Sharpe's Fortress facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Bernard Cornwell |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Richard Sharpe |
| Genre | Historical novels |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
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Publication date
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19 November 1998 |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) and audio-CD |
| Pages | 301 (hardcover) 368 (paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-00-225631-2 (hardcover) ISBN: 0-00-651031-0 (paperback) |
| OCLC | 41156886 |
| Preceded by | Sharpe's Triumph |
| Followed by | Sharpe's Trafalgar |
Sharpe's Fortress is an exciting historical novel by Bernard Cornwell. It was first published in 1998. This book is the third story in the popular Richard Sharpe series. It's also the last book in the "Sharpe India" trilogy. The story follows a young British officer named Ensign Richard Sharpe. He faces big challenges during a real historical event: the Battle of Argaum and the siege of the strong fortress of Gawilghur in India in 1803.
What Happens in the Story
The year is 1803 in India. Arthur Wellesley leads the British and sepoy (Indian soldier) army. They are chasing the Mahrattas, an Indian group, after beating them in a big battle. Richard Sharpe has just become an officer, an Ensign. But he finds that many other officers, like Captain Urquhart, don't respect him. They think he's not good enough because he used to be a sergeant.
The Mahrattas, led by Manu Bappoo, decide to fight again. But they lose once more. During the fight, Sharpe sees a brave teenage boy named Ahmed. Ahmed is an Arab soldier. Sharpe saves him when he is in danger. After this, Ahmed becomes Sharpe's loyal helper.
Captain Urquhart suggests Sharpe join a special unit called the 95th Rifles. But for now, Sharpe must help Captain Torrance with the army's supplies. Sharpe soon finds out that Torrance is selling important supplies to a merchant named Naig. Sharpe's old enemy, Sergeant Hakeswill, is helping Torrance. When Sharpe finds the stolen goods, Torrance quickly gets rid of his partner to hide his own involvement.
Naig's brother, Jama, is very angry. Torrance agrees to trick Sharpe and hand him over to Jama. Hakeswill is happy to help. He hates Sharpe and knows Sharpe has valuable jewels. Hakeswill captures Sharpe and steals his jewels. Then he gives Sharpe to Jama. Luckily, Ahmed sees Sharpe being taken. He escapes and finds Sharpe's friend, Syud Sevagee. Sevagee helps Sharpe get free. Sharpe decides to let everyone think he is dead. This trick helps him find Captain Torrance alone, and he deals with him.
The Mahrattas hide in Gawilghur, a huge fortress on high cliffs. It seems impossible to attack. Wellesley's army has to try, even though it's very risky. Gawilghur has two parts: an Outer Fort and an Inner Fort. The Mahrattas expect the British to take the Outer Fort. But they are sure the Inner Fort will never fall. They plan to wait for the British army to get weak, then attack them.
Meanwhile, Hakeswill realizes Sharpe is still alive. He runs away and joins a bad English officer named William Dodd inside Gawilghur. Dodd wants to control India. When the Outer Fort falls, Dodd closes the gates of the Inner Fort. This traps Manu Bappoo outside, where the British kill him. Dodd also makes Hakeswill kill Beny Singh, the weak leader of Gawilghur.
Sharpe finds a secret way into the Inner Fort. One part of the wall is not well guarded because it's on a very steep cliff. But the cliff can be climbed! Sharpe's commanding officer, Captain Morris, won't give him men. So Sharpe takes charge himself. He leads a group of soldiers over the wall and opens the gates. Inside, he fights Dodd. Dodd is a much better fighter and gives Sharpe a scar on his face. But Ahmed suddenly appears and attacks Dodd. Dodd quickly kills Ahmed. Then Sharpe's friend shoots Dodd, and Sharpe finally defeats him.
Hakeswill tries to escape by pretending to be a British soldier. But Sharpe finds him. Sharpe gets his stolen jewels back. He then forces Hakeswill into a pit full of dangerous snakes.
Main Characters
- Richard Sharpe – A brave young officer in the British Army.
- General Sir Arthur Wellesley – The smart commander of the British forces in India.
- Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill – Sharpe's old enemy, a very mean and tricky soldier.
- Major William Dodd – A former British officer who has turned against his own side.
- Ahmed – A brave teenage Arab boy who becomes Sharpe's loyal helper.
- Syud Sevajee – A leader of Indian forces who are friends with the British and Sharpe. He wants revenge on Beny Singh, who killed his father.
