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21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey Review

21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey Review

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.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

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Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 85/100 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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Blue at the Mizzen Review

Blue at the Mizzen Review

Blue at the Mizzen

Published: 1999

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 20 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:

Blue at the Mizzen Summary


The Review:

Much of Patrick O'Brian's “Blue at the Mizzen” is written in Maturin's hand via letters to England, which is a break from the manner of many of the earlier Aubrey-Maturin volumes. This works because it adds texture and depth to a character whose rich inner life has been mostly lacking, with his job as an intelligence officer, surgeon, scientist, and former partner and confidant of Aubrey overshadowing his personal tendencies.

The Napoleonic Wars concluded in "The Hundred Days," book nineteen in the Aubrey/Maturin series, and Aubrey, like many Post Captains, confronts the possibility of becoming a "Yellow Admiral" and that means a promotion to flag officer rank without the command of a ship or squadron, thus ending one's naval career. To get away from this, Maturin and Aubrey went to Chile on the "H.M.S. Surprise," to do something that you can read in the book. 

While on the journey, two fresh events entice readers: a new midshipman, Horatio Hanson, a bastard of the Duke of Clarence, Prince William, and a growing relationship between Lady Jenny Morris, who is the widow of Lord Morris, the ambassador to Sierra Leone, and Maturin, who is also a widower. It's disappointing that these story aspects won't be explored further.

The journey south moves quickly, and "H.M.S. Surprise's" narrative is equally brief, with most of the plot centering on Maturin and Hanson. While some readers will be disappointed by this, I found it to be a welcome change from the detailed watch-on-watch description of daily life at sea; it also gives the reader a greater understanding of Maturin as an emotional entity. The sole naval fight in which Aubrey is part is also significant, and I wish more information had been provided.

Fans consider this to be one of Patrick O'Brian's best works. Those who are unfamiliar with his works should consider themselves lucky, for they are about to embark on a twenty book journey of sheer delight for the first time, because once you've finished this series, you'll want to forget about it and reread it as a new reader because it's that good. 

The New York Times called him "the greatest historical storyteller of all time," and after reading the first one or two volumes, you'll agree. However, you'll need to get acclimated to some archaic vocabulary and linguistic style and remember to read in order.

In any event, while this is a good conclusion to the series, readers should not expect a repeat of one of the earlier volumes. The characters and the author have all grown older, their arch-enemy has vanished, and it almost looks as though they have chosen South America because they would be bored if they returned to their old haunts in England and left the sea. Maybe that's how the British became involved in the independence of Spain's New World possessions!

It may appear impossible for Patrick O'Brian to maintain his interest in the routine of naval life for such a long period of time. I was expecting him to give up at some time, but Blue with the Mizzen doesn't let me down. This time, the intricacy of these well-known characters' development has increased even more, which did not surprise me because I know how talented Patrick O'Brian is at his craft. This series, as well as this particular book, comes highly recommended.


Final Thoughts:

Finishing "Blue at the Mizzen" was heartbreaking since it was the final full novel in the series because the twenty-first novel, "The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey," was not completed and Patrick O'Brian died before finishing it, leaving the manuscript incomplete.

There is so much here that the reader will miss out on, such as the relationship between Lady Morris and Maturin, and what will happen to young Hanson will be as disappointing. Every journey, though, must come to an end, with shipmates parting ways and so it is with Aubrey and Maturin.

I strongly suggest the novels, as I've stated in most of my assessments of the series: no one writes naval fiction like Patrick O'Brian, and few writers write any sub-genre of fiction like him. I felt a kinship to the personalities Patrick O'Brian so brilliantly painted, having experienced terrible weather, stood on the quarter-deck and in the gun-room in innumerable fights, and crossed the line multiple times.

It's been a beautiful, thoroughly entertaining experience, and I advise any admirer of fine writing to discover for themselves why these novels have such a fervent and devoted fan base.

Simply purchase and begin reading "Master and Commander," the first book in the series, to see what all of the fuss is about.


Synopsis:

“"The old master has us again in the palm of his hand." —Los Angeles Times

Napoleon has been defeated at Waterloo, and the ensuing peace brings with it both the desertion of nearly half of Captain Aubrey's crew and the sudden dimming of Aubrey's career prospects in a peacetime navy. When the H.M.S. Surprise is nearly sunk on her way to South America—where Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are to help Chile assert her independence from Spain—the delay occasioned by repairs reaps a harvest of strange consequences. The South American expedition is a desperate affair, and in the end, Jack's bold initiative to strike at the vastly superior Spanish fleet precipitates a spectacular naval action that will determine both Chile's fate and his own.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Action, Admiral Harte, Age Of Sail, Anyone Who Loves, Aubrey And Maturin, Aubrey-Maturin Series, Billy Boyd, Botany Bay, Blockade Duty, Blue at the Mizzen, British Navy, Captain Aubrey, Captain Jack, Character Development, Clarissa Oakes, Desolation Island, Diplomatic Mission, Diving Bell, Drama, Diana Villiers, Early 19th Century, Entire Series, Far Side Of The World, Fortune Of War, French Agents, Gun Salute, High Seas, Historical Fiction, HMS Surprise, Horrible Old, Hundred Days, Indian Ocean, Ionian Mission, Jack And Stephen, Jack Aubrey, Jane Austen, Letter Of Marque, Lucky Jack, Master And Commander, Maturin Series, Mauritius Command, Napoleonic Era, Napoleonic Wars, Nautical Terms, North Africa, Nutmeg Of Consolation, Old Leopard, Patrick Brian, Patrick O’Brian, Patrick Obrian, Patrick O Brian, Patrickoobrian, Paul Bettany, Penal Colony, Peter Weir, Political Intrigue, Post Captain, Pulo Prabang, Red Sea, Reverse Of The Medal, Royal Navy, Russell Crowe, Sea Dark, Sea Wine, Simon Vance, Slave Trade, South America, South Seas, Stephen Maturin, Stock Market, Surgeon Mate, Takes Place, Thirteen-Gun Salute, Treasons Harbor, United States, USS Constitution, Well Written, Whole Series, Wine-Dark, Years Ago, Yellow Admiral


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 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.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
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The Hundred Days Review

The Hundred Days Review

The Hundred Days

Published: 28, September 1998

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Book 19 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:

The Hundred Days Summary


The Review:

Patrick O'Brian's The Hundred Days' storyline is more contemplative, with quiet and delicate action. The smashing broadsides and clang of steel as boarding parties jump the gunwales, blood pouring from the scuppers is entirely lacking here - what little action there is at sea is the consequence of a protracted chase, chasers fire at one another from afar, and whatever ships are lost are burnt at the port. In reality, much of the action in Patrick O'Brian's books occurs after the event, with Maturin and Aubrey acting more as passive viewers than active players.

This was infuriating as well as depressing. Because of an unexpected event in this work and the reactions (or lack thereof) of Aubrey and Maturin.

However, I believe Patrick O'Brian is demonstrating a great subtlety in the storytelling here, as well as a complexity to the characters. The characters' grief is palpable, yet it is expressed in the style of the time - grieving in the early nineteenth century was a very personal experience, made all the more so given the English "stiff upper lip." Aubrey is no stranger to death, nor to the loss of shipmates, as an officer in the Royal Navy. 

Keeping this in mind, Patrick O'Brian's attitude and writing style are consistent with his meticulous attention to historical facts. Regarding the action - or lack thereof - this, too, suits Aubrey's function and position in the Royal Navy: he is now a flag officer who is largely away from naval operations.

The title of this book, "The Hundred Days," refers to Napoleon's return from eleven months of exile on the island of Elba to Paris on March 20, 1815, and King Louis XVIII's second restoration on July 8, 1815. (a period of 110 days). The War of the Seventh Coalition took place during this time period, and it included the Waterloo Campaign, the Neapolitan War, and numerous other lesser engagements. In his address welcoming the king back to Paris on July 8, the prefect of Paris, Gaspard, Comte De Chabrol, coined the expression Les Cent Jours (the hundred days).

Napoleon has returned from Elba in this narrative. The Great Powers of Europe are gathering their forces once more to meet the Little Corporal's feared military brilliance. The French military has split loyalties, and it's up to Stephen Maturin, a secret British intelligence officer, to exploit these flaws. Stephen is in charge of intelligence, while Jack is in charge of his ship and squadron in order to intercept a cargo of gold from North Africa that may mark the end of the Great Powers.

The shattered tusk of a narwhal (which the sailors authoritatively pronounce to be a gloriously lucky "unicorn's horn") and a dog woofing down one of Stephen's anatomical specimens are both negative omens for their expedition (which specimen the sailors declare to be a wonderfully lucky "Hand of Glory" - the severed and disfigured hand of a murderer). Because sailors are superstitious, these two foreboding happenings drive the crew of the H.M.S. Surprise to fear the worst, and a character who has traveled with Jack Aubrey is slain in the shortest of naval confrontations.


Final Thoughts:

Patrick O'Brian seemed to churn out these works with little effort. I know that can't be real, yet that's how it appears. He provides us with a well-developed narrative thread, profound insights into the floating culture of the British Navy at the time, and characters that we have become used to. I adore these novels, and this one is just as amazing as the others.

When two doctors discuss the scarcity of medical supplies, my favorite scene occurs. One inquires about leaches, which were a common commodity at the time. The other says that they were taken by the midshipmen to be used as bait. That may appear charming and amusing, but we readers are well aware, having read the novels, that the midshipmen are frequently young men and boys with minimal resources who live in a state of chronic hunger.

It's witty, but it also alludes to a social convention of the time: midshipmen's poverty (as a group-of course some had plenty of funds to spend on food.) Many other chapters in the text speak to us in a similar way; all we have to do is listen. Patrick O'Brian's historical expertise impresses me a lot and I can see him doing his research while I am reading these books.

Do not start with this book if you are new to the Aubrey/Maturin stories, start at the beginning "Master and Commander," and work your way up. You're in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, because this is the 19th book in a series, it's important to be familiar with the characters, their backstories, and the author's flaws. Yes, I agree with other critics that this is not the strongest book in the series, and there are some very heartbreaking passages; but there is nothing,that could persuade me to award anything less than the points and recommendations that i gave to this novel or any other novel in this series. 

There is plenty to relish in this novel for the admirer; for the comparer, there are none that compare to Patrick O'Brian and his heroes.


Synopsis:

“"One of the best novelists since Jane Austen…The Hundred Days may be the best installment yet." —Philadelphia Inquirer

Napoleon, escaped from Elba, pursues his enemies across Europe like a vengeful phoenix. If he can corner the British and Prussians before their Russian and Austrian allies arrive, his genius will lead the French armies to triumph at Waterloo. In the Balkans, preparing a thrust northwards into Central Europe to block the Russians and Austrians, a horde of Muslim mercenaries is gathering. They are inclined toward Napoleon because of his conversion to Islam during the Egyptian campaign, but they will not move without a shipment of gold ingots from Sheik Ibn Hazm which, according to British intelligence, is on its way via camel caravan to the coast of North Africa. It is this gold that Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin must at all costs intercept. The fate of Europe hinges on their desperate mission.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

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Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 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.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
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