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HMS Surprise

Written by Chris Poulos on May 3rd, 2008

• Book Rating: 4/5

As a big fan of Aubrey-Maturin, I've read the whole collection, and enjoyed O'Brian showing me a picture, better still allowing me to experience first or second hand as it were life in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. While some may tire of the authors frequent lengthy descriptive discourses, I liken it to an ocean voyage of that era...time often suspended at the whim of the winds and weather conditions. O'Brian and the actor that reads to me brings history to life in his portrayal of ultimate sea hero (Aubrey) and his particular friend the contrapunctal Maturin; spy and naturalist. While ashore, his Diana Villiers and the Aubrey's wife Sophia "flesh-out" and add historical relevance of the era. For those who listen, I would recommend the companion, "A Sea of Words", by Dean King which is a glossary and most excellent reference book describing the actual ships, people and events that make up the fiber of the fabric O'Brian weaves.