Band of Brothers

I really enjoyed the first two midshipman Bolitho books, but this one was a travesty. It is worth noting that Band of Brothers was written decades later, when the author was 81. I'm sorry to have to say it, but the author seems to have lost his mental capacity to tell a story. The narration is disjointed to a ridiculous extent, difficult to follow and everyone acts out of character.

The only readable part is the beginning, when Bolitho has his examination for lieutenant. That may have been written earlier, from then on the book is painful to read. If you are a fan of the series, do yourself a favor and skip this one. At least it is very short (around 100 pages).

Sometimes I think that it is better to read a series in the order it was show more written, instead of following the internal chronology. If this had been the first book by Kent I had read I would have stopped reading this series. show less

I have a problem with this book. The problem is not really the story itself which is an entertaining but minor tale of Bolitho as a midshipman facing the challenges of examination, smugglers and personal tragedy. The problem shows up in the subtitle of the book: A Midshipman Bolitho “Novel”. This is really more of a novelette or novella. There are 144 total pages but that includes a chapter from the next in the series, a glossary and an illustration. Add to that the fact that the story’s numbering begins of page 8 and you wind up with 110 pages of story in normal size type. As you can probably tell, I was an unsuspecting purchaser of the hardback edition. While I am a fan of the series and enjoyed this book and would recommend it, show more I would suggest that if you do decide to read it you get it from the library or in a used book sale. show less

Great introduction to an excellent series. If you liked this one there are many more for you to enjoy. Kenneth Reeman AKA Alexander Kent writes equally well for the Age of Fighting Sail and WW 2. Richard Bolitho, from a Cornish naval family, gain his first commission and discovers that he has chosen an occupation that will cost him; shipmates and friends.

In this collection it was Band of Brothers I had not previously read. As always with Kent's Bolitho series, impeccable historical research and attention to detail. Character point of view tends to wander a bit, but not so that it's distracting. Great naval, Georgian/Regency Era escapism.

A prequel to the series in which Midshipman Bolitho sits for his commissioning board, then joins a successful action against arms smugglers. The American Revolution is about to start and Bolitho receives his commission, but in the action has lost a friend.

Wow, that was a fast read. Blink and you miss it.