Contemporary Literary Criticism | O'Brian, Patrick - Frederick Pratter (review date 2 May 1995)

Frederick Pratter (review date 2 May 1995)

SOURCE: “Battling Slavers Off the West Coast of Africa,” in Christian Science Monitor, Vol. 87, May 2, 1995, p. 14.

[In the following review, Pratter offers a positive assessment of The Commodore, calling it a welcome addition to the Aubrey/Maturin series.]

One of the best storytellers afloat sets sail again in the pages of The Commodore. This 17th novel in Patrick O'Brian's series about adventure in the British Royal Navy is as finely trimmed as the ships he writes about.

The legion of fans who have savored the unfolding story of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey and the saturnine Dr. Steven Maturin can be of good cheer. The old master hasn't lost his touch.

Last year's Wine-Dark Sea was a grand melodrama, filled with storms, sea chases, and climactic battles. A first-time reader might do well to start with that volume, then return to the beginning of the...

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