Harlequin...sorry, Azincourt - Rated 
is Bernard Cornwell's latest novel, but readers could be forgiven for thinking that they have seen it all before. Poor English peasant hero with uncanny knack for archery? Check. Traumatic and fatal incident early in the narrative which sends him on a quest for redemption? Check. Epic battle between medieval England and France? Um...
I'm a huge fan of Cornwell's novels, as well as those of Conn Iggulden and (to a lesser extent) Simon Scarrow, but I simply wouldn't recommend Azincourt. There's nothing ostensibly WRONG with it, in that the writing is good and the plot engrossing enough, but there just isn't anything new or different about it. The characters and the story are, quite frankly, so indistinguishable from the Harlequin series that, a few weeks on, most readers would be hard-pressed to differentiate between them in their memories.
It's a shame, because Bernard Cornwell is undoubtedly the best historical novelist of his generation, and all of his previous offerings have been marvellous. Azincourt itself, if it weren't so similar to Harlequin, Vagabond and Heretic, could be considered one of them, although perhaps still a bit below-par. I simply wish he would choose a different period of history to write about, and one that he hasn't literally just covered in a far more adequate and accomplished series.
Cornwell's contractual obligation - Rated 
I bought this book because the blurb on the inside of the dust jacket suggested that somehow Bernard Cornwell had surpassed himself and produced a genuine piece of great literature.
Now I like his books as a rule, but I am under no illusions that they are anything but puff and fluff with a bit of history thrown in. The plots are utterly predictable, often the same as far the the characters and the relationships between them go. However I like a bit of adventure and romance and the hint of historical authenticity adds to the pleasure I find in reading them.
However, the blurb described this book as Cornwell's masterpiece.
I was suckered. This novel is the worst of all of Cornwell's books, and he has never been, and probably never will be, a master of the novel. He is formulaic and repetitive, but never before have I thought of him as boring.
This book seemed to me to be a particularly lazy effort. I was disinterested in the characters, the story plodded along and the whole atmosphere was turgid and uninteresting. I forced myself to finish it but I really wish I hadn't bothered. I was left with the impression that Cornwell didn't really care about this novel at all. Frankly I wonder if he cares about his readers after producing this.
I can't possibly recommend this book. I resent the fact that I paid for it. In hardback too. BAH!!!!
Page turner - Rated 
I studied this period (and this battle in particular) during my history degree in the early 90's and decided that I would delve back in time to remind myself what this was all about. Azincourt was my companion on a return flight to Bahrain recently and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Historically interesting, full of action and detail it really had me turning pages through both flights! When I landed at Gatwick I was disappointed to have to find another book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passing interest in medieval history, but it's easily accessible to absolutely anyone who enjoys as good action adventure.
Odd one out - Rated
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue... - Rated 
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
|
