21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey
Published: 2004
Author: Patrick O'Brian
Book 21 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels
Genres: Action, Adventure, British & Irish, Contemporary, Family Life, Fiction, Historical, Literary, Literature, Medical, Military, Navel, Saga, Science Fiction, Sea, Suspense, Thriller, Travel, War
Check the summary of this book here:
21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey Summary
The Review:
21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey is the book containing the first three chapters of a work that was cut short by Patrick O'Brian's death in late 2000 makes up this incomplete but quite legible piece of what would have been the 21st Aubrey/Maturin novel. The first chapter wraps up the previous book's events, which aided Chile's effort to gain independence from Spain. With instructions to join a larger force moving to South Africa, Jack Aubrey receives his long-awaited and well-deserved advancement to Admiral.
The introduction, as well as all three chapters, sets the tone for what seems to be a typical Patrick O'Brian read. Family squabbles, a grumpy commanding admiral, a possible future battle of honor, Maturin's musings as he writes to the woman he's pursuing, Killick bemoaning the state of Jack's uniform—if you've gotten it this far, you're familiar with the drill.
The normal and delightful Patrick O'Brian hodgepodge that has made his series so beloved by so many fans is still going strong. It's done, he's gone, and once you've read it for the first time, there's no going back. Fortunately, we have his other twenty works, all of which appear to be timeless. Although the author is no longer living, his work continues to live on, and it is difficult to write this final review of this wonderful series.
This book had me expecting it to disappoint me. When I initially heard about it, I assumed it was a case of commercial exploitation of an incomplete novel. Nonetheless, as a long-time fan of the 20-volume series, I bought it. This part of the novel moved me a lot. It was interesting to observe Mr. Patrick O'Brian's creative process at action in the differences between the facsimile manuscript and the typescript, and it just added to his achievements in bringing this faraway realm to life. Some of the lines and scenes in his work couldn't be enhanced any further.
After two reads, there are still certain sections that make me smile. It's inspirational that Patrick O'Brian could write so brilliantly in the middle of such personal tragedy. Richard Snow's afterword is also worth reading. Snow encapsulates what makes Patrick O'Brian's writing so essential in a lovely and short way, and his final statement will bring tears to the eyes of anybody who has read the book. Surprise in Mourning by Geoff Hunt was also moving, albeit he portrays her somewhat by the head, which is never her optimum trim for sailing on a bowline.
This isn't the end of the journey. And it's not even a novel. This collection gathers Patrick O'Brian's incomplete manuscripts; some handwritten and others typed, and portray them as a work-in-progress, an early form of what may have been. We may assume what modifications have been made as we read through - the language isn't as taut or well-written as his polished, finalized works, which is to be anticipated.
This will only appeal to those of us who have spent our lives with Aubrey and Maturin, and who lament the loss of such a wonderful series of novels that mixed fiction and history. Even then, it may disappoint - don't anticipate anything of the caliber we've seen in the main series. Expect to be disappointed with the main characters' ongoing connection.
I must inform readers that this book is not complete, and those who are just trying to read a random book will think I was writing a fake review or reviewing an entirely different book, because my recommendations and points are based on what I thought of the legend who wrote this book and the series, and for me, this last unfinished book has a value that a non-reader of this series will never understand. You only need to ask the fans of this series how much this book is worth, and you'll receive the same answer, Priceless!
Final Thoughts:
Without a doubt, today is a sad day for me in terms of reading and reviewing. This, the final piece of a fantastic series of books, does not let you down. I had a great time reading the entire collection. I began and have really enjoyed each book twice: once for personal enjoyment and again for review purposes. I can picture a variety of alternative endings for this great friendship between Jack and Stephen with a little imagination. Anyone and everyone should read these novels, and I am hundred percent recommending the series.
There's no use in writing a review because this is a must-have for Patrick O'Brian fans. If you're considering purchasing this item, you already know why you're here, and you should go ahead and do so.
In some ways, it's a perfect conclusion to the series. Perhaps the best way to end this epic voyage is with an unfinished manuscript. The handwritten sections are difficult to read, but this adds to the impression of the book coming to an end. The plot is a little jumbled and appears to be incomplete. You're not purchasing it for the plot, though. You're buying it to finish the set and pay tribute to the author who has brought you so much joy over the past 20 years.
Synopsis:
“Blue at the Mizzen (novel #20) ended with Jack Aubrey getting the news, in Chile, of his elevation to flag rank: Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron, with orders to sail to the South Africa station. The next novel, unfinished and untitled at the time of the author's death, would have been the chronicle of that mission, and much else besides. The three chapters left on Patrick O'Brian's desk are presented here both in printed version-including his corrections to the typescript-and a facsimile of his manuscript, which goes several pages beyond the end of the typescript to include a duel between Stephen Maturin and an impertinent officer who is courting his fiancée.
Of course, we would rather have had the whole story; instead, we have this proof that Patrick O'Brian's powers of observation, his humor, and his understanding of his characters were undiminished to the end.
Includes a Facsimile of the Manuscript.”
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Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 85/100 Yes.
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