Comments on: Review: 1356, Bernard Cornwell

By: Marilyn Gallin

Marilyn Gallin — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:26:10 +0000

Since reading Bernard Cornwells Azincourt I have thoroughly enjoyed all his other novels of this period. I’ve also researched much of the history of these English/French battles and the causes. The French were not innocent victims of English desire to dominate, they were attacking our southern coasts before The Hundred Years War began. Had we not retaliated, and I’m not necessarily saying without satisfaction, the French would not have left us in peace. They wanted England. As with all wars it was to do with power and greed, not just English aggression. The Anglosaxons just did the job better. We had well trained archers, bless them, in our armies which were very often well out numbered by the, to my way of thinking, arrogant, over confident French. I, for one, am proud of our history. It’s who we are. So much more I could say but to refuse to read this series based on your misinformation is sad.

By: Adam C

Adam C — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:40:27 +0000

I have read almost all of Cornwell’s novels, starting with the Sharpe series, which got me hooked. I have also read all of The Grail Quest series, so am familiar with all the major characters in 1356. One thing, I think, that defines a good historical novel, is the amount one can learn about the period it’s set in, and Cornwell’s novels are a treasure trove of information! I have now nearly 100 pages into 1356, and loving it. I find myself wincing at some of the more graphical depictions of violence (like the castration of a noble early on in the book), but that merely helps to create the flavour of the times – which were, indeed, brutally violent!

By: MikeA

MikeA — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 08:34:18 +0000

Do read Cornwell’s Grail Quest series. I wasn’t a great reader of historic fiction, particularly of this period, before I read the three previous books but I was afterwards. I particularly loved the audio book series read by Sean Barrett. He truly is one of the great narrators I think. His accents and are particularly memorable and bring the books to life. Very good reads with an excellent narrator is my opinion. I am just starting to read 1356 and am encouraged by the reviews that I have read so far.

By: nomadreader

nomadreader — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:41:08 +0000

I’m really intrigued by the premise of this novel, but I haven’t read any of Cornwall’s other works. I’m glad you mentioned this one is still accessible. I’ll likely start with it and then explore his backlist.

By: JRTomlin

JRTomlin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:49:26 +0000

I must admit that I refuse to read this series. It’s just a story now but the English determination to conquer France and its devastation of the country and its people in that determination is nothing I can manage to find admirable.

By: anjali

anjali — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:49:29 +0000

hey, i read your blog regularly but never had the chance to comment before today. this seems like a great book and will surely try to read it since you recommend it.
but what i wanted to ask is when will you review ashes of honor by seanan mcguire. i have read it, but it has become a habit of mine to read your reviews and compare my impressions of a book to it. so will you please review it so that i can at last feel that i have read the last chapter of ashes of honor.
thanks.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:46:11 +0000

I think this one sounds very good, and as you already know, I have a huge love of historicals. I haven’t tried anything by Cornwell yet, but I might try to get the first book in this series and check it out. I love the way that you described the characters. They sound very well crafted. Excellent review today!

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:50:03 +0000

I’ve yet to read Cornwell, and surprised the characters are fictional as I’d always assumed he wrote more factually. Fictional makes it more appealing somehow, I think it’s easier to read historical books when you know there’s less chance of real people being treated with any bias. This sounds very good.