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cauldhamer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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
4.5
ielerol's review against another edition
4.0
By book 17 in a series, you know what you want out of the series, and the only question is, does this installment deliver? The answer here is, yes. I don't love the storyline with Maturin's daughter, but...at least the narrative is firmly against trying to discipline the autism out of her?
alexsiddall's review against another edition
4.0
First read this two years ago. Enjoyed it equally, or more, on 2nd read(2013). And now on 3rd reading (2021) still rate it highly. It's the detail of the world O'Brian creates which is so compelling. Although his dialogue is often stilted, he takes us into an imagined world of 200 years ago and makes it pulse with life. His grasp of the science, technology, medicine, culture, and society of the time may not convince people with a detailed knowledge of these fields, but to the layman it's perfectly believable. As are his flawed and imperfect protagonists.
doodlebuginarug's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
5.0
Another fast and good read. Yes plenty of political intrigue and naval actions. For history buffs, the illustration of the limiting factor of disease to the spread of imperialism. However what really impressed me about this book is Maturin's relationship with his daughter and O'Brian's labeling of autism. Very enjoyable and thought-provoking.
siria's review against another edition
4.0
Another intensely pleasing installment, a little quieter than a lot of the novels, but still full of the same wonderful dialogue and character interaction. I will admit to sniffling just a little over the scenes between Stephen and Brigid at the beginning; my heart broke for him, as it did frequently throughout the rest of the novel, when he seemed so likely to give into depressed spirits and to drugs. Not a happy book for either of the boys, really, though I trust most of it will be resolved. How does one spell 'peccavi', Jack, indeed.
stonecoldjaneausten's review against another edition
3.0
A little more meandering than earlier books in the series, but I appreciated the depth of insight into Stephen's mind and relationships, in particular.