Post Captain by Patrick O'BrianMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second book in the Jack Aubrey series is a little different to the first in that it includes a more romantic side of Jack. The friendship between him and his ship surgeon, Maturin, is tested in different ways, even including a swarm of bees! However, the war with Napoleon is not forgotten and the eventual battles at sea are just as thrilling as in book one. Some of Jack’s awkwardness when on land becomes something that a reader might find quite amusing at times, as I did. But he does admit to his distinct preference to being aboard a ship and floating across any ocean or sea if possible. While Maturin is a definite land lubber, trying at all times to learn about seafaring, the Navy, and of course the natural world of fauna and flora.
The women in their lives cause something of a friendly conflict, even maybe jealousy at times; but always, whenever they can play favourite pieces of music together, there is a calming harmony to help cement their undoubted camaraderie. And the author displays an excellent talent – not only for writing about ships and naval warfare – but the relationships between men and women, mothers and daughters and competing sisters during the mores of those times.
A large part of this book is devoted to Jack Aubrey’s problems of debt incurred through spending money he is shocked to find he has not earned. A previous victory of his is not categorised as an expected prize by the Navy, according to an admiral who Jack despises. He is constantly hiding and running from debt collectors, providing the reader with some alternative excitement and amusement.
I enjoyed Post Captain very much and cannot wait to complete book three, The Surprise, which I am already well over half way through. Highly recommended.
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