58 pages 1 hour read

Patrick O'Brian

Master and Commander

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1969

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian follows Jack Aubrey's first appointment as captain of the HMS Sophie and his growing friendship with Irish Catalan physician Stephen Maturin. They embark on a mission to capture enemy ships during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to the capture of the Spanish ship Cacafuego and facing challenges from rivalries, personal conflicts, and naval battles. The book contains racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander is widely praised for its historical accuracy and rich nautical detail, appealing to fans of naval fiction. The character development, particularly of Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin, is highly lauded. However, some readers find the technical jargon daunting and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Master and Commander?

A reader who enjoys detailed historical fiction, naval adventures, and rich character development will find Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian captivating. Fans of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series and Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels will appreciate O'Brian's meticulous research and dynamic storytelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Action / Adventure

Topics

History: World

Military / War

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Society: War

Natural World: Place