Media Review: Aubrey/Maturin Series
Written by Patrick O'Brian, the Aubrey/Maturin books have been a long time favorite of historical fiction fans. Now that the series has inspired a movie(Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World*) it may get a wider readership.
I started reading the books a few months back and leisurely made my way through the first two books. While I enjoyed them, my continuation of the series was cut short by missing volumes in library. Not to be discouraged, I filed a purchase request and last week received book 3, HMS Surprise.
Fast forward 4 days and here I am having devoured not only #3, but #4: The Mauritius Command, as well. I am hooked.
The series traces the careers of “Lucky” Jack Aubrey a brilliant sea captain in the English navy and his friend and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin who also happens to be an agent of the Crown's intelligence service. Taking place during the Napoleonic wars of the mid 1800's each book offers a wonderful look into life aboard a naval ship of that era.
Action and adventure abound as Aubrey and Maturin travel the world from the East Indies to the West Indies capturing, destroying and burning the ships of the hated French and their allies. The intrigues the pair find themselves party serve to deepen the stories and provide an interesting break from sea board life and combat.
I give the series **** out of ***** stars.
*I also recommend this movie. While it doesn't really follow the plot of any single book it is a great movie and does an excellent job of capturing the books spirit.
5 Comments:
I read one of the Patrick O'Brian books- our library only has one! I seem to remember some adult content, but it was a very interesting book. And I also love oldies.
I enjoyed the movie. So did my children, it actually inspird them to learn more about the era and such...
I just saw the movie, loved it, and open seeing that it was a book first desided that I had to read the books. I will most deffenitly read the books asap. Books give you something that movies can't, and visa versa.
*mouth agape* I had NO idea it was a book!! I sooo enjoy historical fiction..I'll be checking these out - well, provided I don't have to pay for inter-library loan. *laugh* I pay for enough new books with my late fees!
Thanks for the heads up.
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