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Liked It “I'm going through the entire Aubrey and Maturin series sequentially and my enjoyment just keeps growing stronger. The books are well written, historically correct (I've read) and fun! They have been called "intellectual page-turners" and they are, but don't let the term "intellectual" bring up an...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I'm going through the entire Aubrey and Maturin series sequentially and my enjoyment just keeps growing stronger. The books are well written, historically correct (I've read) and fun! They have been called "intellectual page-turners" and they are, but don't let the term "intellectual" bring up an image of something difficult to approach or read. It is an amazing series and I am deeply respect Patrick O'Brian's writing and dedication to his subject. In this particular book I could literally feel the water over the boat the writing was so vivid. Highly recommended. ”
EAB wrote this review Friday, April 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This has been my least favourite of Patrick O'Brian's series, actually - there's not really any resolution! Adorable Stephen hasn't kicked his laudanum habit, and the Leopard is still stuck near the Antarctic, not even having sailed to its destination (Australia). Still, I'm looking forward to next Christmas, when Jules will give me the next instalment under the tree!”
Eri wrote this review Friday, February 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I've complained a lot in my reviews that after reading Foucault's Pendulum and [The Name of the Rose (by Umberto Eco) that I have been frustrated ever since by books that claim to be "intellectual page-turners" but are nothing of the sort, i.e., The DaVinci Code, etc.
moik wrote this review Monday, January 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Well, I think that Patrick O'Brian's books actually fit the description of "intellectual page-turners." Very well written and intriguing books.”
“(Reading?) again via talking book. Excellent production and narration with Patrick Tull. A true classic. "You astonish me Stephen!"”
nepal wrote this review Wednesday, June 11 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“(book 5 of a 21-book series, published 1978):
Teduardo wrote this review Wednesday, February 20 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
6980 pages of pure joy - culturally & linguistically immersive historical literature, set on the sea of the Napoleonic Wars. Ah, so captivating, I sincerely miss plunging from one book to the next now that they're complete. Yes, this was an adventure my Mom started me on, buying one of the first books as a present based on a review she read. The language, the leadership, the relations, the sea, rich with characters one learns to love. I'll look back with fondness on my 21 weeks of sailing with O'Brian across his inspired imagination.”
“a decent yarn from the master - taking us on one of Jack and Maturin's early adventures. The chase sequence and the sailing details are, as usual, spot on, thrilling and a delight to read. ”
kirkal wrote this review Thursday, October 11 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The first half, on shore is a bit weak. Aubrey is all at sea when he's on shore, getting ripped off by card sharps and horse-dealers and investing in dubious enterprises; while a depressed Maturin hits the laudanum.
TheophileEscargot wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
When they get to sea things get more interesting: Aubrey is given command of 50-gun two-decker Leopard and sent off to the Antipodes with an inconvenient group of convicts. "Gaol-fever" strikes, and the Leopard is stalked by the much more powerful Dutch 74 the Waakzaamheid. The chess-game chase between them is as tense and gripping as anything he's written. After that his luck turns really bad...”
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