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scipio_africanus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theogb451's review against another edition
4.0
Call it a 3.5 rounded up. I definitely enjoyed reading this a lot but it would be a lie to say I fully understood it. Similar (strangely) to Gardens of the Moon, the author makes no attempt to talk down to the reader and so there are many stretches of the text that use specific nautical terms or 18C/19C terminology where you can easily gain the gist but maybe not the detail.
Thankfully, what is actually happening with the ships isn't as important as the characters and their interactions are almost always completely universal. The majority of the book is about Captain Jack Aubrey and Doctor Stephen Maturin becoming fast friends, and then Lieutenant James Dillon and his relationship with each: Aubrey comes from lower-class stock and is an Englishman who tends to lack subtlety and is somewhat shallow, but with a good heart; Maturin is of Irish stock and mostly a pragmatist who seeks to keep all calm; Dillon is also an Irishman and of more aristocratic stock, a man who is passionate about his homeland. Here, then, we have the political frictions of the three compared with the professional respect each has for the other.
The book's story is maybe a little long. The final chapters felt oddly paced, with the big 'finale' type moment happening several chapters earlier. I think probably the book is easier to take like this when you know it's the first of something like 20 volumes, so I was not unduly upset because I know I'll be back to have more time with these characters.
Thankfully, what is actually happening with the ships isn't as important as the characters and their interactions are almost always completely universal. The majority of the book is about Captain Jack Aubrey and Doctor Stephen Maturin becoming fast friends, and then Lieutenant James Dillon and his relationship with each: Aubrey comes from lower-class stock and is an Englishman who tends to lack subtlety and is somewhat shallow, but with a good heart; Maturin is of Irish stock and mostly a pragmatist who seeks to keep all calm; Dillon is also an Irishman and of more aristocratic stock, a man who is passionate about his homeland. Here, then, we have the political frictions of the three compared with the professional respect each has for the other.
The book's story is maybe a little long. The final chapters felt oddly paced, with the big 'finale' type moment happening several chapters earlier. I think probably the book is easier to take like this when you know it's the first of something like 20 volumes, so I was not unduly upset because I know I'll be back to have more time with these characters.
wingfooted's review against another edition
2.0
While I really enjoyed the characters in this book, it's really not something that is very accessible to anyone without an extremely intimate knowledge of naval terminology. I had hoped that I would be able to work through it and gain a little more knowledge as I went, but it was just so dense that it made it difficult. There were times when I was reading pages and not even absorbing the words because there was no breaking point in the heavy terminology to allow me to process.
That said, the things I just complained about may very well be perks for some people. This book is obviously extremely well researched and, I'm assuming, accurate. Also, the characters were quite likable and easily the best part of the book. I have read that the series becomes more accessible as it goes on, but I struggled so much to get through this one that I don't think I will be continuing on. All in all, I think it's a book that many people will find enjoyable, but it's simply not accessible enough for me. I don't regret picking it up, but I won't be fulfilling my hope of reading the whole series, either.
That said, the things I just complained about may very well be perks for some people. This book is obviously extremely well researched and, I'm assuming, accurate. Also, the characters were quite likable and easily the best part of the book. I have read that the series becomes more accessible as it goes on, but I struggled so much to get through this one that I don't think I will be continuing on. All in all, I think it's a book that many people will find enjoyable, but it's simply not accessible enough for me. I don't regret picking it up, but I won't be fulfilling my hope of reading the whole series, either.
tristansreadingmania's review against another edition
4.0
“Never mind manoeuvres, always go at them.”
-Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander
O'Brian's Master & Commander, the first of his impressively lengthy 21-volume Aubrey/Maturin series which takes place during the era of the Napoleonic Wars, surely must have one of the all-time great set-ups of a male friendship in all of literature. The meeting of our two protagonists - Jack Aubrey an impoverished lieutenant aching for command of a ship, Stephen Maturin a rather aimless surgeon with a deep love for natural philosophy - takes place during an intimate musical performance in the Governor's House at Port Mahon. Aubrey, not the most sophisticated nor cultured of men, lost in excitement manages to ruin the performance for his neighbour Maturin with his loud, improperly timed showings of appreciation.
The encounter, coming dangerously close to violence when the normally timid Maturin has to resort to delivering Aubrey a not so gentle elbow poke in the ribs, isn't a pleasant one to say the least. The two men dislike each other intensely, and part ways. This all changes when Aubrey, having unexpectedly been granted the position of captain of the HMS Sophie, is suddenly filled with a more genial, joyous spirit and, when seeing Maturin in the street, apologizes to him. The two share drink and food, and find common ground. A sense of mutual appreciation and respect quickly develops. Pretty soon, Maturin is asked by Aubrey to act as the ship's doctor, an offer which he gladly accepts, kicking off their first adventure on the high seas.
My initial exposure to the series, which then I didn't realize existed, was through the Peter Weir 2003 film Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World, which ranks very high on my list of pre-1914 historical war films. It really is a stupendous piece of filmmaking, with the utmost respect for historical accuracy in as much as is possible for a Hollywood product.
Approaching the book as a more seasoned reader of English prose was an absolute joy. It was wise of me to wait, in order to extract as much as possible from the experience. There is some pretty terrific stuff to be found here. O'Brian's characterisation is masterfully developed, his feel for the period spot on, and his precise use of authentic language mesmerizing. The many historical details and tidbits almost made me giddy, it is those that elevate a piece of historical fiction above all the rest. With all the nautical jargon, and period-specific sayings I grant it may take some time getting used to for a relative newcomer, but after a 100 pages or so you just course through it unimpeded. Quite dense, yet not heavy-handed, which is a delicate balance to maintain. I savoured every chapter, every page, every line.
The only reason I'm not going for a full 5 stars rating (I was tempted though), is that I very much desired to see more of Maturin. His observations of life aboard a man of war, of its crew from an outsider's perspective and his many investigations of the natural world and its denizens (it was the birth of the age of Enlightenment after all), were utterly compelling. But, I have 20 other novels to look forward to. The cumulative effect of having read all those I am certain will secure the series a spot in my private pantheon. The ship is ready, and the journey has only just begun..
-Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander
O'Brian's Master & Commander, the first of his impressively lengthy 21-volume Aubrey/Maturin series which takes place during the era of the Napoleonic Wars, surely must have one of the all-time great set-ups of a male friendship in all of literature. The meeting of our two protagonists - Jack Aubrey an impoverished lieutenant aching for command of a ship, Stephen Maturin a rather aimless surgeon with a deep love for natural philosophy - takes place during an intimate musical performance in the Governor's House at Port Mahon. Aubrey, not the most sophisticated nor cultured of men, lost in excitement manages to ruin the performance for his neighbour Maturin with his loud, improperly timed showings of appreciation.
The encounter, coming dangerously close to violence when the normally timid Maturin has to resort to delivering Aubrey a not so gentle elbow poke in the ribs, isn't a pleasant one to say the least. The two men dislike each other intensely, and part ways. This all changes when Aubrey, having unexpectedly been granted the position of captain of the HMS Sophie, is suddenly filled with a more genial, joyous spirit and, when seeing Maturin in the street, apologizes to him. The two share drink and food, and find common ground. A sense of mutual appreciation and respect quickly develops. Pretty soon, Maturin is asked by Aubrey to act as the ship's doctor, an offer which he gladly accepts, kicking off their first adventure on the high seas.
My initial exposure to the series, which then I didn't realize existed, was through the Peter Weir 2003 film Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World, which ranks very high on my list of pre-1914 historical war films. It really is a stupendous piece of filmmaking, with the utmost respect for historical accuracy in as much as is possible for a Hollywood product.
Approaching the book as a more seasoned reader of English prose was an absolute joy. It was wise of me to wait, in order to extract as much as possible from the experience. There is some pretty terrific stuff to be found here. O'Brian's characterisation is masterfully developed, his feel for the period spot on, and his precise use of authentic language mesmerizing. The many historical details and tidbits almost made me giddy, it is those that elevate a piece of historical fiction above all the rest. With all the nautical jargon, and period-specific sayings I grant it may take some time getting used to for a relative newcomer, but after a 100 pages or so you just course through it unimpeded. Quite dense, yet not heavy-handed, which is a delicate balance to maintain. I savoured every chapter, every page, every line.
The only reason I'm not going for a full 5 stars rating (I was tempted though), is that I very much desired to see more of Maturin. His observations of life aboard a man of war, of its crew from an outsider's perspective and his many investigations of the natural world and its denizens (it was the birth of the age of Enlightenment after all), were utterly compelling. But, I have 20 other novels to look forward to. The cumulative effect of having read all those I am certain will secure the series a spot in my private pantheon. The ship is ready, and the journey has only just begun..
lavinia_speaks's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
pepelu's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shermanberry's review against another edition
1.0
I was recommended this book by a colleague at work. I tried to gently let him know that this isn't my usual genre but he carried on like an obsessional zealot and loaned me the first two books.
I am happy to say I've finished book one. What a struggle. I think this is the first time EVER that I have given a one star review. This was the dullest book I have ever read. I had a total lack of interest and just wanted it to be over. The author spent almost three pages describing different sails at one point.
With apologies to the legion of fans, I found it relentlessly tedious and completely devoid of pleasure. Truly awful. I would rather pull off my finger nails than read the second book.
I am happy to say I've finished book one. What a struggle. I think this is the first time EVER that I have given a one star review. This was the dullest book I have ever read. I had a total lack of interest and just wanted it to be over. The author spent almost three pages describing different sails at one point.
With apologies to the legion of fans, I found it relentlessly tedious and completely devoid of pleasure. Truly awful. I would rather pull off my finger nails than read the second book.
ericbdevil's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
charlieteuthis's review against another edition
2.0
I was mostly bored, though occasionally I was intrigued enough that I will try out the second book.