Rating: 
Summary: Patrick O'Brian's Finest Moment
Review: When fans of the master gather to discuss his works, there are two or three pieces of writing that are recalled with fondness and admiration. One of them concerns an episode of Nineteenth Century punishment in The Reverse of The Medal, movingly described and often read aloud by Patrick Tull, of audiobook fame.But the other occurs in Desolation Island as Jack's ship, the horrible old Leopard, and the Dutch Waakhamzeid engage in an epic duel across the wastes of the Southern Ocean. For sustained conflict, ever-rising tension and a shattering, moving climax, there is nothing else like it in O'Brian's many books. It is, quite simply, superb. The rest of the book is O'Brian at his best. Stephen hatches a devious plot to do with naval intelligence, Jack sails the ship and the rest of the familiar cast of characters make us feel at home aboard. For those who want to keep track, this is the book where O'Brian leaves his "standalone" format, and embarks on a multi-book adventure that continues through The Fortune of War and The Surgeon's Mate before Jack and Stephen are free to take their ease in England once again. And, in his own inimitable style, O'Brian tells us some of the background to the War of 1812 between the USA and the UK, in which the horrible old Leopard plays a crucial part. My verdict? Read it, for all love!
Rating: 
Summary: A bit jerky in writing but still a good read
Review: While many have raved about the book's grammatical style, I found it a bit jerky and at times confusing. It was akin to watching a movie while someone randomly pushed the fast-forward button on the VCR. Characters showed up in the book and abruptly left. Ill times would befall the crew and then within a paragraph, all was well. It was as if O'Brian wrote the characters into a corner then used Dorothy's slippers to get them out of trouble because he could come up with no other alternative. However, I enjoy books about the sea and O'Brian obviously has his sea legs, so I will probably read his other books.
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