The (growing) pile: ‘Master and Commander’

Since I posted the Image Journal‘s top 100 as a meme a couple weeks ago, I’ve read three more of the books listed. I’ll address them one at a time. I like these books, this small start into this intimidating list.

Generally, though: You’ll notice I started with fiction. Fiction is my first love, when it comes to books. I’ve always loved fiction.

The three:

• Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian (the first of the Aubrey/Maturin novels),
• Silence by Shusaku Endo and
• Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.

Master and Commander (1970): This is a “sea story,” to quote the book cover, which, set in the Royal Navy of England, begins in April 1800. It is a story of relationships, as well, centering on that between Captain Jack Aubrey (English) and surgeon Stephen Maturin (Irish). The writing is commendable: O’Brian uses good words.

It makes sense, having only read the first book of the series, that the series is considered together, as one novel, by many. This first book was slow getting started, but the action picked up once the reader was acquainted with the terminology of ships as well as with some of the characters.

Master and Commander has its share of magnificent battles, but it also contains marvelous descriptions of the characters’ meals, and, or particular interest to me, it describes the various languages spoken in the areas the ship visits. The book, too, gives its reader glimpses into the world of 1800s medicine.

I’m looking forward to reading more books by O’Brian, but I also eagerly anticipate branching out further. Of course, there’s always the chance my library jaunt will show I’ve chosen ease and pleasure reading over growth.