A review by rpmiller
The Mauritius Command by Patrick O'Brian

4.0

As the story begins, I became a little wary of interest, almost in boredom. But, the with the temporary title of commodore Aubrey, Jack begins to shape the ensuing battle. Gradually the odds against the French shift in Aubrey's favor, both on land, with colonel Keating partnering with his meager land forces, and at sea, with the trading of prize ships between the two forces and the return of marauding French frigates along with captured Indiamen. When finally Aubrey has trapped the French in harbor being repaired and Jack increasing his remaining fleet of one with prizes, comes news, orders and reinforcements, whose commanders will supersede him, Aubrey is most concerned with Sophie's birth to a son, rather than the slight of losing prize or recognition for his efforts due to last minute and unnecessary forces. A humorous mistake by a general in his speech at the after victory dinner, as he skipped a page and noted his success was due to a young lady in Madras! In the end, Aubrey is ordered back home to deliver the news of victory, be the center of attention as messenger of his own deserved success and be celebrated as admiral lucky Jack Aubrey. An excellent story after all.