just so everyone knows, the Aubrey/Maturin novels are quite possibly the greatest historical fiction that has ever been penned. While I will freely admit that my experience is not particularly deep in this genre, the five books of the series that I have read so far have been absolutely captivating.
They are the story of Jack Aubrey, Lieutenant turned Captain turned Post-Captain (thus far), and his friend Stephen Maturin who is both accomplished surgeon and duplicitous secret agent (though in a very early 19th century fashion). The books so far have recorded their journeyings from the Mediterranean to the United Kingdom to the Indian Ocean and the Mauritius Islands and have been a sheer treat to read.
Though not particularly action-packed or quick moving in the contemporary fashion of our day, the novels portray life aboard a vessel in the great age of sail in as poignant and powerful of a way as I think possible for laymen. The monotony of sailing (which comprised 95% of the life of a sailor, with 4% being reckless revelry on land and 1% being ship to ship combat) is filled with interesting conversations and a continual deepening of acquaintance with characters (including the vessels Aubrey commands) that engrosses you from page one and leaves you with a sense of wonder at the adventure you have just concluded as you close its final pages.
The moral of the story, read these books. Though not filled with romance or gripping allegory, they are a great read and will help you feel more than ever that you have experienced something truly memorable.
kenny
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