I often find it difficult to articulate to non-O’Brian readers just what it is about these books that captures me, but now I shall be able to quote this:
”O’Brian’s style offers a total immersion experience; almost no quarter is given as the reader negotiates the language of the time and the initially bewildering technical vocabulary of ship life. If you stick with it, you soon develop a feel for the jargon and can swim through the words without really needing to know the exact meaning - the salty taste is enough.”
And although the (Lab-Lit) review is mostly about Stephen’s efforts, this is so very true ~
”Captain Aubrey has a subtler understanding of human nature - especially as it is to be found in the lower decks - and a keener sense of what it takes to run a happy ship.”
Thank you so much for sharing this - what a glorious review!
Thank you so much for providing that link. I had not read the article before. I was esp taken by: The series of novels is already famed, and rightly so; O’Brian’s brilliant story-telling flair, massively enriched by his meticulous attention to detail, has produced books that are considered to rank among the very best historical fiction. O’Brian’s style offers a total immersion experience; almost no quarter is given as the reader negotiates the language of the time and the initially bewildering technical vocabulary of ship life. If you stick with it, you soon develop a feel for the jargon and can swim through the words without really needing to know the exact meaning - the salty taste is enough
It is the sound advice of the world when coming to read the books. :)
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”O’Brian’s style offers a total immersion experience; almost no quarter is given as the reader negotiates the language of the time and the initially bewildering technical vocabulary of ship life. If you stick with it, you soon develop a feel for the jargon and can swim through the words without really needing to know the exact meaning - the salty taste is enough.”
And although the (Lab-Lit) review is mostly about Stephen’s efforts, this is so very true ~
”Captain Aubrey has a subtler understanding of human nature - especially as it is to be found in the lower decks - and a keener sense of what it takes to run a happy ship.”
Thank you so much for sharing this - what a glorious review!
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and I agree, that was a lovely thing to say about our favorite books. :)
I knew it would be appreciated here.
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The series of novels is already famed, and rightly so; O’Brian’s brilliant story-telling flair, massively enriched by his meticulous attention to detail, has produced books that are considered to rank among the very best historical fiction. O’Brian’s style offers a total immersion experience; almost no quarter is given as the reader negotiates the language of the time and the initially bewildering technical vocabulary of ship life. If you stick with it, you soon develop a feel for the jargon and can swim through the words without really needing to know the exact meaning - the salty taste is enough
It is the sound advice of the world when coming to read the books. :)
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Anything to help our lovely fandom along! :)
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