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jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have read this book numerous times and each time it gives me something new. This time I especially appreciated the sense of humor throughout, from Jack Aubrey’s social blundering to Stephen Maturin’s frequent nautical faux pas. There is a great deal that’s quite serious, of course, but I laughed out loud a lot.
This series of twenty-one books about the English Royal Navy of the end of the 18th C through the first part of the 19th is full of historical detail. What really gives it life is the in-depth characterization - many of the minor characters are as well-rounded as the two primaries. We’re introduced to the life of a seaman through Jack’s teaching Stephen the ways of his ship. The battle scenes are as rousing as the melancholy ones are tender.
The writing is excellent, especially so since it so perfectly mimics that of the time period it describes. I can’t recommend these books highly enough, and this first in the series, where Jack and Stephen meet and become friends, will always be my favorite.
This series of twenty-one books about the English Royal Navy of the end of the 18th C through the first part of the 19th is full of historical detail. What really gives it life is the in-depth characterization - many of the minor characters are as well-rounded as the two primaries. We’re introduced to the life of a seaman through Jack’s teaching Stephen the ways of his ship. The battle scenes are as rousing as the melancholy ones are tender.
The writing is excellent, especially so since it so perfectly mimics that of the time period it describes. I can’t recommend these books highly enough, and this first in the series, where Jack and Stephen meet and become friends, will always be my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism