I went into this one blind other than suspecting that it would have something to do with ships and sailing, and what I got was that, but also a story about the unfairness of Rules, the power of rumor, and a fantastic character study. And Melville could craft a sentence. ( )

It is 1797, the British Navy are reeling from several mutinies, tensions and rumours are high. Billy joins the crew of the HMS Bellipotent. He is a handsome young seaman whose natural charm and charisma makes him well-liked by his peers. Billy’s only obvious flaw is that he stutters when he becomes emotional.

The captain, Edward “Starry” Vere, likes Billy but the ship’s new master-at-arms, John Claggart, doesn’t. Billy finds himself getting into trouble for little things despite trying to be a model member of the ship's crew. Claggart eventually accuses Billy of mutiny. Billy is so shocked by the accusation that he begins to stutter. Unable to express himself, he hits Claggart in the face and accidentally kills him. The ship's officers are sympathetic towards Billy but he is sentenced to be hanged the next day as the officers fear that not to do so would lead to another mutiny. Billy dies asking God to bless Captain Vere.

The narrator makes numerous brief biblical references. For example, he likens Claggart’s dislike for Billy to Saul’s jealousy of David, Vere calls Billy an angel of God and imagery involving Christ is used when describing Billy’s hanging. Although I found the central story interesting I also found the narrator's voice rather dry and pedantic. My copy of this book was only 88 pages long but I didn't find it a particularly quick read and whilst I enjoyed it more than the author's 'Moby Dick' I cannot in all honesty say that I would recommend it. ( )

The best place to start is the 1962 film, it's easy to understand, entertaining, and the acting, sets and costume fire the imagination. The novella itself is written in fairly ornate language which can distract from following the story, thus watching the film first is a gateway into this somewhat difficult text. If the film sticks with you, read the book, and focus on the wonderful literally aspects, the amazing sentences and grammar. Much ink has been spilled on homoeroticism. This is an intentional plot device to contrast with the theme of an unbending legal code, as Melville says because not to follow the law would be feminine. It's a carefully constructed and well done story, told with amazing skill. One could read it multiple times and find new facets, the mark of a classic. The short length (versus another book) makes it easily re-readable, similar to Heart of Darkness, both reward with multiple readings over time. ( )

They found this in HM's papers and I don't think it was published until the 20th century. I can't really recommend it, but you should see what Benjamin Britten and EM Forster did with it (get the new Blu-Ray DVD with Jacques Imbrailo and John Mark Ainsley) you will shit yourself. ( )

The most interesting part of this book to me was the conflict between doing “real” justice, one the one hand, and doing what is required of us or what is instrumental to our goals on the other(s?).

Negatives: didn’t love the voice of the narrator, kind of dry (in the text I mean, not just the audiobook reader). I was not compelled by this book and probably would have gotten sleepy if I’d read a physical copy of it. That is a big plus of audiobooks, though.

AB ( )