Book recommedations.

[latin_cat]

Can anybody here tell me anything about the Bolitho stories by Alexander Kent? Only Dad bought a load of books back from Rochester today and there were a couple of Kent novels in the mix (along with the captains' log of HMS Centaur by Philip Saumarez when Anson did his circumnavigation of the globe!! :D How did he KNOW

Comments

[sharpiefan]

I like them. They're easy to read, though there does seem to be a violent battle in most of them.

I used to alternate between Kent and POB, because I needed the change of pace.

Bolitho seems to be consciously modelled on Nelson, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Even though it's mentioned by some of the characters sometimes...

If I were you, I'd enjoy them. There isn't the depth to them that there is to the Aubreyad, so don't try to find it or you'll be disappointed. Just enjoy them for what they are...

I need to reread them myself, just so I can give a proper review... unless you'd like to?

[esteven]

I love the captains'log of HMS Centaur. It is a wonderful read and I cannot thank tootsiemuppet and hyel enough for having given it to me earlier this year. :D

As to Kent,a lot of people love his writing. His hero in the Bolitho series was for the largest part of the books Richard Bolitho You'll have to find out for yourself if you like his writing. He has certainly done some good research beforehand and is good reading.

He is not O'Brian ;D

[sharpiefan]

He is not O'Brian. There can only be one O'Brian.

I like Kent because he's Kent.

And I used to switch between O'Brian and Kent in way I have never done with any other authors, because they are not the other one...

[esteven]

I tried reading Kent. Several times, but he never caught me. Probably the wrong time of year. ;D Maybe I should give him another try.

[sharpiefan]

Well, I never expect a new author to have the same style of writing as anyone else. I suppose I expect to be able to find something to enjoy about a new author's work, so I always do. I am very rarely disappointed, although it has happened.

[sharpiefan]

If it's to do with the AoS, original work is accepted with open arms. I am Modly; I have spoken!

*bounces, waiting to see the Original Work thus spoken of*

[latin_cat]

Oh bugger. I can't do cuts in a comment, can I? :P

[sharpiefan]

Er...no.

That's OK, you just get to put it in a post, instead.

[sartorias]

I got bored--too linear--and was bothered by far too many modernisms. Characters speaking cliches. Not as bad as Lambkin (full of downright errors) but eh.

[tootsiemuppet]

Never read any of the Bolitho novels, but that Saumarez log is pure love!

Had you read either of the O'Brian Anson novels?

[latin_cat]

I look forward to reading the Saumarez log (although I think somebody nicked a couple of the engravings out the front of mine :( ).

I've read both - earlier this year in fact. *huggles Jack and Toby* I have a feeling I might have told you about it, or asked your opinion on them before I started reading. *goes to check journal archive*

[tootsiemuppet]

Hm, possibly. I talk so much of O'Brian I tend to lose track. ;D

While you're reading the log, just keep in your mind that this is the same man who told the middies to use green paint instead of blue. ;D

[sharpiefan]

What was it he desired them to paint green instead of blue? *curious*