Master and Commander
by Patrick O'Brian
This exciting book takes place during the Napoleonic Wars and is a realistic depiction of naval life, strategy, and warfare during that time.
In the front of the book is a drawing of a sailing ship with the sail labeled, for those that are interested. I mainly just read past the more detailed sailing terms. I loved this description of Lord Nelson, found early in the book.
"Never mind manoeuvres, always go at them." I shall never forget it: never mind manoeuvres -- always go at 'em. And at the same dinner he was telling us all how someone had offered him a boat-cloak on a cold night and he had said no, he was quite warm -- his zeal for his King and country kept him warm. It sounds absurd, as I tell it, does it not? And was it another man, any other man, you would cry out "oh, what pitiful stuff" and dismiss it as mere enthusiasm; but with him you feel your bosom glow...It is realistic in descriptions of the more sordid details of naval life like swearing, crimes (many of a perverted nature), floggings, infidelity and mistresses (and the diseases that often follow such activities), as well as the violent and bloody battles.
One character is Catholic. He struggles with balancing his commitment to his faith, his country (Britain), and his homeland (Ireland).
The book jumps, sometimes jarringly, from scene to scene. There were a few times when I had to stop and think about what had been happening and draw the lines between those actions and the consequences described.
Overall, this book was absolutely enthralling. I enjoyed it so thoroughly, I immediately requested the second Aubrey book from PaperBackSwap.com. Kansas Dad kept picking up the book and reading bits and pieces, finally declaring he would just have to read it in its entirety
I've added it to First Son's list of optional historical fiction for Level 5 Year 1 (the second half of Churchill's A History of the English-Speaking Peoples: A One-Volume Abridgment.
Just remember it may not be the best choice for the young or easily scandalized.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. I purchased the book used. Links to Amazon and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.
