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Jeff Euteneier

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Jeff Euteneier rated a book it was amazing

Master & Commander (Aubrey & Maturin, #1)

by Patrick O'Brian

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Jeff Euteneier said: " This book represents the series which I have finished now (nearly 20 books) which trace the life, friendship, and career of the two most amazing literary characters ever created; Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. The setting is the very early 1800's a This book represents the series which I have finished now (nearly 20 books) which trace the life, friendship, and career of the two most amazing literary characters ever created; Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. The setting is the very early 1800's and the last great battles of the sailing ships (including the American/English war of 1812). It is historical fiction of the very highest caliber and watching their friendship mature and the characters develop over the course of their extensive treatment is nothing short of amazing.

The real highlight of the books, however, is O'Brian's in depth knowledge of the sailing ships he writes about. He writes in the vernacular of the time and liberally uses sailing jargon (nearly a foreign language) to explain the manuvers and combat that is happening. At first trying to penetrate the language can be difficult, but once you become more or less familiar with the major terms the action comes pouring through. There is also a very good companion volume I found which defines every odd term used so that you can really pull apart the ship actions, manuvers, and completely immerse yourself in the culture of the British Royal Navy of those times.

Some of my favorite literary moments of all time have come reading these novels. O'Brian's descriptive powers and love of both his subject matter and his characters is evident on every page. The friendship and deep affection of the two main characters is truly inspirational, especially since on the surface they could not be more different from one another.

These books are my release, my escape, but at the same time the claustrophobic and intense world of the British Royal Navy reminds me so very much of professional kitchen work. The reason these books resonated so deeply with me is that I can really identify with Jack Aubrey as the captain of a ship of miscreants and sometimes talented individuals working at a monotonous, laborious, and yet occasionally heartpounding and fulfilling craft. These books feed my soul as a chef and make me want to return to the kitchen and lead my ~~sailors~~ cooks out to circle the world and take on all enemies of the Crown. ...more "

Mar 21, 2009 08:31PM · see review