An epic series
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I have to take issue with the previous reviewer who only awarded 2 stars because he felt the author did not explain the characters fully enough in this book. This is the eighteenth in a series of twenty, a fact of which any casual reader will quickly become aware. It is made perfectly clear from the list of titles on the rear cover and the obvious next step is to search out the first in the series and begin from there. Anyone who does attempt to engage with these books part-way through will find themselves in the middle of a number of plot lines because the series is really one, very large novel, rather than a collection of stand alone titles. Plot lines are invariably given some explanation in each new book, but only as a cursory measure as a reminder of what has gone before. Read them out of order if you must, but it is not recommended.
None of that should detract from the magnificence of Patrick O'Brien's achievement in producing a series of historical novels, that whilst being fiction are firmly based on fact; most of the events described actually happened, just with different people, something that constantly brings me up with a start as the sensory impact of a shipwreck or a sea battle strikes home. The reader is carried as though by a tidal force, swept along through humour and tragedy, good fortune, dishonour, treachery, friendship and enmity with a narrative sweep that educates and elucidates as it entertains. I would recommend this series, not just to historical novel enthusiasts, but to anyone who enjoys reading.
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Not a book for the first reader
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I love this series.Patrick O'Brian is a genius.HOWEVER-I can only rate this book 2 stars.This is to discourage a casual reader from starting with The Yellow Admiral.He/She would be confused and disappointed. No attempt is made to put the characters or events into context. It would be like dipping into the third series of east enders and expecting to enjoy it (unlikely thought !).PLEASE start with Master and Commander and experience a wonderful set of novels from start to finish. For long standing O'Brian fans this book is as wonderful as the rest.
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What more can you expect?
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Its O'Brian and Aubrey/Maturin ... what more do you need? We would venerate POB as a literary genius if he had passed 150 years ago ... today we are unsure how to classify and rate his work. This contributes wonderfully to the cannon and I can give it no higher review than it fits perfectly into the world which he occupies and created. If this is your first dip then I envy you your voyage from the start and when you arrive here you will share my feeling about this novel and how it contributes to the series.
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Aubrey/Maturin ride again
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Sadly, I fear, we'll be seeing a lot less of this type of fiction in the future. I have become accustomed to my usual fix of Patrick O'Brian and heartily recommend any of his novels to anyone. Any of his non-fiction work for that matter too, it is very fine work. Since my reading of The Commodore had been itching to get my hands on it's sequel, when The Yellow Admiral came out I read it in one day and immediately regretted it. I should have savoured it like a fine wine since that is the kind of treatment it deserves. No one else that I have come across wrote with such finely drawn enthusiasm. The well-rounded characters of The Yellow Admiral will leave you yearning for more no mater how slowly you read it.
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Aubrey/Maturin ride again
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Sadly, I fear, we'll be seeing a lot less of this type of fiction in the future. I have become accustomed to my usual fix of Patrick O'Brian and heartily recommend any of his novels to anyone. Any of his non-fiction work for that matter too, it is very fine work. Since my reading of The Commodore had been itching to get my hands on it's sequel, when The Yellow Admiral came out I read it in one day and immediately regretted it. I should have savoured it like a fine wine since that is the kind of treatment it deserves. No one else that I have come across wrote with such finely drawn enthusiasm. The well-rounded characters of The Yellow Admiral will leave you yearning for more no mater how slowly you read it.
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