… can I finish Master and Commander
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Well, I wish you all the luck in the world, Sheila, but I doubt you’ll get through it by tomorrow. Although, you’re a pretty accomplished reader, so maybe. ;) I struggled through M&C, but about halfway through Post Captain, I became completely addicted. The key, I think, is Maturin. I don’t think his character is fleshed out as well as could be in M&C, but O’Brian remedies this in Post Captain, and well, wow. The symbiosis between Maturin and Aubrey is phenomenal—and it’s the thing that makes the books work. One character does not work without the other.
I don’t know dick about sailing, the British navy, or even that much about the Napoleonic Wars, but I’ve read all of them, and I love them. I can’t wait for you to get into them! Have fun!
Kathy – hahahaha I know, I have my doubts on whether or not this is gonna happen. But I am so glad I’ve started the books! I love the first meeting of Maturin and Aubrey – at the concert – where Maturin gets annoyed at Aubrey keeping time with his fist on his knee. I love the relationship so far between the two men. It’s so satisfying to read about. I am soooooo looking forward to all the rest of the books, too!!
Oh and I am very grateful for the diagram in the front of my copy of the book that has a ship with all the sails labeled. It’s been great to reference it, since I know dick about all of this as well. The ship sure comes to life, I’ll say that! I can SEE the damn thing – and felt the vertigo when Maturin first climbed up the mast … etc. Can’t wait to read more.
I’m delighted you’ve joined our mad little club! Can’t wait to read your thoughts as you move through the series.
Dan – do you have a favorite one of the series? I’m just having so much fun with this book. Okay, gotta go if I want to get in 300 pages by the time the ball drops in Times Square tomorrow night!!
My personal favorite is The Reverse of the Medal, although The Fortune of War is a strong second, for reasons that’ll become clear when you read it.
You’re only the second to the last person on the planet not to have read these books… I haven’t either. But should.
Its not impossible to read 300 pages in a day….
I’m rooting for you! I don’t know any of that series, by the way, and my initial reaction was just like your’s – oh I don’t think I’ll like it, too many sea battles…. – but you’re making me curious.
And alcohol…yes. Just came from my mom’s 75th where I got a head start.
i join the list of the few who haven’t read them. and let me know how Charlie Wilson’s War is, mmkay?
Ted – he just creates such great characters. They live. True 18th century/19th century men – literate, well read, long conversations about politics and botany and warfare and music … it’s like reading some of Thomas Jefferson’s letters at times! And the sea battles are pretty cool, too – once I got the hang of it. I do have to keep referring to my diagram of the ship to figure out what the hell is going on – but O’Brian describes it so well you really feel like you can SEE what is happening!
I am another of those who haven’t read the Aubrey/Maturin books, but this post certainly raised my curiosity! I love historical fiction, but I have always thought I wouldn’t enjoy this series, since like most people I know absolutely nothing about ships and naval stuff and what have you.
Please tell us your impressions on the book (once you’re through with those 300 pages!). From your comments so far I deduce I may have to start saving right away in order to get all 20 books in the series, haha!
I’m reading The Nutmeg of Consolation right now, and I’m greatly enjoying it. I bought a bottle of Pusser’s Birtish Navy rum a few weeks ago, I keep hoping to find time to make some grog and watch the movie.
Why doesn’t anyone use the expression “particular friend” anymore?
Haha…Go, Sheila, Go!
But not at the expense of Quantum Leap or alcohol. That won’t do at all.
Good Day. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.
I am from Kazakhstan and now study English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: “Avoid injecting imitrex into the wall over used to severe.”
With best wishes 8-), Yves.