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hollowistheworld's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
So historically accurate its hard to believe it was written in the mid 20th century and not at the beginning of the 19th. The author provides little context to understand what is going on, making it a challenging read, and that, combined with the slow pace, made it hard to get invested. It wasn't an unpleasant read, didn't have me eager for the end, but I also have no interest in rereading it or continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Sexism
pvbobrien's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Alcohol, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Sexism, and War
Minor: Rape, Suicide attempt, Homophobia, Infidelity, Medical content, Pedophilia, and Sexual content
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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