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30th out of 100 books
—
75 voters
The Nutmeg of Consolation (Aubrey & Maturin #14)
Shipwrecked! When Captain Aubrey and his crew go aground on a remote island, they labor to construct a seaworthy schooner from the wreckage (taking breaks, of course, to play cricket.) Their subsequent adventures lead them to the dreaded penal colony at Botany Bay, and then, as always, back to sea.
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
1998
by HarperCollins
(first published 1991)
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This is so much more eventful than The Thirteen Gun Salute, much more action-filled and much more dramatic. To some extent, that's a disappointment because there's so much less time for the kind of small moments of character interplay that O' Brian does so well. On the other hand, it made for an incredibly engaging and satisfying novel which I finished very, very quickly, building smoothly to a great cliffhanger of an ending.
I was delighted to see Padeen return, especially after a novel which wa...more
I was delighted to see Padeen return, especially after a novel which wa...more
Every one of my Patrick O'Brian reviews are the same: I love these books! I think the best bit of this one is them being shipwrecked (again!) and having to find a way out of it. This kind of thing really makes you realize how little ability modern people have with their hands. I know that *I* couldn't build a ship from scratch using the materials from a wrecked one plus whatever was available on a desert island. How about you?
I'll be sad when I come to the end of the series. But wait, that means...more
I'll be sad when I come to the end of the series. But wait, that means...more
Patrick O'Brian does it again. In The Nutmeg of Consolation, O'Brian creates an exciting adventure with plenty of swashbuckling action while at the same time revealing for his readers fascinating aspects of Napoleonic history. This book is a solid entry in the Aubrey-Maturin series that delivers everything fans of the series appreciate while also mixing up O'Brian's traditional formula for the books.
Minor Spoilers Below
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The story begins with Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin stranded on a desolat...more
The story begins with Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin stranded on a desolat...more
Every time I finish one of the Aubrey-Maturin series books, I can't wait to start the next one. O'Brian always leaves you on a cliffhanger. Steven is stung by a poisonous platypus, and nearly dies. This is horrid timing. He has just learned that he has a baby girl. He and Jack Aubrey are at loggerheads over the smuggling of an escaped convict on board. The crew of The Surprise is finally about to leave Australia which has been a very dispiriting stop because of the infamous treatment of prisoner...more
This is honest-to-God one of my favorite authors/series. I love this books. They are tremendously well researched. It's ridiculous to compare these to any other "historical fiction" that I am aware of. You would think they had been written when the events within them actually occurred.
Nutmeg of Consolation has Aubrey and Maturin recovering from a shipwreck on an island. They manage to get off the island with the help of a passing ship that came to collect birds nests which are used for "bird's...more
Nutmeg of Consolation has Aubrey and Maturin recovering from a shipwreck on an island. They manage to get off the island with the help of a passing ship that came to collect birds nests which are used for "bird's...more
The level of the writing remains very high. For the first time in the series I think, it began to feel to me as if O'Brian was repeating himself a little, and not in a good way. That is, in the past he has often used variation and repetition to draw contrasts between various characters. In particular, he has used this technique to draw interesting observations about Aubrey and Maturin. Here the repetition has more to do with incident. In a series this long, it was bound to happen that some thing...more
One of my favorite of the Aubrey/Maturin series. It is a fun read and gives a great perspective on Napoleonic era colony of Botany Bay. As always, O'Brian makes this historical period come to life, and this particular novel has a bit of everything in it. Obligatory cases of scurvy, tales of horrific shipwrecks and mutiny, an island wiped out due to the smallpox, rats that have become insane through drug addiction...ok, so that one is a bit out of the genre, but still is wonderfully placed.
I enjo...more
I enjo...more
Although I didn't enjoy Patrick Tull's narration nearly as much as that of Simon Vance in other books in this series, I still really liked the story and got used to Mr. Tull. Still, if you have the choice, go with Simon Vance is my recommendation. This story is more of a direct continuation of the previous book than some of the other books in the series. The previous book ("The Thirteen Gun Salute") kind of leaves the reader high and dry (along with Jack Aubrey et al) and leaves the reader with...more
"Nach dem Auflaufen auf ein Riff und der anschließenden Zerstörung ihres Schiffs durch einen Taifun, ist die Mannschaft der „HMS Diane“ unter Kapitän Aubrey auf einer Insel, ca. 200 Seemeilen von Batavia entfernt, gefangen. Aus geretteten Materialien versuchen sie einen Schoner zu bauen, dies wird durch einen Überfall feindlicher Malaien gestört, glücklicherweise will ein chinesischer Dschunkenkapitän Schwalbennester auf der Insel ernten, und so ergibt sich eine Mitfahrgelegenheit. Das Glück ist...more
I used to think that I just liked the exploits of Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin but, in truth, I now believe that I enjoy the series because of the beautiful prose of Patrick O’Brian.
This is the second installment of “The Thirteen Gun Salute” and starts with the ship’s crew on an island building a boat from the remnants of Jack’s command that was destroyed in a typhoon. Next they’re attached by Borneo head hunter pirates in a GREAT land battle! Then, there’s a GREAT accounting of Steven Maturin...more
This is the second installment of “The Thirteen Gun Salute” and starts with the ship’s crew on an island building a boat from the remnants of Jack’s command that was destroyed in a typhoon. Next they’re attached by Borneo head hunter pirates in a GREAT land battle! Then, there’s a GREAT accounting of Steven Maturin...more
This is my second time through the series. For some reason or another I was not at all excited to re-read this one, viewing it as a chore to get through to the more interesting, later books. However, I cannot quite remember from where that impression was hatched. I really enjoyed The Nutmeg. It's not as exciting as early books, and lacks a villain to really tire the whole thing together. It's by no means the best of the series. But for all that it's a wonderful read, as true to the series as any...more
Another entry in the"Action" segment of my project to read in all the genres. Chose it for the title. I loved C.S.Forester's Hornblower books when I was a kid so this is right up my alley. Lots of technical stuff about British naval activity in the early 19th century. Nutmeg is the name of a ship, but I'm not telling how the name came about. Coming in in the middle of the series , I'm a bit at sea haha but you can catch up as it goes along. Don't want to like it too much or I'll never get out of...more
Weird title, great book. It's number 14 in the series. Holy moly, have I read that many? I've never been read this many books in a series before. Of course, it helps that I'm mostly listening them on audiobook as I commute to Pasadena for classes. Anyway, this book was particularly warm, interesting, and engaging. Like the rest of the books in the series, it basically has no ending. Maybe that's part of what keeps me going. It feels much more like you're following the life and adventures of some...more
Stephen's experience is life in a nutshell. You have a ship. Your ship is gone. You have money. Your money is gone. You have shipmates. Your shipmates have been killed. You have a nice supply of coca leaves. Then you don't. But you find a new ship. You make more money. You get new shipmates. So many major life changes in just a few short weeks.
What remains constant: Friendship. Devotion to his professional goals. The mission he has sworn to carry out. (Marriage isn't included in this list, becau...more
What remains constant: Friendship. Devotion to his professional goals. The mission he has sworn to carry out. (Marriage isn't included in this list, becau...more
I want to enjoy Patrick O'Brian, I really do! I do enjoy bits of it, but I must be missing something with these novels. I can appreciate that they're well written; but perhaps I just don't feel like investing in these books as much as they seem to require.
These books demand all your attention, as well as a handy dictionary, which I don't always have available (neither the attention nor the dictionary). Ah well! I'm sure I'll be drawn to another one in a couple years. Hopefully my tastes will bec...more
These books demand all your attention, as well as a handy dictionary, which I don't always have available (neither the attention nor the dictionary). Ah well! I'm sure I'll be drawn to another one in a couple years. Hopefully my tastes will bec...more
A little slower and little more self-indulgent than some of the previous entries, but a delight from start to finish, as always. The early part, on the island, put me in mind of Far Side of the World (only better than what we find in that installment), and the return to India (which was very enjoyable in the previous book) and the exploration of Australia was lovely. Not too many sea battles here, but it’s perhaps funnier than any of the previous books. Wonderful to finally get back to the Surpr...more
Certainly one of the more geographically adventurous chapters in the series. There are so many events and so many places, it is hard to really focus on any one theme. This comes nearer to the tail end of a very long voyage that spans several books fought with much hardship. All of this hardship; the shipwreck, the marooning, the raiding Malay pirates, and the misery of Botany Bay juxtaposed against the happy sights and thoughts of home. I think it is best summed up by the very last line of text...more
O'Brian shoulda called it, "Dr. Maturin's Silly New South Wales Adventure" (mostly because of what happens at the end...). First half was ok, really picks up in the second half. I love it when Maturin gets to settle someone's hash. (I also liked the scene with certain characters ruminating on the art and craft of writing a novel). Again, this installment had me taking a sneak peak at the beginning of the next one, not more than a few seconds after finishing it. 7 more to go...(I'll be sad when i...more
Mar 11, 2010
Christopher H.
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Christopher by:
lonebearimages@gmail.com
This, the 14th volume in Patrick O'Brian's brilliant Aubrey-Maturin canon, is one of my absolute favorites of the twenty completed novels in this wonderful Napoleonic wars seafaring series. "The Nutmeg of Consolation" is a page-turner from page one on.
We join Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin in the East Indies as they are rescued from a deserted island, acquire the beautifully Dutch-built small frigate the Nutmeg of Consolation, fight a running sea-battle with the much larger French frig...more
We join Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin in the East Indies as they are rescued from a deserted island, acquire the beautifully Dutch-built small frigate the Nutmeg of Consolation, fight a running sea-battle with the much larger French frig...more
Repeated from review of Book 1
That Patrick O'Brian chose to place his characters on the sea in the not so distant past just raised the hurdle I had to leap to get to know this wonderful author.
I had never been enamored with sea stories, didn't much care for European history, and yet was wonderfully taken with this series. The sea is a major character, but history is not greatly illuminated, almost a backdrop to the specific circumstance the characters find themselves in. Which perhaps reflects t...more
That Patrick O'Brian chose to place his characters on the sea in the not so distant past just raised the hurdle I had to leap to get to know this wonderful author.
I had never been enamored with sea stories, didn't much care for European history, and yet was wonderfully taken with this series. The sea is a major character, but history is not greatly illuminated, almost a backdrop to the specific circumstance the characters find themselves in. Which perhaps reflects t...more
Mar 16, 2008
Gilly McGillicuddy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
naval-fiction
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
May 09, 2013
Karla (Mossy Love Grotto)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
ebook,
nautical,
eras-napoleonic,
tbr-series-project,
aubreyad,
i-own-this,
audiobook,
3-stars
Unfortunately this installment took too long to get moving. It wasn't until the last third that things started coming together and the plot got moving. Naturally it ends on an abrupt sort of cliffie with half-resolution (Stephen's poisonous encounter with a male platypus). I won't rest easy about the fate of Stephen's ex-loblolly Padeen Colman until I start the next book in the series. The rescue attempt to get Padeen out of prison in New South Wales was the exciting, torturous final act the boo...more
The Nutmeg of Consolation is more of an adventurous sea story than its predecessor, but even it revels more in naval life than naval action and more in Maturin's naturalistic activities, intelligence work, and music than combat. Aubrey and Maturin spend time marooned, refit the Nutmeg, cruise in search of a larger French frigate, rendezvous with the Surprise, and explore the brutal society and fascinating natural life of Australia. A real pleasure to enter this world remade from history.
I've forgotten how many times I've read this. I'm going through the A/M series again now, listening to the Recorded Books productions read by Patrick Tull who does a fantastic job. I won't review this particular book but merely repeat C. S. Lewis' saying that the best books are those that are re-read by people who re-read books. O'Brian richly rewards repeated readings. Really. He's re-read worthy. You can't say fairer than that.
Another leg of the journey finished. Started in Batavia, Java, ended in Sydney, New South Wales.
A shipwreck; a flight with pirates on Swallow-Nest island; a hitchhike on-board a Chinese junk, a new ship, a naval battle with a French frigate, Cornelie. Reunion with old HMHS Surprise; The turning fortune of Dr. Maturin.
Well paced, lots of action, on land and sea. Language is precise, charming, and elegant.
By now, I must be a seasoned sea dog, as Dr. Maturin described himself, :-)
Delve in the ne...more
A shipwreck; a flight with pirates on Swallow-Nest island; a hitchhike on-board a Chinese junk, a new ship, a naval battle with a French frigate, Cornelie. Reunion with old HMHS Surprise; The turning fortune of Dr. Maturin.
Well paced, lots of action, on land and sea. Language is precise, charming, and elegant.
By now, I must be a seasoned sea dog, as Dr. Maturin described himself, :-)
Delve in the ne...more
An enjoyable read, although it is another in the series with more land-based story than sea-based. The shipwrecked crew are imaginatively rescued. Aubrey gets a new ship and has a fine cat-and-mouse encounter with the French. Maturin has found a kindred spirit in Martin: much of the book is given to their naturalistic pursuits -- enough in fact to make Aubrey a bit jealous of Martin.
Great historical fiction, only passingly good fiction. A fun read, nonetheless.
The usual suspects maneuvered around the western Pacific to touch on as many real--or realistic--situations as possible. Some sub-plots better developed than others, but surely the Aubery-Maturin true believers will love it all.
O'Brian resisted the temptation to leave us hanging from another cliff.
The usual suspects maneuvered around the western Pacific to touch on as many real--or realistic--situations as possible. Some sub-plots better developed than others, but surely the Aubery-Maturin true believers will love it all.
O'Brian resisted the temptation to leave us hanging from another cliff.
This, the 14th novel in the British naval historical fiction series telling the stories of captain Jack Aubrey and physician/spy Stephen Maturin, may be my favorite so far in this engaging, erudite, albeit long series. I've given it 5 stars and as I think back on how deeply I've enjoyed this whole series, I am considering going back to my other reviews and changing them all from 4 to 5 stars. Anyway, this installment is chock-full of fabulousness-- shipwreck on a desert island, Malay pirates, bi...more
After 14 books in the series, it's getting hard to write a meaningful review, and especially now that the books have become so serial.
But that's something to complement on right there. After 14 books, any other author might be prone to exaggerate the situation, to trump up the odds, to out do the last book. POB does a great job of rejecting this drama inflation and just providing constant, solid stories.
We are introduced to the second in Steven's Fleet, the "Nutmeg of Consolation" Which Steven b...more
But that's something to complement on right there. After 14 books, any other author might be prone to exaggerate the situation, to trump up the odds, to out do the last book. POB does a great job of rejecting this drama inflation and just providing constant, solid stories.
We are introduced to the second in Steven's Fleet, the "Nutmeg of Consolation" Which Steven b...more
Fiction. Aubrey & Maturin are shipwrecked on a Malay Island, where there are attacked by pirates. Rescued by a Chinese junk they are taken to Bettavia, given a ship, have one encounter with a French frigate, and then on to Sydney in New South Wales, where they are both depressed by the brutal administration of the penal colony. Blackstone Audio. Read by Simon Vance.
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Patrick O'Brian, CBE (born as Richard Patrick Russ) was an English novelist and translator, best known for his Aubrey–Maturin series of novels set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and centered on the friendship of English Naval Captain Jack Aubrey and the Irish–Catalan physician Stephen Maturin. The 20-novel series is known for its well-researched and highly detailed portrayal of early...more
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“Sir,’ said Stephen, ‘I read novels with the utmost pertinacity. I look upon them--I look upon good novels--as a very valuable part of literature, conveying more exact and finely-distinguished knowledge of the human heart and mind than almost any other, with greater breadth and depth and fewer constraints.”
—
15 people liked it
“What do you say to taking up our game where we left off? I was winning, you will recall.'
Winning, for all love: how your ageing memory does betray you, my poor friend,' said Stephen, fetching his 'cello. They tuned, and at no great distance Killick said to his mate, 'There they are, at it again. Squeak, squeak; boom, boom. And when they do start a-playing, it's no better. You can't tell t'other from one. Never nothing a man could sing to, even as drunk as Davy's sow.'
I remember them in the Lively: but it is not as chronic as a wardroom full of gents with German flutes, bellyaching night and day, like we had in Thunderer. No. Live and let live, I say.'
Fuck you, William Grimshaw.”
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7 people liked it
More quotes…
Winning, for all love: how your ageing memory does betray you, my poor friend,' said Stephen, fetching his 'cello. They tuned, and at no great distance Killick said to his mate, 'There they are, at it again. Squeak, squeak; boom, boom. And when they do start a-playing, it's no better. You can't tell t'other from one. Never nothing a man could sing to, even as drunk as Davy's sow.'
I remember them in the Lively: but it is not as chronic as a wardroom full of gents with German flutes, bellyaching night and day, like we had in Thunderer. No. Live and let live, I say.'
Fuck you, William Grimshaw.”
Come join The Gunroom, if you like joining GoodReads group...more
May 17, 2008 11:14am