Read Any Good Books Lately?

[robr]

I'm on number 11 of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. It's called "The Reverse of the Medal". As usual, the historical setting (early 19th century Napoleanic wars) is eerily accurate, as O'Brian uses the formal Johsonian diction of doctor Maturin and the British naval jargon spoken by Captain Aubrey and the other sailors flawlessly. The descriptions of the great frigates, sloops, brigs, and other sailing ships is pure poetry, as always.

In this novel we learn that "Lucky Jack" Aubrey has a 19 year old son whom he never knew about, as the boy presents himself to the Captain just because he wanted to finally meet his father. Surprisingly, he's black, as his mother was a Moorish prostitute Jack had slept with briefly as a teenager. But the novel is about much much more than that.

O'Brian is, in my opinion, one of the last of the truly great writers of this past century.

Also, they drink a lot of madeira, port, and a whole host of wines that go by slang names that I have never even heard of. Some wine expert should read these books and write a research paper!

[This message has been edited by bernkastler (edited 03-14-2006).]