We recently watched the classic HBO series Deadwood. When I started this ninth book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, it occurred to me that the two series offer similar pleasures. They are both immersive historical dramas featuring a large cast of fictional and real-life characters, and their characters speak in entertainingly theatrical ways. Indeed, distinctive language is the chief delight in both cases.
The other chief delight of O'Brian's books is sailing adventure; the individual episodes wax and wane based on how much time Aubrey spends at sea. (A well-established trait of Jack Aubrey is his supreme competence at sea and his bumbling ineptitude ashore.) Treason's Harbour spends a bit too much time in Malta, but the sea voyages to Suez and the Adriatic are more exotic than some of Aubrey's previous assignments. Sandstorms, a diving bell, and Turks! The treacherous French reappear for a quick engagement in the closing pages.
As far as I can recall, Treason's Harbour is the first time that O'Brian gives us readers important information that neither of our heroes has (the identity of a traitor in the Royal Navy). It enhances the suspense of the spy business even if it does feel like cheating.
The other chief delight of O'Brian's books is sailing adventure; the individual episodes wax and wane based on how much time Aubrey spends at sea. (A well-established trait of Jack Aubrey is his supreme competence at sea and his bumbling ineptitude ashore.) Treason's Harbour spends a bit too much time in Malta, but the sea voyages to Suez and the Adriatic are more exotic than some of Aubrey's previous assignments. Sandstorms, a diving bell, and Turks! The treacherous French reappear for a quick engagement in the closing pages.
As far as I can recall, Treason's Harbour is the first time that O'Brian gives us readers important information that neither of our heroes has (the identity of a traitor in the Royal Navy). It enhances the suspense of the spy business even if it does feel like cheating.
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