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H. M. S. Surprise Review

H.M.S. Surprise

Published: 1973

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 3 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

The third novel in Patrick O'Brien's series about the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, H.M.S. Surprise will thrill and educate you about the British Navy's sailing ships and the sailors and commanders' impressive technical ability.

While Patrick O'Brien does not minimize the British Navy's wrongdoings, he is definitely an admirer of the power, ships, and tactics but not the wrongdoings. If you don't want to read about a colonial power's exploits, this might not be the book for you. The storyline, on the other hand, is engaging, and there is enough information on flora and fauna in each of the ship's ports of call.

Maturin appears to be Patrick O'Brien's favorite character since he receives more attention in this novel than Aubrey, and I had the same impression in the previous book "Post Captain," when he was developed even further than he was in the first book "Master and Commander."

To convey the characters' inner thoughts, devices such as journals and letters are employed to great effect. It's a letter that has the finest description of Maturin to date, as well as a letter that ends with a serious blow.

H.M.S. Surprise continues ahead at a pleasant and engaging pace as O'Brian gains his groove as a storyteller. The plot is thrilling and enjoyable to read, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. This novel will appeal to anybody who is interested in 19th-century ships and naval history, or simply enjoy a good narrative but keep in mind that you'll need to read the preceding volumes to grasp some of the details and back stories of the characters and events.

If you're not used to the writing style and old navy terms, Patrick O'Brian's books can be difficult to get into at first, but once you do, you won't be able to put them down. They're full of historical action and are a must-read for those who enjoy books in the context of Bernard Cornwell, Angus Donald, or Steven A McKay because they all are a magnificent mash-up of reality and fascinating narrative.

It's difficult to add to Patrick O'Brian's list of accolades for the series. I doubt you could get any closer to the true narrative of life in the navy at the time; it highlights the changes that have occurred since then, particularly in terms of travel. A sailor's and officer's life aboard a wooden ship was difficult, and these brilliantly painted figures transport the reader back into that time a few centuries. I am confident that this and the other works will continue to be read with zeal in the future.

The novel is exceptionally well-researched, well-paced, and beautifully written, depicting the period of sail in exquisite detail, and there was yet another fantastic adventure. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as Master and Commander, but it needed to be given more credit. It was a good novel that made me want to start reading the series again, but time restrictions prohibited me from doing so.

Only one element that may irritate some readers is the amount of time spent on land, since it slows down the pace, and action oriented readers may become bored even if the story is not uninteresting. Basically, the speed at sea or on the water is as quick as the ship, but on land, it seems like you're reading a Jane Austen novel, but that's just how it feels, and it's still a fun read provided you understand that both sea and land are necessary for the story's forward motion.


Final Thoughts:

Anyone who enjoys a wonderful narrative with interesting characters, adventure, tension, and just the tiniest hint of romance should read every Patrick O'Brien novel, especially the Aubrey Maturin series. Add in the fact that they're based on the logbooks of RN captains who sailed during the period he's writing about, and you've got yourself a history lesson in the most entertaining way possible.

It's the best in its genre. Do yourself a favor and read Patrick O'Brian if you haven't already. Find the first book in the series, "Master and Commander," and embark on a fantastic voyage that will take a long time due to the series' 19 volumes.

You will not be reading about a period and amazing characters; you will be experiencing the time and meeting and knowing the characters because Patrick O'Brian was a real wordsmith and a creator of wonders.

If this is your first exposure to the world of Aubrey and Maturin, you are in for a magnificent adventure that will last a lifetime. In a lot of respects, these books are a treasure.


Synopsis:

“"Few, very few books have made my heart thud with excitement. H.M.S. Surprise managed it." —Helen Lucy Burke, Irish Press

In H.M.S. Surprise, British naval officer Jack Aubrey and surgeon Stephen Maturin face near-death and tumultuous romance in the distant waters ploughed by the ships of the East India Company. Tasked with ferrying a British ambassador to the Sultan of Kampong, they find themselves on a prolonged voyage aboard a Royal Navy frigate en route to the Malay Peninsula. In this new sphere, Aubrey is on the defensive, pitting wits and seamanship against an enemy who enjoys overwhelming local superiority. But somewhere in the Indian Ocean lies the prize that could secure him a marriage to his beloved Sophie and make him rich beyond his wildest dreams: the ships sent by Napoleon to attack the China Fleet.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, British Navy, Character Development, Desolation Island, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Fortune Of War, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Stephen Maturin, United States, Uss Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):


Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):


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Post Captain Review

Post Captain

Published: 1972

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 2 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

Patrick O'Brian's Post Captain is a powerful novel with strong memorable characters and a great feeling of heroic adventure. A reader may need to get used to Patrick O'Brian's writing style, in which he jumps from one dialogue and scene to the next without the normal cues like a page break or the beginning of a new chapter.

The text, written in a conversational manner from the early 1800s, may need some acclimating to get into a comfortable reading pace.

The novel features a lot of technical jargon about nineteenth-century sailing methods, phrases, and sail configurations that aren't commonly used nowadays, and as I said in my review of Master And Commander, you may easily take these words for Star Wars or Star Trek techno babble.

These characteristics aren't always negative because reading these fantastic novels may teach a reader about language and history.

Despite this, Mr. Patrick O'Brian's maritime conflicts are written with such intensity, desperation, peril, and courage that you may find yourself holding your breath as you read.

This second volume in the series has a different tone than the first, but it's still a fascinating historical tale set during the Napoleonic Wars, with action so realistic that you can smell the smoke and hear the cannons thunder. This is a series for anyone who likes early-eighteenth-century naval history.

Patrick O'Brian has written a fantastic novel that includes not only action, but also political viewpoints of the time, natural history as it was known at the time, philosophy, and intriguing details of the daily lives of both commanders and regular seamen.

Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are complicated characters that exhibit the highest nobility and, at times, the lowest of conduct, transforming them into larger-than-life heroes with clay feet that we can all relate to.

There's also a fantastic ensemble of supporting characters, many of whom will feature in his subsequent works. Overall, Patrick O'Brian is unquestionably one of the greatest historical authors of his time.

Let's discuss the book's language and its terminology once more. If you're the type of reader who wants to know everything, a dictionary or a search engine close by will come in handy when reading these stories. They are, in my opinion, a necessity. Not to mention the attention to detail when reading; miss a word or two and you're back at the start of the paragraph. However, as a plot, it was captivating and a throwback to the days at sea when England commanded the waters with her wooden fortifications.

Here I would like to share something about the main heroes; Maturin is like the classic onion in that the more layers you peel away, the more you understand about him. Jack is an ancient salt with seawater running through his veins. Plus in this book, one of them is evolving.

Some readers may be dissatisfied with this book since it focuses a bit on the land and courting the ladies. On the other hand, I thought it was a wonderful framework for the series. Man cannot subsist just by sailing, and the concerns of the shore are an important element of even seamen's existence. It was a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.


Final Thoughts:

This book is part of one of those series that will keep you up all night. You will be plunged into a different era, with situations and happenings that are unfamiliar and unusual to you. You'll have a hero to think about and consider his life and reactions to circumstances. Honor, courage, and integrity in the face of huge barriers posed by nature, other men and women, finances, authority, organizations, events, and a man against himself are the moral qualities that define a true hero and you are going to find him in this series.

The conversation is fantastic, and parts of the narration have a vintage feel to them. It all adds to the overall atmosphere. The conflicts at sea are very exciting. Even if you've never sailed at sea before, you'll be lured into these thrilling experiences. After being enthralled by this narrative, all readers will undoubtedly want to read the third. A lot of nice dialogs, I know I've said it before, but this is one of the things that makes the narrative so good. The speech is exactly as one could expect individuals of that era to speak. I had the impression that I was there. Walking around the old port towns and paying visits to the well-to-do. Some of these sections of the narrative reminded me of Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austin. The descriptions of personnel at sea and the workings of such great ships are fascinating.

I really suggest Post Captain for its characters, plot, and experiences, and if you've already read the first book in the series, Master And Commander, then I doesn’t think I need to persuade or encourage you to read this one since you already know you should.


Synopsis:

““If Jane Austen had written rousing sea yarns, she would have produced something very close to the prose of Patrick O'Brian.” —Time

It’s 1802. The Treaty of Amiens has brought an end to the hostilities between Great Britain and France. Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, naval surgeon Stephen Maturin, are enjoying the respite in the English countryside, besotted with two beautiful cousins, Sophie Williams and Diana Villiers—until Aubrey loses his fortune and they flee to France to escape his creditors. While in France, Napoleon smashes the Peace of Amiens and war begins anew. Aubrey and Maturin, now finding themselves behind enemy lines, make their way back to England. Maturin is sent to Spain on an intelligence-gathering mission and the now-solvent Aubrey assumes command of a strange warship, pursuing his quarry straight into the mouth of a French-held harbor. Amidst the rollicking adventures at sea and mishaps on land, Aubrey and Maturin’s friendship is tested by their romantic entanglements with the cousins in this brilliant second installment of the epic series.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, British Navy, Character Development, Desolation Island, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Fortune Of War, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Stephen Maturin, United States, Uss Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago

      
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):


Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):


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Master and Commander Review

Master and Commander Review

Master and Commander

Published: 1969

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 1 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

Patrick O'Brian writes on the life and living in his novel Master and Commander. That is the simplest explanation I can provide for how he writes his novels. It's a mistake to think of him as history or sea-story enthusiast. He writes about friendships and hatred, optimism and fear, and all of the causes and ways we suffer and exult in small and large events. If you haven't read any of his works, you should simply understand what he's all about and why he's such a brilliant author.

There are storyline aspects that are both unexpected and foretold in advance. Parts of the novel are lighthearted and uplifting, but others are somewhat gloomy. The pace is both sluggish and quick, and it all depends on where you are in the plot at any particular point. You're practically in slow motion at times, but it's not the book that's sluggish; it's your brain that's producing all the action and movement by changing words into reality.

This is the first book in Patrick O'Brian's great series about Jack Aubrey's life and career, as well as his friend and companion Stephen Maturin, a physician and spy who accompanies him on his very first command, the Sophie.

It's a little sluggish at first since there are so many people to introduce, as well as some history to give them context and a lot of historical material required for the reader to grasp the period and area in which the book takes place.

Once the setting is established and the action begins, it's a fast-paced runaway that you won't want to put down, so put up with the introduction and get to the excitement.

Its naval history brought to life by an author whose commitment to detail and authenticity is unrivaled and matched only by a few. Combine that with his ability to immerse you in the plot to the point that you have difficulty returning to reality when you put the book down, and you can't go wrong with Patrick O’Brian.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best historical fiction series ever created in the twentieth century. It owes a tribute to the authors of previous Royal Navy-themed novels, but it easily outshines them all. The trick, according to Patrick O’Brian, was focusing on his characters' lives, hobbies, and surroundings rather than subjecting them to mechanical story mechanisms. Port Mahon, April 1, 1800, alone sets the tone for one of the greatest literary friendships of all time.

I had no idea I was fond of navel or spaceship stories, which may sound boring to others, but I was introduced to them by Star Trek and without realizing it, I began reading novels that were not even science fiction. This reminds me of how many people gripe about Patrick O’Brian's nautical vocabulary and other phrases. I found it helpful to think of it as akin to Star Trek or Star Wars techno-babble, however, most of the terminology in the series are actual and can be found on the internet if needed.

It's so well written that you understand the sense of what's going on without knowing what a cross jack yard, quoin, or orlop is. None of this was an issue in Moby Dick, and it isn't an issue here either. Indeed, the language has a poetic quality to it that develops as you read, until you're swaying on the swell within the shipping prediction. I soon became invested in the protagonists and was enthralled by the depiction of both the naval and larger realms. Patrick O’Brian knows everything there is to know about his time period and topic area.

The writing is usually straightforward and sparse; although there are some beautiful poetic sparks, for example, describing the lay of the water, the set of the wind, or the quality of light. Captain Aubrey's friendship with Maturin the physician is brilliantly shown, in terms of mutual affection, consideration, and respect for differences, tensions, and concerns, and the profound understanding each acquires for the better angels in the other's character.


Final Thoughts:

True, I enjoy watching and reading things happen, but it isn't really narrative. In fact, while I was reading this, I realized that the book's characters are the most significant.

I tend not to discuss storylines or provide spoilers, but I felt compelled to add a few things because I want to review all of the novels in this series shortly.

The plot, inasmuch as it exists, is quite straightforward. When Britain is at war with Spain and France in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Jack Aubrey is granted command of a ship - He befriends Stephen Maturin, a surgeon, and encourages him to join them. Despite capturing a Spanish ship far larger than his own and other daring exploits, Jack's romance with his superior's wife prevents him from embarking on further ambitious endeavors with larger ships.


Synopsis:

“The classic first novel of the epic Aubrey/Maturin series, widely considered “the best historical novels ever written” (Richard Snow, New York Times).

Ardent, gregarious British naval officer Jack Aubrey is elated to be given his first appointment as commander: the fourteen-gun ship HMS Sophie. Meanwhile—after a heated first encounter that nearly comes to a duel—Aubrey and a brilliant but down-on-his-luck physician, Stephen Maturin, strike up an unlikely rapport. On a whim, Aubrey invites Maturin to join his crew as the Sophie’s surgeon. And so begins the legendary friendship that anchors this beloved saga set against the thrilling backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

Through every ensuing adventure on which Aubrey and Maturin embark, from the witty parley of their lovers and enemies to the roar of broadsides as great ships close in battle around them, Patrick O’Brian “provides endlessly varying shocks and surprises—comic, grim, farcical and tragic.… [A] whole, solidly living world for the imagination to inhabit” (A. S. Byatt).”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, British Navy, Character Development, Desolation Island, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Fortune Of War, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Stephen Maturin, United States, Uss Constitution, Well Written, Years Ago


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy The Kindle Version Here:


Free With Free Audible Trial:


The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels (Hardcover):


Master and Commander (2003) (PG+):


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Emma Review

Emma Review

Emma

Published: 23, December 1815

Author: Jane Austen

Genres: Classic, Comedy & Humor, Drama, European, Family Life, Fiction, Friendship, Historical, Literature, Regency, Romance, Rural Fiction, Small Town, Teen, Victorian, Young Adult


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

Emma by Jane Austen is a character study of a person who, because of her social standing, has a complex or nearly perverted sense of ethics when it comes to the value of socioeconomic status. This anecdote is significant because it demonstrates how upper-class individuals establish their own subculture based on money or, in Emma's case, familial ties. These shifts in the socio-climate might result in some very nasty-spirited persons, such as Emma's negative attributes, even if they are unaware that they are being cruel or terrible to others.

As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, this is like a character study and this sort of character lays the backdrop for some fascinating insights into human nature, particularly in terms of the many forms of influence that individuals have over others. Emma loves rearranging people like chess pieces. She enjoys the cause and effect of social events involving people and has an abnormal desire to influence the fate of others.

This was Jane Austen's last novel published while she was still alive, but it is not her final novel; before she began writing it, she had already stated that she would create a character that people would probably dislike, but Emma has been liked and continues to be liked, as we see her develop in this story.

Emma comes to see the light and makes positive adjustments throughout the story. I'm not giving anything away by mentioning this because it's obvious from the start. Reading what is happening to her is the most beautiful part of this novel.

This appeared advanced to me in terms of psychological/satirical components, such as the father's intellect level being obliquely poked fun at on a regular basis. Austen's resentment of her father is darkly humorous, with references to the weather or the temperature of the room indicating Emma and her father's cultured or academic contrasts.

I've just skimmed Austin's work for anagrams, but I believe the father figure represents the usual male authority of the period. I believe she is making an early woman's power statement disguised behind the character of her father and Emma's intellectual division as an author communicating via her fiction.

It was also entertaining to compare the films offered. A question always comes up while reading this and other books like this, what would your reaction be if you married someone 16 years your senior? Austen's period had various challenges that we would not be able to deal with as well. The book provides a fascinating look at Austen as a proponent of early women's liberation. We don't appreciate how fortunate we are. These days, we can do whatever we want.

I believe some readers' disdain for Emma is misconstrued because, as always, she was intended to be the way she was, and the author created her in such a manner that the reader dislikes her at first, but gradually begins to change the sentiments towards her with her own, and eventually begins to enjoy her by the end.

And this takes me to my most reviled topic: we must not despise a novel or a writer just because of a character we dislike or because the character is defective; we must recognize that some tales require flawed characters to advance.

A book and plot will never progress without these characters. Sometimes there is no villain in a novel, and we just despise the main character until we realize that this figure was misunderstood by us and was both the hero and the villain of his or her own life and story, much as we do to ourselves in real life.


Final Thoughts:

Because of the period, it was written, I didn't get the impression that it was outdated. I felt as if I were reading a complex character study with clever psychological components.

One of the reasons I wanted to read all of Jane Austen's writings was that the very macho author of Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian would frequently dedicate his books to Jane Austen. Patrick O'Brian's few available interviews also mention Austin as one of his key literary inspirations, which is enough to make you want to read an author you've never read or who solely writes about a subject you're not interested in.


Synopsis:

“Oft-copied but never bettered, Jane Austen's Emma is a remarkable comedy of manners.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is illustrated by the celebrated Hugh Thomson and includes an afterword by David Pinching.

Austen follows the charming but insensitive Emma Woodhouse as she sets out on an ill-fated career of match-making in the little town of Highbury. Taking the pretty but dreary Harriet Smith as her subject, Emma creates misunderstandings and chaos as she tries to find Harriet a suitor, until she begins to realize it isn't the lives of others she must try to transform.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Alan Cumming, Ann Radcliffe, Ann Ward, Anya Taylor-Joy, Austen Books, Austen Criticized It In Northanger, Autumn De Wilde, Carey Mulligan, Catherine Morland, Classics Edition, Douglas McGrath, Drama, Emma Woodhouse, Even Though, Felicity Jones, Frank Churchill, General Tilney, Giles Foster, Gothic Romance, Gothic, Great Story, Gwyneth Paltrow, Handsome Clever, Harriet Smith, Henry Tilney, Jane Austen, Jane Fairfax, JJ Feild, John Thorpe, Johnny Flynn, Jon Jones, Josh O'Connor, Katharine Schlesinger, Kindle Edition, Literature, Mansfield Park, Miss Bates, Miss Taylor, Mrs Allen, Mrs Elton, Mysteries Of Udolpho, Northanger Abbey, Oxford World, Peter Firth, Pride And Prejudice, Robert Hardy, Romance, Sense And Sensibility, Toni Collette, World Classics, Worth Reading, Young Lady, Young Man


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle version here:


Free with free Audible trial:


The Complete Works of Jane Austen:


Emma. (2020) (13+):


Emma (1996) (PG):


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Northanger Abbey Review

Northanger Abbey Review

Northanger Abbey

Published: December 1817

Author: Jane Austen

Genres: Classic, Drama, Fiction, Historical, Literature, Regency, Romance, Victorian

Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

The values required for marriage, the importance of fiction in a well-made life, the narrative's consistency despite the shift in a scene from Bath to the Abbey, and much more can all be found in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. On these and other themes, many volumes of commentary have already been published. I just realized that Austen is such a superb artist that the reader of Northanger Abbey misses the intricate framework that underpins the story.

I think it's just as wonderful, if not slightly better, than Jane Austen's other novel, Emma. I almost laughed out loud numerous times while reading this book. The dialogue and internal monologue are both hilarious. I really liked the tension between the protagonist and some of the Bath buddies she meets. Not everyone is good, and I enjoy having mixed and flawed characters in a story while reading. There's also a mystery that begins around halfway through the book and is entertaining to read about. The narrative is a touch sluggish and heavily focused on the characters, but that is true of any Austen work.

The title of this work, Northanger Abbey, is actually the address of a character in this novel who adores reading gothic romances. Even if I am not a fan of this genre, I can read these novels without growing bored since I feel that each form of writing may teach me something new. It is a must if you are a student learning English. I'm curious how many current novels will still be in print in over a century.

It is her first work, although it was released after all of her other novels had been published due to a publisher who had already paid her but never published this novel and had to be sued. That is why this novel is apart from her other works.

And that is why for many readers, including Jane Austen devotees, Northanger Abbey appears to be a sloppy attempt to emulate Jane Austen's writing style at times. The book develops the funny eccentric characters that Austen is renowned for in the first half of the work, but the main character's naiveté and the author's excessive reliance on sudden fortunes earned, as well as the significance given to wealth, make the plot less than credible. Nonetheless, it is a tale that will ignite the hopes of young women who aspire to find happiness in marriage.

In this novel, you are going to find some things a lot like there will be a lot of discussion among ladies about which male they want. Alternatively, the guys flirted with the ladies. A number of dances were performed. And essentially what it was like in that era, as well as every other era.


Final Thoughts:

The characters are well depicted, instantly recognizable as individuals you undoubtedly know, and you are sucked in, as with all of her stories. It's not merely a period romance; for one thing, Austen's time was not "period," but "current." Austen was such a wonderful observer and narrator of human behavior that this book is as important today as it was back then. 

Just imagine in the 1800s, a young man bragging about his horse's improbable speed would be bragging about his car's 0-60 acceleration in these days. Alternatively, a young lady who reads books and then assumes that is how reality is, can become a woman who now holds her phone and believes what she sees "on Google" is accurate, making similar mistakes of judgment.

Except for a few character faults and some minor flaws that can be made by a new author, it was an enjoyable read, and there are times when the writing style is excellent. So, if you enjoy classics, I suggest this book, but it is no match for Pride and Prejudice.


Synopsis:

“Unabridged value reproduction of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen is a must-have collectable for every bookshelf. This short romance takes the reader on a lovely escape to middle-class life in nineteenth-century Bath, England.

This book is the first Jane Austen sold to a publisher, but it was published after her death. It’s the most comic, with reference to many books of her time, written in a style that would entertain her own family if read by the fireside.

Will Catherine Morland fall head over heels for Henry Tilney? Will Henry’s father get in the way or Catherine be scared of Abbey?

Find out in this affordably printed volume, written by one of the top selling authors of all time.”


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Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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The Mysteries of Udolpho Review

The Mysteries of Udolpho Review

The Mysteries of Udolpho

Published: 8, May 1794

Author: Ann Ward Radcliffe

Genres: Adventure, Classic, Education, Fiction, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

Ann Ward Radcliffe's novel The Mysteries of Udolpho is admired for its simple yet universal ideas of true love, commitment, and personal integrity. It's a gothic romance at its core, with adventure and mystery thrown in for good measure. I also liked how the novel stayed grounded in reality by revealing that the ostensibly supernatural events were actually caused by normal causes.

Ann Ward Radcliffe, in my opinion, spent much too much time describing the landscape of a country she had never been to. Reading endless descriptions of plants and mountain ranges grew tedious shortly. It was as if I were reading a tour book written in both French and Italian. However, some authors do so as if they were painting with words, and not everyone can comprehend or appreciate a painting.

So, in the end, it all depends on the reader, since I appreciate it sometimes and become bored or angry at the author other times, because not all authors can do it well, and not all tales require a painted environment.

After swimming through a sea of tears shed by theatrical characters and a narrative saturated in excessive eloquence, the reader will discover a delightful story beneath.

The characters were getting on my nerves. The characters' pathetic, emotional neediness got on my nerves a lot. The villain was the only one who seemed to have any sense. He may have been a despicable human being, but at least he wasn't breaking into tears or swooning over a chair every five minutes. However, I feel that we can only move on with the story if all or at least some of the characters are defective.

Some things were not as great as they may have seemed when it was first published, and it may not be as amazing for many readers who are used to modernized fast-paced versions of this and other classics today but believe me when I say that all modern "Goth" novels are based on this and other classics like this one.

The Gothic portion of the novel makes up roughly above a quarter of the book, with the rest consisting of descriptions of the places and structures where the action takes place, as well as inane interior monologues. The protagonist is constantly fainting out and losing her courage. I realize that was a different era, but it irritated me much. Worst of all, the author constantly pauses the action to recite poetry written by the heroine. It may bore some readers as I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Starting in Gascony and traveling to Languedoc before crossing the Alps from France to Italy and spending time in Venice, the narrative is exceedingly convoluted. The Gothic horror section begins at the Apennine castle of Udolpho and continues in a Languedoc château and monastery.

Prepare yourself for tales of inexplicable deaths, eerie music, phantom figures at midnight, and the enigma behind the black veil! The explanations take place in France, after a Shakespearean number of blunders when the heroine and hero are together. The plot is unbelievable, yet it is thrilling for its time.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen has made this novel quite widely known, despite the fact that many people haven't read it. Jane Austen was influenced by Ann Ward Radcliffe, thus if you appreciate Jane Austen, you must read this novella. If you're reading this for the first time, be warned that it's a messy affair that, in today's world, would very surely be chopped down to approximately half of what it is, albeit taking something away from it, maybe part of the charm.


Final Thoughts:

I've always wanted to read this book since it's a classic and I believed it could be related to Mathew Lewis' The Monk and Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto. It is unrelated to these novels, yet it may be included in the same category as one of the major classics that affected a large number of books and helped a genre develop into what it is today. It had some poetry and a lot of details that, as I previously stated, were sometimes too long. However, I absolutely loved reading this book! There's a lot of suspense and mystery in this book.

If you ignore the lengthy word paints and characters sobbing, Ann Ward Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho is a fantastic engaging mystery. For me, it was a lot of joy. The story was great, and I was able to finish the book in seven days, despite the fact that many readers believe it is a difficult book to read. I really liked the poetry interspersed throughout the chapters since it is quite good. I would suggest this book to people who appreciate reading.

I couldn't give it more points since I know it would be cheating with those who trust my ratings and follow my recommendations. However, for those who enjoy reading classics, it is still a worthwhile read.


Synopsis:

“This was the most popular novel of Radcliffe's time; Radcliffe's portrayal of her heroine's inner life raised the Gothic romance to a new level. The atmosphere of fear and the gripping plot continue to thrill today.

This is the story of the orphaned Emily St Aubert, who finds herself separated from the man she loves and confined within the Castle of Udolpho by her aunt's new husband Montoni. Here she must cope with an unwanted suitor, Montoni's threats, and the wild imaginings and terrors which threaten to overwhelm her.”


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Rating: 80/100
Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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The Castle of Otranto Review

The Castle of Otranto Review

The Castle of Otranto

Published: 1764

Author: Horace Walpole

Genres: Classic, Fiction, Fiction, Gothic, History, Horror, Literary, Literature, Occult, Supernatural


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is said to be the original horror story that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. It terrified the poor British guys so much that they couldn't sleep. I'm not sure about that, but I am certain that Horace Walpole understood the power of a good scary narrative to affect young Men. Thomas Grey, a friend of Walpole's, wrote to him, saying that his gothic horror novel had terrified the Cambridge students so terribly that "some of them cried a little, and all in general afraid to go to bed at nights." It was the year 1765.

The author claims to have seen a gigantic armored glove, a stairway, a gallery, and a castle in a dream. As a result, he was inspired to write this narrative, which he claims he discovered and translated from the original Italian, and which is attributed to a fictional character named "William Marshal" The narrative takes place between 1095 AD and 1243 AD, during the first and second Crusades, while the novel takes place in the 1500s. The first book was published in 1764 and was written in English.

This is a tale featuring a feisty priest, a fleeing Princess, a dying hermit with God on his side, chases in burial vaults, Crusaders, huge men with swords, hidden tunnels, liberated slaves, long-lost parents, lost heirs, misidentification, murder, prophecies, saints, and the colossal killing armor It reminds me a touch of Mathew Lewis's The Monk, but that one came out a long time after this one.

A fascinating book, especially if you're interested in gothic novels, which were the first of the literary genre's prominence, with authors like Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Frankenstein), Bram Stoker (Dracula), and Edgar Allan Poe (The Masque of the Red Death) to mention a few.

By today's standards, this is mild, but I can imagine what it was like hundreds of years ago. It was a tremendous hit in its day, despite the fact that it was written more satirically than seriously. Some of us may no longer be frightened by the substance of this book in these times, but it may still be terrifying to someone who has never read or seen horror before.

It is neither epic fantasy nor great literature, but it is a work of its time and in some ways before its time, fundamental in certain respects. The narrative is set in a fictional Italy - admittedly an early "alternative reality" - and is a morality drama with strange - dreamy - components. Recommended not so much for pure amusement as for providing the reader with a broader grasp of western fantasy, particularly as it has evolved in the English language over the previous two centuries. Some might give it a four or five-star rating, while others who aren't ready for it will only give it a one or two. As a result, it will be a worthwhile read for fans of the period, the genre, or both.

It's an enjoyable read, but you might need to get used to the writing style. The story's language, tempo, and structure will tire many modern readers because it was first published in 1764. The plot, whatever it is, is extremely contrived and should be read with a sense of amusement. The characters frequently come out as exaggerated. But that's part of the allure, and as I read, I imagined a film with rich costumes, long dark hallways, and mist-shrouded courtyards. It has all of the gothic narrative motifs long before they became clichéd. This is compulsory reading for anybody interested in the history of the Gothic style. The book is rather brief and easy to read.


Final Thoughts:

This book changed the course of history. Medieval fantasy, gothic horror, and a variety of other subjects were largely influenced by this work, and we continue to see and read material that is, in some way, a descendant of this masterpiece.

Once more I must talk about the things a reader is going to read about in this novel. The prophesy, knights and castles, the Crusades, the ardent tyrant, the lost heir, the swooning damsels in distress, the dying hermit, the dead knight coming to rescue his daughter, AND massive armor that kills people and much more that may drive a reader insane but still make them want to keep reading is all here to be read again and again.

Many readers may notice the author's writing style is basic, although this isn't always a bad thing. At the very least, it indicates how he was aiming to make his work more accessible by making it available to others who were less educated. I strongly advise all Goth aficionados to read it so they may experience the granddaddy of gothic books.


Synopsis:

“The Castle of Otranto (1764) is the first supernatural & one of the most influential works of Gothic fiction, first published in 1764.

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed in mysterious circumstances. His calculating father Manfred fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself - despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold.”


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Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.

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The Monk Review

The Monk Review

The Monk

Published: 1796

Author: Mathew Lewis

Genres: Adult, Classic, Drama, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Horror, Literature, Magic, Romance, Suspense


Check the summary of this book here:



The Review:

The Monk by Mathew Lewis has excellent language and emotive descriptions. His phrasing is accurate, vivid, measured, and moving. Above all, it is unhurried because eloquence takes time and a calm demeanor. Lewis's writing style makes excellent use of time to convey his story in a medium-sized book that might be huge for some and medium or tiny for book enthusiasts.

The Monk, a masterpiece of Gothic literature penned in 1796, is not for the faint of heart - and certainly not for late-night reading. Most of us have read novels that make our toes curl and our spines chill, but Lewis's exquisitely detailed writing catches you off guard, and once hooked, the book stays open until the very last page. The novel was extremely successful at the time, and it was replicated by numerous writers, as seen by works of literature and film today.

The Castle of Otranto, The Mysteries of Udolpho, and other Gothic classics pale in comparison. The action is slowed by a few poems in between, although not quite as much as in Udolpho. Some scenes are extremely tense, while others are frightening and eerie.

Clearly one of the best books of its period, and I was perplexed the entire time I was reading it as to how the governments and church of the time allowed this book to be published. I have never discovered a book like this in all my searches for books like this.

Yes, it is superior to other Gothic Literature works I've read, yet it can be terribly unsettling. It appeared too titillating, too purposefully upsetting, to be pleasurable, despite the fact that the writing was excellent, but the subject matter may be off-putting to certain readers.

It's not the simplest book to read owing to the old English language style, but if you can read Shakespeare, you shouldn't have any trouble with this. Yes, the chapters are a touch long, and if you don't read it often enough (as if you are going to stop reading once you start), you could forget some of the plot's twists and turns.

Characters have a propensity of appearing out of nowhere as if you are supposed to know exactly who they are and how they are connected. You may need to re-read sections if you don't comprehend anything because sentences might be long. Overall, it's a lot of fun, and you can get so caught up in it that an hour might fly by without you even realizing it.

In this work, the characters are well-developed. Ambrosio, a monastery Abbot, is totally clean until the age of 30 when the devil sends a seductress into his life. The Abbot, like a flipped coin, begins to reveal the dark half of his psyche, which he has hidden since boyhood. I thought the diversions might have been shorter at times, but the author pulled it all together in the end. For his day, it was an excellent piece of writing, and it is still worthy of the reader's attention today.

Some readers may dislike the novel because of the inflated language, the anti-Catholicism/anti-clericalism reflective of the time, the general absurdity of the many coincidences that are important to the plot, and the extremes in the characterizations and descriptions, but I promise those who dislike it for religious reasons to continue and you will be rewarded in full at the end. At times, this work is dark and disturbing. It demonstrates the repercussions of our decisions as well as the devil's depravity and deception.

This was a nice change of pace from the science fiction I usually read. A gothic horror story filled with outrageous crimes and treachery and deception. Even the ending was good, but for some reason, I wanted more out of it. It seemed like everyone got their due, except the innocent victims, which irritated me. Well-written. Enjoyable.

Now some open stuff about the novel and the author. The Monk is a tangled, intricately constructed novel. It is also the forerunner of all Gothic tales, with staples like draughty castles, ghosts, dark sorcery, and doomed romances. Despite being terribly sexist, there are some surprisingly amusing lines of dialogue, as well as topics that are still disturbing over two centuries later. Matthew Gregory Lewis was nineteen years old when he wrote The Monk, which helps to understand his rebellious attitude and obsession with sex. The Monk isn't the slickly polished work we've come to anticipate since The Lost Generation established the incremental revision standard.

To the modern reader, the story appears wooden and apparent. The partnerships, too, appear to be out of date and, to be honest, infantilize women. Next, I'd want to provide a warning, as rape is a poisonous and pervasive motif throughout The Monk. A raped woman is judged responsible for the crime against her and is deemed too "impure" to marry or serve God, as was the ethos of the 1790s when The Monk was published.

While I loved the ghost stories and found one, in particular, to be really frightening, I found the final quarter of the book may be difficult to read for many due to the outmoded attitudes toward women. Mr. Mathew Lewis, in a nutshell, performed the most essential thing a writer can do: he made me think. Ugly subjects are brightened by smart dialogue, but all of it is very much a product of its period.


Final Thoughts:

First and foremost, I must state that this is not the first gothic novel, even though some book merchants attempt to market it as such. However, "The Castle of Otranto," written by Horace Walpole in 1764, is often regarded as the "first" Gothic book. "The Monk" is a classic of the genre, yet "The Castle of Otranto" was released 32 years before. Ann Radcliffe had already published several of her works before "The Monk," thus calling it the "first" Gothic book is a stretch.

I got this book by accident without checking the back cover, thinking it was about "The Monk" Detective TV series since my brother likes the show and the character of Monk, so I bought it for him, but he isn't into reading, so it sat with me for at least four years before I started reading it. And reading it was a fantastic experience for me, and I was not disappointed.

I strongly advise individuals who have never read this masterpiece and are capable of reading scary and disturbing stories to read it. In a nutshell, it's a delicious concoction of murder, romance, and imagination.


Synopsis:

“Scarcely had the Abbey Bell tolled for five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins thronged with Auditors. Do not encourage the idea that the Crowd was assembled either from motives of piety or thirst of information. But very few were influenced by those reasons; and in a city where superstition reigns with such despotic sway as in Madrid, to seek for true devotion would be a fruitless attempt. The Audience now assembled in the Capuchin Church was collected by various causes, but all of them were foreign to the ostensible motive. The Women came to show themselves, the Men to see the Women: Some were attracted by curiosity to hear an Orator so celebrated; Some came because they had no better means of employing their time till the play began; Some, from being assured that it would be impossible to find places in the Church; and one half of Madrid was brought thither by expecting to meet the other half. The only persons truly anxious to hear the Preacher were a few antiquated devotees, and half a dozen rival Orators, determined to find fault with and ridicule the discourse. As to the remainder of the Audience, the Sermon might have been omitted altogether, certainly without their being disappointed, and very probably without their perceiving the omission.”


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Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Monk (2013) (R):


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