The Mauritius command (original 1977; edition 2009)

Read this on the way back from a recent trip to Europe (and through post-trip jet lag). OK, I'm hooked! What's most compelling is [a:Patrick O'Brian|5600|Patrick O'Brian|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1212630063p2/5600.jpg]'s portrayal of mastery, in this case of the intricacies of commanding an 18th century British navy frigate and sailing ship. Could probably have a bit more Moby Dick type blood-and-guts, though in its understated way it shares plenty of the gory details of life at sea.

This is now my main source on the British capture of Mauritius from the French, one of the more interesting such conquests I know about. [The book doesn't deal with the aftermath: the British retained control of Mauritius (ceding Réunion back to the French after the end of the Napoleonic Wars), the original bargain at surrender held, giving the Mauritians the right to retain the French language, etc. To this day Mauritius is French-dominant multilingual, with English the language of government and administration.]

While I am unlikely to get a DVD of Russell Crowe as [b:Master and Commander|17766|Master and Commander (Aubrey/Maturin Book 1)|Patrick O'Brian|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166853769s/17766.jpg|722040], I do at least have an easy choice anytime I'm looking for airline/summertime/jetlag/just-want-a-good-read reading... the other umpteen volumes in this series! Had no idea that [a:Patrick O'Brian|5600|Patrick O'Brian|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1212630063p2/5600.jpg] was such a literatus as well - translator of Simone de Beauvoir of all things! ( )

Oh, I just rediscovered this, and god, I love it. I love Stephen Maturin so much. O'Brien captures the C.19 tone beautifully, and manages to insert exposition without being heavy-handed about it. ( )

In which Aubrey chafes while home at Ashgrove Cottage, apparently two years and more without a ship, until Maturin brings the good news of a command: lead a squadron of frigates to the Indian Ocean and the Cape. The ultimate objective is to retake the Mauritius from the French, whose presence (fortified by the ports there and at La Réunion) is a major nuisance for both the Admiralty and Indiamen. As Commodore, Aubrey's strategic acumen is tested more by his own side than by the adversary: jealousy among his captains, inferior naval forces despite willing & disciplined crews, his capacity for leadership stretched to the utmost by demands of psychology rather than of bravado ... all of these factors threaten the success of the mission. Maturin's intelligence role rises in importance, as he is charged with advising the Governor-designate, Farquhar, and undermining the French discipline on shore through political contacts and subversion.

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Stephen's misadventures between ships continue. From Schuyler's Butcher's Bill, two separate entries under Rescued and Injured: "Stephen Maturin, who falls into the sea while attempting to board the Néréide. Two ribs cracked, stunned, and inflammation of the lungs" and later, "Stephen Maturin, in attempting to board Boadicea at sea from the Pearl. He is caught in the rigging of both ships, then falls to the sea. He suffers barnacle scrapes and bruises."

Jack's news of his newborn son softens the blow of Admiral Bertie arriving just before Jack can assure his victory, and his resulting magnanimity in turn allows Bertie to grant him the plum assignment of bearing the good news back to England. Admittedly, Stephen's cunning plays a part here, too. This bookends Stephen's implied influence at the opening of the novel: in effect, his political work frames the entirety of the story's naval action.

Lots of action, on shore and at sea, but memorably O'Brian adapts the Jane Austen class drama to the naval ranks. Adds a very nice layer to the social interaction among army and navy, politics and military, officers and enlisted.

Consulting Seltzer's chronology: Events open in late 1808 or early 1809, and end with the French capitulation at the end of 1810. Aubrey here stands in for Commodore Rowley, in terms of the role and command, rather than O'Brian's favoured Lord Cochrane. ( )

I have read and enjoyed many of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series in the past, and have always found them enjoyable. It had probably been at least a year since I had read one when I found a copy of the Mauritius Command. This book absolutly reinforces my opinion of this series. The characters, the action, and the historic background all contribute to a delightful book. The Aubrey-Maturin series is great overall, and this book is as good as any of them. ( )

Jack is triumphant in this latest installment. He's married and a father and finally back in a ship. Mr. O'Brian fictionalizes the very real tale of the taking of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. I particularly liked seeing Jack - how his sense of success pervades the command - how the force of his personality carries all along. Steven, by contrast, is more thoughtful - but not necessarily happier or more successful because of his intellect. ( )