Sharpe's Tiger, written by Bernard Cornwell, is the first book in a 24 book series. The year's 1799, and Private Richard Sharpe is in India fighting in one of the Napoleonic Wars.
He's sent into the enemy's city as a spy. If he accomplishes his mission he'll be promoted to sergeant, but if he fails and his enemies find out who he really is he'll be killed by brutal executioners or thrown to the man-eating tigers.
This book is action-packed and full of suspense. I stayed up until 12:45 a.m. last Thursday to finish it. Okay, my light is just about always out by 10:45, so for me to stay up until almost 1 a.m. is saying something. ;)
Although this book is really good, it's definitely written for older readers. There's a lot of bad language, quite a few graphic parts, and mentions soldiers sleeping with prostitutes. Most of the soldiers in it have a very small conscience and even less morals. But if you're looking for an accurate portrayal of the life of an English private in that time period, it's definitely the book to read.
Most English privates in that time period were the kids that had grown up on the street, in an overcrowded orphanage, or some other less than desirable atmosphere. Most of them were illiterate, thieves, and only joined the army after committing a crime they knew they would be suspected of. They were rough and not very respectable, but they made good soldiers.
So, to portray the life of an English soldier like that you have to put in the language and other not so good things to make it realistic. They talked like that and did those things.
All that said, this is a great book. One that immediately grabs your attention and that you won't want to put down. I greatly enjoyed it and can't wait until the next few come!
~Haley
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