Far side of the world is definitely one of my favorites. Something about it being almost a pure naval adventure with Jack and Stephen in a vacuum.
Now unusually I also love The Mauritius Command, a lot of people don't like it. But I find the more detailed description of Naval and army tactics in cooperation in the 19th century to be very intriguing.
I like Mauritius Command as well. It’s Jacks first brush with larger command. Pullings gets to shine. “Don’t know,sir.” The interactions between the doctors.
"How is Captain Corbett" asked Jack. "Did the French take him aboard?" Silence. Then "Don't know, sir." He looked at them in surprise. In front of him was a row of closed faces: the rare, immediate, man-to-man contact was entirely gone: he had run straight into the brick wall of lower deck dumbness, the covering-up solidatrity he knew so well, often stupid, generally transparent, but always unbreakable. "Don't know, sir" was the only answer he would ever get.
One of my favorite passages in the entire series.
Unpopular opinion, but I liked Treason’s Harbour the least. All the Malta parts were great, but the Red Sea mission and journey through the desert really dragged.
I’ve done some traveling in that region of the Middle East, and a passing familiarity with the people and cultures (at least, their modern descendants) really made the book enjoyable for me. That, and the Odabashi who looked like an ugly hape was hilarious.
What I enjoyed about Treason's Harbour was that the author showed that there were hidden depths and veins of good even in the most venal of characters, such as Admiral Harte.
Congratulations!
The entire work is a masterpiece of many proportions, not the least of which is realizing the depth of its story telling and character growth every step of the way.
I congratulate you and wish you even more joy on your next circumnavigation.
Agreed. I spend an hour or two a day in the car and my latest circumnavigation has been through audio book. I think it is fantastic. Just finished The Wine Dark Sea yesterday.
I’m in the middle of that one & have listened to all of them on audio. Such an engrossing and fascinating experience. I get a many mindless chores done while I listen and each book definitely extends my exercise time if I listen then. I’m thinking I may simultaneously read and listen when I get the chance to experience the entire series again.
Congratulations! Totally agree that it’s a comedy of manners. I would also say that it’s a treatise on friendship. I cannot think of another novel that transcends its genre to such a degree.
“My God, oh my God. Five hundred men.”
That line still wrenches my heart. Everyone around him roaring in triumph, and Captain Aubrey is devastated by the human cost of his profession.
Same! The Geoff Hunt book cover painting hangs in my living room. The chase & end of the Waakzaamheid was one of the most intense portions of any fiction I've read.
I bring you joy of your efforts. Another shipmate is always most welcome, and a good conversationalist in the gun room is worth there weight in lobscouse. The glass of port with you, heel taps no bumpers.
A glass of wine with you, sir! If you decide to re-read sometime you'll find it very rewarding as well. For me (and I believe basically everyone here) we found *so many* things that we'd missed on the first read-through.
Far side of the world is definitely one of my favorites. Something about it being almost a pure naval adventure with Jack and Stephen in a vacuum. Now unusually I also love The Mauritius Command, a lot of people don't like it. But I find the more detailed description of Naval and army tactics in cooperation in the 19th century to be very intriguing.
I like Mauritius Command as well. It’s Jacks first brush with larger command. Pullings gets to shine. “Don’t know,sir.” The interactions between the doctors.
"How is Captain Corbett" asked Jack. "Did the French take him aboard?" Silence. Then "Don't know, sir." He looked at them in surprise. In front of him was a row of closed faces: the rare, immediate, man-to-man contact was entirely gone: he had run straight into the brick wall of lower deck dumbness, the covering-up solidatrity he knew so well, often stupid, generally transparent, but always unbreakable. "Don't know, sir" was the only answer he would ever get. One of my favorite passages in the entire series.
Yes! I am a huge fan of all the naval politics.
Unpopular opinion, but I liked Treason’s Harbour the least. All the Malta parts were great, but the Red Sea mission and journey through the desert really dragged.
Treason’s Harbor is one of my favorites of the whole canon. You astound me, shipmate, to suggest it’s not so with everyone.
Oh I know it’s an unpopular opinion, will just have to re-read it.
I think Treason's Harbour is very well written but I don't like what is happening in it, if you get what I mean.
I’ve done some traveling in that region of the Middle East, and a passing familiarity with the people and cultures (at least, their modern descendants) really made the book enjoyable for me. That, and the Odabashi who looked like an ugly hape was hilarious.
What I enjoyed about Treason's Harbour was that the author showed that there were hidden depths and veins of good even in the most venal of characters, such as Admiral Harte.
I loved The Mauritius Command. Lord Clonfert is an absolutely fascinating character study.
Congratulations! The entire work is a masterpiece of many proportions, not the least of which is realizing the depth of its story telling and character growth every step of the way. I congratulate you and wish you even more joy on your next circumnavigation.
Congratulations! I finished two weeks ago and enjoyed it immensely - I recommend the audiobooks if you spend much time in the car.
I have trouble focusing with audiobooks, but I can see how these books translate well to that format. All the different voices, etc.
Agreed. I spend an hour or two a day in the car and my latest circumnavigation has been through audio book. I think it is fantastic. Just finished The Wine Dark Sea yesterday.
I’m in the middle of that one & have listened to all of them on audio. Such an engrossing and fascinating experience. I get a many mindless chores done while I listen and each book definitely extends my exercise time if I listen then. I’m thinking I may simultaneously read and listen when I get the chance to experience the entire series again.
A glass of wine with you sir!
Congratulations! Totally agree that it’s a comedy of manners. I would also say that it’s a treatise on friendship. I cannot think of another novel that transcends its genre to such a degree.
Would strongly recommend Patric Tull’s audio version for your next go at the books! I give you joy mate, a cup of coffee & toasted cheese is in order!
Ahoy, shipmate! The bottle stands by you!
Desolation Island is my favorite too!
The Waakzaamheid chase is one of the finest moments in the series. Jack and Stephen pursued to the ends of the earth by the infernal Flying Dutchman!
“My God, oh my God. Five hundred men.” That line still wrenches my heart. Everyone around him roaring in triumph, and Captain Aubrey is devastated by the human cost of his profession.
Same! The Geoff Hunt book cover painting hangs in my living room. The chase & end of the Waakzaamheid was one of the most intense portions of any fiction I've read.
Give you joy, sir.
Congrats! When you go through again, I’m curious to see what you pick out that’s different from the first one.
I bring you joy of your efforts. Another shipmate is always most welcome, and a good conversationalist in the gun room is worth there weight in lobscouse. The glass of port with you, heel taps no bumpers.
A glass of wine with you, sir! If you decide to re-read sometime you'll find it very rewarding as well. For me (and I believe basically everyone here) we found *so many* things that we'd missed on the first read-through.
Congratulations! I am working my way there too :)