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The Far Side of the World Review

The Far Side of the World Review

The Far Side of the World

Published: 1984

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 10 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

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


Check the summary of this book here:

The Far Side of the World Summary


The Review:

In The Far Side of the World, Patrick O'Brian follows up on the events of "Treason's Harbor," Jack Aubrey is assigned to the frigate HMS Surprise, which he initially assumed command of in the third novel “HMS Surprise” and returned to in the eighth installment, "The Ionian Mission," following a period of uncertainty. "Treason's Harbor" ended on a cliffhanger, but those threads, including Aubrey's fear that unjust if not irrational rumors that he was having an affair with a married Italian woman aboard H.M.S. Surprise would result in her husband challenging him are quickly resolved or otherwise disposed of before the current story begins.

It's still the War of 1812 in "The Far Side of the World," and the American frigate USS Norfolk is interfering with British whaling. Captain Aubrey's mission is to engage Norfolk and therefore safeguard the whalers. Stephen Maturin, his dear friend and ship's physician, is joining him on this voyage.

Aubrey also hires a new teacher, Mr. Allen, who is well-versed in the whaling profession; a clergyman, Mr. Martin, who is a naturalist and a similar soul to Maturin; and Mr. Hollum, a midshipman whose career has come to a halt and for whom Aubrey gets emotional, against his better judgment.

I seldom do this, but I feel compelled to include some information about the work in order to explain it to those who are still unfamiliar with it. But it is just summarized info of what to expect from this amazing novel... Aubrey pursues Norfolk all the way down the east coast of South America, past the treacherous waters near Cape Horn, to the Galapagos Islands, and all the way to the South Pacific.

The dreaded Doldrums, a prow-destroying lightning strike, a shipboard affair, strange disappearances, meetings with colorful whalers, and an almost disastrous but amusing rescue by South Sea islanders are among the problems Aubrey, Maturin, and crew endure. The closing chapters feel like they're building up to another cliffhanger, but most readers will find the ending to be quite satisfactory.

This is a novel in which historical accuracy and authenticity take precedence over the storyline. If you want to learn about whale hunting and slaughtering in the early nineteenth century, this is the book for you since Patrick O'Brian does his research thoroughly and explains it with a tale to ensure that it is indelibly ingrained in the reader's mind.

If you've watched the film Master and Commander, you'll know that it blended narrative threads from several of these novels, including The Far Side of the World. I strongly advise you to start with Master and Commander, the first book in the series. You'll recognize moments and characters from the books in the movie if you read all of the books in the series.

It's well-written and glows in Patrick O'Brian's technique of conveying a compelling story. However, I felt that the plot of Aubrey and Maturin didn't move forward much during the work. The clear tale narrative was rather great in and of itself, yet the reader is periodically left wanting for more, even though it is already a fantastic journey.


Final Thoughts:

What can I say that hasn't already been said about Patrick O'Brian's 'Aubrey–Maturin' novels? You're immersed in the historically authentic early 18th century British Navy, surrounded by a cast of people that are both human and heroes in their own right. I wish I could do justice to this magnificent collection of novels. For the record, Patrick O'Brian was working on a twenty-first unfinished novel when he died. It has also been made public. Because all of the novels are written in chronological sequence, you'll just have to acquire them all!

If the series seemed to be losing steam a few installments ago, this novel proves that it still has enough of it. There are many clichés repeated from previous novels that will thrill series aficionados, but there is also a lot of novelty in these new adventures that will satisfy both old and new readers.

That is why I would encourage any new readers to start with the first book, which is excellent, and work their way through - otherwise, you will be missing out on a lot of reading enjoyment and if you read almost any book from this series at random then, you will almost certainly become confused and dislike the book because all these books are written in a sequence or chronological order.


Synopsis:

“The inspiration for the major new motion picture starring Russell Crowe.
The war of 1812 continues, and Jack Aubrey sets course for Cape Horn on a mission after his own heart: intercepting a powerful American frigate outward bound to play havoc with the British whaling trade. Stephen Maturin has fish of his own to fry in the world of secret intelligence. Disaster in various guises awaits them in the Great South Sea and in the far reaches of the Pacific: typhoons, castaways, shipwrecks, murder, and criminal insanity.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, British Navy, Character Development, Desolation Island, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Far Side Side Of The World, Fortune Of War, French Agents, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Red Sea, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, Surgeon Mate, Treasons Harbor, 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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Treason's Harbour Review

Treason's Harbour Review

Treason's Harbour

Published: 1983

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 9 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

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


Check the summary of this book here:

Treason's Harbour Summary


The Review:

Patrick O'Brian’s Treason's Harbour, maybe more than any other novel in the Aubrey-Maturin series, is set in the real and dirty field of international conspiracy, intelligence, and diplomacy. Whereas a man-of-war, even one as little as Jack Aubrey's beloved 28-gun HMS Surprise, is self-contained,

Europe's ports and cities during the Napoleonic Wars are teeming with enemy agents, opportunistic dockyard administrators, and, in the case of colonial ports, disgruntled inhabitants. Thus, for British intelligence operative Stephen Maturin, the Maltese port of Valetta, where HMS Surprise is being reconditioned, is a site of both opportunity and peril. The threat stems from the presence of high-ranking French agents who are aware of his operations and background.

Because of the turmoil, Jack Aubrey is dispatched on a pair of fatal missions. This isn't typically the storyline of a thrilling adventure novel, but Patrick O'Brian is a master storyteller, transporting Aubrey and Maturin across the desert with a track of camels and a diving bell, and trapping H.M.S. Surprise in a Mediterranean harbor with three French battleships moving in.

I suppose Jack expends all of his luck avoiding such traps and has little left over for triumphs, but that still leaves us with plenty of Napoleonic naval detail and action to keep us delighted as modern readers.

Action and intrigue. What else is there to say? This novel leans more toward the suspense, but that's not a bad thing. The odd thing is that I read this series a long time ago and have subsequently read more current authors in the category who have more modern sensibilities and vocabulary, which I enjoy but find quite different from Patrick O'Brian or Pope. 

Nobody alive today can tell us which version of character and language is truer, but I enjoy the characters and language in a variety of genres, including Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series. I'm occasionally shocked to find myself smiling at the comedy, which I probably missed when I originally read the series as a youngster.

The author has a tremendous understanding of the time, both on land and at sea, and this talent is beautifully expressed in this work. The historical details are near faultless as always, and even the relevant terminology is pulled out so we appear to be learning it. A severe, terrible, yet humorous event will occur, which will eventually cause major problems with our heroes' respective spouses.

However, it takes a third of the novel for Aubrey to embark on his first maritime expedition. This provides the sense that the action is moving at a leisurely pace. Our heroes narrowly avoid sailing into a trap and losing their whole army on their maiden expedition, which brings them to the Red Sea, one of the least pleasant locations on earth, according to the author's account. 

The commander in chief is well aware that his information flow has been compromised when they return, having also been attacked by a Bedouin attack on their land march over the Isthmus of Suez (no canal at this time, of course), but not even Dr. Maturin acknowledges Wray's participation in the leak.

It's still an entertaining read, and if you're going to read the full canon, you can't really skip any of the novels since the character development and even some of the plot elements would appear strange if you don't. Remember that turmoil in both heroes' marriages awaits them at home while they fight an adversary that knows what their instructions are ahead of time.


Final Thoughts:

This is the ninth book in the series, so if you've read this far, I'm guessing there's not much more I can say to persuade you to buy it or even read the reviews! I'm sure I'll read this book, and the next one, and the next one, regardless of the reviews. 

If you've made it this far, I promise you'll find exactly what you're searching for - more of the fantastic Patrick O'Brian writing we've come to anticipate. Definitely on par with the previous books in the series.

The characters are realistic and relatable. The scenarios remind me so much of a few navy friends and the stories they shared, in that what may appear minor and insignificant in the grand scheme of things is significant and vital to the people assigned to the smaller job or purpose. 

I frequently feel like I'm watching rather than reading the novel because Patrick O'Brian captures the spirit of the era's combat sailor's attitudes and worries, as well as location and time, so beautifully. I recommend starting with the first book and working your way up to this one before finishing the series. You can't go wrong with this.


Synopsis:

“"Every [Aubrey-Maturin] book is packed to absolute straining with erudition, wit, history, and thunderous action." —Joe Hill

All Patrick O'Brian's strengths are on parade in this novel of action and intrigue, set partly in Malta, partly in the treacherous, pirate-infested waters of the Red Sea. While Captain Aubrey worries about repairs to his ship, Stephen Maturin assumes the center stage for the dockyards and salons of Malta are alive with Napoleon's agents, and the admiralty's intelligence network is compromised. Maturin's cunning is the sole bulwark against sabotage of Aubrey's daring mission.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, British Navy, Character Development, Desolation Island, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Fortune Of War, French Agents, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Red Sea, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, Surgeon Mate, Treasons Harbor, 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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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
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The Ionian Mission Review

The Ionian Mission Review

The Ionian Mission

Published: 1981

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 8 of 21: Aubrey/Maturin Novels

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


Check the summary of this book here:

The Ionian Mission Summary


The Review:

A big part of Patrick O'Brian's "The Ionian Mission" takes place in the western Mediterranean, and despite Patrick O'Brian's considerable skill at writing, it was sometimes difficult to read because the monotony of the duty was punctuated by tantalizing opportunities for action, both at sea with Aubrey and ashore with Maturin's espionage, both of which ended without real satisfaction. The fact that I felt for the crew as they battled with the lack of action speaks something great about Patrick O'Brian's ability as a nautical writer.

Readers may become bored while reading this novel even if it is not boring, but this is simply due to the way the author wrote it perfectly as if he has been strictly consistent and totally honest in his portrayal of life in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, and blockade duty was as much a part of life at the time as outright action. The portrayal of Boredom is so superb that it makes the reader as restless and hungry for a confrontation as the crew is. To be honest, the fighting he portrays is as much a part of the plot as the battle he recounts in his brilliant way.

With a passion for both history and science, it's amusing to see Dr. Maturin's dissatisfaction with old salt beliefs and snake oil treatment, even if his own understanding of science, medicine, and natural history would be considered antiquated and primitive by modern standards when readers of this time read it.

One of the finest elements of this series is the contrast between the large life-loving, extremely gregarious, though occasionally naive Jack Aubrey and his quiet, private, highly observant, and frequently sang-froid companion. We get to see each of them at their best and worst, bolstered and dragged down by the other's best and worse.

This episode seemed a little slow and looked to be filler. But, as I already stated, it is not sluggish. The writing is excellent, as it usually is, but there is very little action until about halfway through the novel. Although recounting week after week of everyday repetition would stretch any writer's creativity, but it is not possible with Patrick O'Brian because I can clearly see what he did with this story and made it an example of how a writer can make our brains think in slow and fast moods to the point where we start to feel exactly as the characters we are reading about.

I enjoyed it, as I am sure any dedicated fan of the Aubrey/Maturin novels will, as will anyone who is reading the series in order, beginning with Master And Commander.

As always, I must caution readers not to read this book if they have not previously read the books in the series.


Final Thoughts:

I read Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series over the course of a few months. It was never boring. Dr. Maturin is a complete nautical beginner, and Patrick O'Brian skillfully informs you facts of 18th-19th century British naval life by having the experienced individuals, who would never need to explain this to each other, explain it to him. There's a lot of contrast between personalities who have known each other for a long time, some as close friends or family members, and the intriguing and often untrustworthy strangers they meet, all set against the backdrop of major historical events.

What a wonderful tale! Aubrey gets in difficulty both on land and at sea as a result of poor judgments, yet he is superb at sea when it comes to sailoring and war tactics, and Patrick O'Brian has never moved in his opinion of the captain. Aubrey has endeared himself to me as a reader because he is clever, but he doesn't know it or dwell on it because he is in his environment. He realizes and concentrates on the fact that he is the exact opposite of bright in personal affairs. What a beautiful balance in storytelling because I, as a reader, worry for Aubrey every time he steps ashore and I'm anxious about him at sea, but I also believe that every sea encounter will end as well as it can, which doesn't always mean well. This is another excellent episode by Patrick O'Brien, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.


Synopsis:

“"Patrick O'Brian is one author who can put a spark of character into the sawdust of time, and The Ionian Mission is another rattling good yarn." —Stephen Vaughan, The Observer

Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin, veterans now of many battles, return in this novel to the seas where they first sailed as shipmates. But Jack is now a senior captain commanding a line-of-battle ship in the Royal Navy's blockade of Toulon, and this is a longer, harder, colder war than the dashing frigate actions of his early days. A sudden turn of events takes him and Stephen off on a hazardous mission to the Greek Islands, where all his old skills of seamanship and his proverbial luck when fighting against odds come triumphantly into their own.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Aubrey And Maturin, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, 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, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Post Captain, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Simon Vance, Stephen Maturin, Surgeon Mate, 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+):

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
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Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
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