The Surgeon's Mate
Published: 1980
Author: Patrick O'Brian
Book 7 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 Surgeon's Mate Summary
The Review:
Patrick O'Brian delivers one of his most complicated and sweeping tales in "The Surgeon's Mate," in which he reunites with his well-known characters, naval officer Jack Aubrey and surgeon/spy Dr. Stephen Maturin. In comparison to some of the previous novels in the series, it almost looks as if three distinct narratives were sewn together to create this one; still, it has the potential to become another classic in the series.
Patrick O'Brian's ability to surprise, enchant, and keep both character and plot alive after seven novels astounds and pleases me to be a part of a readers group that reads his books. This is why Patrick O'Brian has received so much recognition and acclaim, which he rightfully deserves.
Aubrey returns home after a lengthy absence in "The Surgeon's Mate," only to find himself in financial and legal difficulty onshore, a predicament that seems to be as frequent among sailors in the early 1800s as it is now. In addition, Cpt. Aubrey must face with the ramifications of his affair in Nova Scotia but Aubrey and Dr. Maturin, thankfully, are swiftly dispatched to the Baltic.
The book's title "The Surgeon's Mate," which is usually obvious as the novel progresses, remained a mystery until the very last few pages, and was, in any case, a double entendre. I couldn't help but smile as I read the final few pages, realizing Patrick O'Brian and Aubrey both like a nice turn of phrase. The near-perfect ratings of Patrick O'Brian's books are well deserved, as I've noted in each of my prior reviews of his series. This is another book that I strongly suggest.
The reader may believe the title refers to a "comic guy" throughout the novel, but it is clear towards the conclusion that this is not the case. In any case, "comic guy" is a strange character who isn't properly filled out. He appears to be there largely for comedic relief, but he also functions as a narrative device later in the novel. (I am not mentioning the name, instead I am using "comic guy" for the sake of new readers)
At this point in the series, The Surgeon's Mate is the least fulfilling of the Aubrey-Maturin books, but only if read as a stand-alone story. Although the last fifty pages are thrilling, the remainder of the novel is even more episodic than normal, despite the fact that it is still captivating (Patrick O'Brian's language style is still pleasing). It reads more like a conclusion to the preceding and excellent book in the series, The Fortune Of War than a stand-alone work and I don’t think it is a stand-alone novel.
I understand that some readers may find it difficult to get past the first few chapters of this book. They may give up, but if they read a little longer, the plotline begins to pick up. There were also some really long paragraphs that may have been cut but without some of them, it is not easy to understand what is happening. Overall, though, it was a pleasurable read. New readers just need to follow along for a little while to get acclimated to it, but I believe everyone reading this section should realize that you should begin this series with the first book in order to become familiar with the language and writing style.
The reason I claimed it wasn't as good as the other books in the series is that I was speaking as someone who didn't realize that this book isn't standalone and is essentially a wrap-up of the events of the prior book. And, as I indicated in the previous paragraphs, this is the seventh book in the series, so how can someone unfamiliar with the story comprehend what is going on? So just begin with the first book in the series and read it after you've finished the other six. I'm confident you'll enjoy it and want to continue reading the series.
Final Thoughts:
This novel has a lot going on; basically, three narratives are moving at the same time, and a novice reader or someone thinking of this book as a standalone or canon in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin world would be overwhelmed.
The first plot begins with our guys escorting the USS Chesapeake into Halifax Harbor on the frigate HMS Shannon.
The second plot is their journey to the Baltic, where they are tasked with negotiating the surrender of a fortification on an island.
The third plot is their journey to Spain, which is hampered by a meeting with a French 74 and a storm that causes their ship, a corvette, to crash onto a perilous lee beach.
I won't go into depth for the spoilers' sake, but I wanted to include these plots to emphasize that this book would not be enjoyable unless the reader is aware of the previous story. While it is possible to read this book without first reading The Fortune of War, it is much simpler if you have just read it.
As always, a fantastic read that comes highly recommended, but just read it at the number given and that is number seven.
Synopsis:
“"Vividly detailed 19th-century settings and dramatic tension punctuated with flashes of wry humor make Patrick O'Brian's nautical adventure a splendid treat." —Publishers Weekly
Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are ordered home by dispatch vessel to bring the news of their latest victory to the government. But Maturin is a marked man for the havoc he has wrought in the French intelligence network in the New World, and the attention of two privateers soon becomes menacing. The chase that follows through the fogs and shallows of the Grand Banks is as tense, and as unexpected in its culmination, as anything Patrick O'Brian has written.”
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Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 95/100 Yes.
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