Mount TBR #13

I read this book for the Mount TBR 2018 Reading Challenge.

The Letter of Marque – Patrick O’Brian

This novel is the 12th of 21 about Jack Aubrey and his friend Dr. Stephen Maturin of the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic era – when exactly we don’t know, since O’Brian keeps years obscure. The title refers to an official commission which authorizes a private ship to attack and capture merchant vessels from a hostile power. Before 1856 when an international agreement ended the practice, a ship operating under a letter of marque was known generally as a "private man-of-war" or "privateer," both of which were terms Navy men disliked.

This novel is much less dark than the previous The Reverse of the Medal. I detest spoilers so all I can say is that because Maturin has become unexpectedly rich, he buys Aubrey the decommissioned Surprise for privateering. Maturin keeps up his contacts in the intelligence service, with the ultimate goal of a mission to South America. Jack, who feel bereft since being disgraced out of the Navy, has two stunning successes that bring about favorable results.

As usual episodes and continuing saga make the reader marvel. I was excited by the cutting out of the Diane – O’Brian builds tension effectively. Both Maturin and his countryman Padeen battle opium addiction, as Maturin also develops too strong a liking for coco leaf. Maturin is also addicted to the worthless Diana Villiers, who likes him all the better now that he is rich. On the Surprise, Aubrey has to deal with religious issues with the enigmatic Sethian crew members. There’s comedy: Aubrey’s kids, raised around sailors, talk like sailors; Killick is Jack’s semi-rebellious servant, always muttering; wealth goes right to Stephen’s head, making him feel entitled and miserly.

Read them all in order and keep the Kleenex handy. The Aurbrey-Maturin books make me happy to be alive, to be able to enjoy such stories.