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jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have read this book numerous times and each time it gives me something new. This time I especially appreciated the sense of humor throughout, from Jack Aubrey’s social blundering to Stephen Maturin’s frequent nautical faux pas. There is a great deal that’s quite serious, of course, but I laughed out loud a lot.
This series of twenty-one books about the English Royal Navy of the end of the 18th C through the first part of the 19th is full of historical detail. What really gives it life is the in-depth characterization - many of the minor characters are as well-rounded as the two primaries. We’re introduced to the life of a seaman through Jack’s teaching Stephen the ways of his ship. The battle scenes are as rousing as the melancholy ones are tender.
The writing is excellent, especially so since it so perfectly mimics that of the time period it describes. I can’t recommend these books highly enough, and this first in the series, where Jack and Stephen meet and become friends, will always be my favorite.
This series of twenty-one books about the English Royal Navy of the end of the 18th C through the first part of the 19th is full of historical detail. What really gives it life is the in-depth characterization - many of the minor characters are as well-rounded as the two primaries. We’re introduced to the life of a seaman through Jack’s teaching Stephen the ways of his ship. The battle scenes are as rousing as the melancholy ones are tender.
The writing is excellent, especially so since it so perfectly mimics that of the time period it describes. I can’t recommend these books highly enough, and this first in the series, where Jack and Stephen meet and become friends, will always be my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Medical trauma, Vomit, Bullying, Classism, War, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death, Gore, Grief, and Racism
seanml's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Fictional slang in A Clockwork Orange? Easy. Hundreds upon hundreds of lore in Lord of the Rings and Dune? Got it! 1800s ship terminology? Damn. 8.5/10.
The bad (What little of it there is) first: The characters in this book are within the British Royal Navy in 1800, so women and people of color are mentioned little. And what mention there IS of them, much of the time it is accompanied with derogatory language. I can understand where O’Brian was coming from if he desired historical accuracy, but either way it is not the most graceful method. Secondly, the narrative is a meandering one that is not often firm and understood. If you desire a strong central story beyond the characters and their relationships, there is not too much to see. Finally, the sailing terminology. It does not stop, and it does not get easier.
The good, and there is much of it: The name of the game seemed to be historical accuracy, and the novel has such in spades. The book is fascinating to read just in the sense of the everyday life of a sailor in the navy. Secondly of course, the principal characters. Captain Aubrey and Doctor Maturin are both intensely enjoyable, and I found myself most engrossed in the simple moments where they just talked. It didn’t matter what it was about. Finally, the sailing terminology. It is overwhelming, but the attention to detail is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Medical content, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Violence, and Vomit
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Islamophobia, Physical abuse, and Rape
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