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will love Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. "Kydd" by Julian Stockwin launches with a novel approach wherein our early 19th century hero Thomas Kydd, a perruquier of all things, is violently pressed into service for the British Navy. What surprised me about this novel was not the brutal visceral adventures, the seafaring action or even the worm encrusted biscuits. It was the fact that Mr. Stockwin brutally punishes Kydd both physically and psychologically and somehow Tom Kydd has the inner strength to persevere and thrive. Mr. Stockwin draws on actual events for kids escapades and is incredibly accurate in their portrayal, an asset that is integral and dimensional for historical fiction novels. Yes, at times the nautical lexicon can be a bit much and the 19th century slang overpowering but it's not overdone as is the case in some naval adventures I've read. In any case, I'll definitely be searching the shelves for his second novel. (  )1   BruderBane | Feb 16, 2008 |  This was pretty good – a Napoleonic naval adventure, following the career of a press-ganged hero. First in a series - there's another 4 so far, which I expect I will get in due course. Not in the same league as Patrick O'Brian of course, but still a good read. ( ) Only2rs | Jul 23, 2006 |  no reviews | add a review
Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0743214587, Hardcover)It is 1793. Europe is ablaze with war. The British prime minister is under pressure to intimidate the French, and dispatches a Navy squadron to appear off the French coast. To man the ships, ordinary citizens must be press-ganged. Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized and taken across country to be part of the crew of the ninety-eight-gun line-of-battle ship Duke William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast. Despite all he goes through, amid the dangers of tempest and battle, he comes to admire the skills and courage of his fellow seamen, taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor and defender of Britain at war. Kydd launches a masterly new writing talent and a thrilling new series. Based on dramatic real events, it is classic storytelling at its best, rich with action, exceptional characters, and a page-turning narrative. (retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:57:53 -0400) The first test round has been closed. Visit the Open Shelves Classification group for details. |
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