Scan barcode
A review by nukehavoc
The Far Side of the World by Patrick O'Brian
4.0
Although I've been reading the Aubrey/Maturin books on and off for years, I saw the Far Side of the World movie before I got to the book. As others stated, it was interesting to see what was kept and what was dropped in the film, and ultimately, I think they nailed the feel of the books as best they could.
As for the book, O'Brian packs a lot into this one, but ultimately I prefer the conclusion of the movie to that of the book.
SPOILER
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The wreck of the Norfolk was a disappointment, especially after the Surprise spent so much time chasing her. While I know O'Brian based his work on the historical record, I preferred the movie's subterfuge and close-quarters ship battle to the anti-climatic wreck in the book. The tension between the American survivors and their British opponents was ruined by the sudden arrival of the Surprise at book's end. It was something that had been hinted at to be sure, but ultimately it felt to arbitrary.
As for the book, O'Brian packs a lot into this one, but ultimately I prefer the conclusion of the movie to that of the book.
SPOILER
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The wreck of the Norfolk was a disappointment, especially after the Surprise spent so much time chasing her. While I know O'Brian based his work on the historical record, I preferred the movie's subterfuge and close-quarters ship battle to the anti-climatic wreck in the book. The tension between the American survivors and their British opponents was ruined by the sudden arrival of the Surprise at book's end. It was something that had been hinted at to be sure, but ultimately it felt to arbitrary.