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A review by loont
Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
4.0
What to say about it? To call it a character driven story is fair, and yet must also mention that the characters herein are not the usual emotionally resonant type of character found in many other novels. The story, and series, revolve round a friendship on the early nineteenth century high seas. Set between a stern and stoic Captain in the British navy with a love of the sea, though at this, the beginning he is younger and somewhat more lively. And his great friend, a quiet and often unassuming physician and naturalist.
To call two often stoic characters characters, passionate about their own technicalities of sailing and naturalism respectively, emotionally resonant for most people would be a lie. But as a programmer and science geek myself, I find both perfectly well and relatable, and so their friendship has throughout the series (I'm up to the sixth book) been engaging throughout.
Not to say that their friendship is the only driving thing. Historical accuracy, with technical accuracy included throughout, is present and if you enjoy it then you may find yourself enjoying this book throughout. But the best parts, and when both this and any subsequent novel really get going for me, are the battles. Few in history have ever written of the chaos of battle in such an enticing and engaging manner as O'Brian, and while the buildup to them takes all the time it needs in coming it still comes with a fell swoop and enough bang to make you cheer out loud. And even the battles are accurate, well researched and based on actual events as they are, which knowing that they are perfectly plausible makes their sheer often nigh unbelievable heights and audacity all the funner to engage in.
To call two often stoic characters characters, passionate about their own technicalities of sailing and naturalism respectively, emotionally resonant for most people would be a lie. But as a programmer and science geek myself, I find both perfectly well and relatable, and so their friendship has throughout the series (I'm up to the sixth book) been engaging throughout.
Not to say that their friendship is the only driving thing. Historical accuracy, with technical accuracy included throughout, is present and if you enjoy it then you may find yourself enjoying this book throughout. But the best parts, and when both this and any subsequent novel really get going for me, are the battles. Few in history have ever written of the chaos of battle in such an enticing and engaging manner as O'Brian, and while the buildup to them takes all the time it needs in coming it still comes with a fell swoop and enough bang to make you cheer out loud. And even the battles are accurate, well researched and based on actual events as they are, which knowing that they are perfectly plausible makes their sheer often nigh unbelievable heights and audacity all the funner to engage in.