The story begins during the devastating retreat to Corunna, specifically during the Battle of Roliça. Sharpe's company of riflemen is caught in a desperate rear-guard action against the advancing French. During a chaotic skirmish, his superior officer, Captain Kennedy, is killed. Sharpe, demonstrating extraordinary courage and initiative, saves the life of the future Duke of Wellington, Sir Arthur Wellesley, by holding off a French cavalry charge.

As a direct result of this act of heroism, and against all conventional military protocol, Wellesley promotes Sharpe from Sergeant to Lieutenant in the field. This immediate promotion is a pivotal moment, lifting Sharpe from the ranks but immediately making him an outsider among the officer class, most of whom are from privileged backgrounds and have purchased their commissions.

Sharpe is then given his first command: a small, ragtag group of misfits and "Chosen Men" from the 95th Rifles. He is tasked with a perilous mission: to escort a small party of civilians, including the beautiful and spirited Miss Hogan, through enemy-held territory to safety. Miss Hogan is a complex character – ostensibly a governess, she harbours secrets and has her own agenda.

Their journey quickly becomes a desperate struggle for survival. They are pursued by ruthless French forces, including the cunning and brutal Colonel Leroux (a different Leroux from "Sharpe's Company"). They also encounter the fierce and unpredictable Spanish guerrillas, led by the enigmatic El Catolico, who initially view both the British and French as enemies. Sharpe must navigate the dangerous alliances and betrayals of this fractured landscape.

The novel vividly portrays the challenges faced by riflemen: their reliance on speed, stealth, and accurate marksmanship, as well as their often-strained relationship with the conventional line infantry. Sharpe's leadership is constantly tested as he tries to whip his undisciplined men into a cohesive fighting force and overcome the disdain of other officers.

"Sharpe's Rifles" is a gritty and action-packed introduction to the character and his world. It establishes Sharpe as a courageous, resourceful, and morally ambiguous hero, driven by a fierce sense of justice and a deep loyalty to his men. The climax involves a tense battle where Sharpe must use all his cunning and combat skills to protect his charges and outwit both the French and the unpredictable Spanish allies, securing his and his men's survival and laying the groundwork for his legendary career.

Comments:
I read all of the Sharpe books in chronological order, one after the other. When I have looked back, I have not separated them at all unless there is a specific thing to add which will be after saying that I suddenly loved historical fiction and anything that Bernard Cornwell writes.

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)