How many times have we heard the retort that "the book was better than the movie?"  In this case it is not book but books.  After viewing the movie, I was intrigued by the source of this tale of the pre-colonial British Navy.  The movie's title is in fact derived from two novels in this series, widely separated by time.  I was surprised to find that O'Brian had created a series of novels spanning the late 18^th and early 19^th century. 

Britain was rapidly expanding its influence and using the navy as its driving force.  Napoleon was conquering Europe and the pesky colonials in North America were feeling their way in a new world.  But more than a story of the navy, this series of novels describes an entire world. We become acquainted with current medical practice; the vagaries of the mails; the difficulties of communications, love and courtship; the workings of a ship in the Royal Navy.  O'Brian immerses the reader in the day-to-day activities that colored the lives of 18^th century man.

On a personal level, O'Brian uses the vehicle of a budding friendship between two unlikely compatriots:  Captain Jack Aubrey of the Royal Navy, from a conventional British family; and Dr. Stephen Maturin, born out of wedlock, Irish by birth, but raised in Castilian Spain.  Music forms a bond between them as they sail the world on missions of the utmost importance to the success of Britain in its expanding world role.  Underlying Aubrey's obvious ambition to succeed in the navy is Maturin's subtle mission to defeat Napoleon by the means of espionage.

O'Brian skillfully develops this bond through each novel, usually ending each one in such a way that the reader is eager to check out the next in the series.  If you like character development in an exciting tale with a backdrop of world history, you will enjoy this series of novels.  (Note: "21: the Unfinished Twenty-First Novel in the Aubrey/Maturin Series" which Patrick O'Brian was writing at the time of his death, will be released by the publisher in October, 2004.)

 Steve Otto has lived in Mason City for 15 years.  He enjoys reading novels in series and list's Ed McBain's  "87^th Precinct" and Rex Stout's "Nero Wolfe" as two of his favorites. We thank him for his guest review.  If you would like to "Write a Review" contact the Mason City Public Library at 421-3668 or email us at librarian@mcpl.org.