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| Date first published | 1995 |  |
| ISBN Number | 0 006 47902 2 | |
| Page Count | 465 p/b | |
| h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback | ||
Battle Flag
Storyline
Captain Nathaniel Starbuck has survived the early battles of the Civil War, but his northern breeding still makes him an object of suspicion to many of his southern comrades, and his enmity with his regiment's founder, General Washington Faulconer, makes his position even harder.When Faulconer attempts to discipline his opponents, he sets in train events that will culminate in a savage battle – and Starbuck, his friends and his enemies will find themselves once more staring death in the face.
Review
It's funny, but 3rd book into the series, and I still haven't warmed to the lead characters - on either side. Both Nathaniel and his father are fairly appalling people. You could argue that Sharpe is not the most pleasant of men, but he has a charm that comes through the books. He may be rough and ready, but he does have his own moral compass, especially when it comes to women. Starbuck, comes across as arrogant, and unpleasant, with little to redeem him.I also find the Religeous fervour that erupts from Nathaniels father difficult to read, no doubt everyone thought that God was on their side, but I find the long passages about the evils slightly wearing.
Probably the best part of the book, is the conversion of Swynyard, after his near death experience on the battlefield, (He is knocked unconscious, and in his hazy state of mind thinks Starbuck and Truslow, discussing whether to kill him, are in fact angels discussing his fate). Of the companions around Starbuck Truslow is probably the best, although by the end of the book I was warming to the reformed Swynyard.
The book is typical Cornwell fare, major battle or skirmish to kick things off, followed by a lull where the lead characters are reintroduced, and then full pelt into the main story. Of course their is also some wrong to be righted at some point in the tale.
The final battle is well written, and full of the attention to detail, that we have come to expect, it's just that it doesn't grab me in the same way that other battles in Europe have. Partly I think this is because the Battle of Manassas is fought over closed ground, and so you don't get a true idea of the size of forces involved. It all seems quite small scale when you think of the Battles fought in the Penninsular War, and the storming of the great Castles of Spain.
So overall, a well written book which unfortunately doesn't really appeal to me. Perhaps those on the other side of the Atlantic would enjoy the stories more as they will have been brought up on the history of the war.
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