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Pirate Latitudes
by Michael Crichton
by Michael Crichton
I had been looking forward to Pirate Latitudes ever since I'd learned of its existence. Michael Crichton knows (or knew, I suppose) how to craft an exciting novel. Crichton however peaked with Timeline, one of his best books, grounded in an historical setting. That's what I had been expeting to get with Pirate Latitudes. Unfortunately I was mistaken.
Pirate Latitudes is the story of Charles Hunter, privateer, and his crew of misfits as they attempt to take the Spanish galleon El Trinidad. The premise is simple and lends itself to an exciting read. However, Hunter and his crew fall prey to one ridiculous plot point after another and by the novel's end all credulity has fled for safety. From a daring escape on an impregnable fortress to a hurricane to an attack from a kraken, Pirate Latitudes is an endless string of disasters.
This novel can be summed up as The Italian Job circa 1665. It's heist novel meets Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact, this book could easily become the next 'Pirates' movie. While reading this novel I couldn't help but wonder if Crichton had any intention of publishing it had he lived, or at the very least if it wouldn't have undergone major revision first.
An interesting premise with unfortunate execution. It's still worth a look if for nothing more than to see just how ridiculous things can get.
Pirate Latitudes is the story of Charles Hunter, privateer, and his crew of misfits as they attempt to take the Spanish galleon El Trinidad. The premise is simple and lends itself to an exciting read. However, Hunter and his crew fall prey to one ridiculous plot point after another and by the novel's end all credulity has fled for safety. From a daring escape on an impregnable fortress to a hurricane to an attack from a kraken, Pirate Latitudes is an endless string of disasters.
This novel can be summed up as The Italian Job circa 1665. It's heist novel meets Pirates of the Caribbean. In fact, this book could easily become the next 'Pirates' movie. While reading this novel I couldn't help but wonder if Crichton had any intention of publishing it had he lived, or at the very least if it wouldn't have undergone major revision first.
An interesting premise with unfortunate execution. It's still worth a look if for nothing more than to see just how ridiculous things can get.
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Kyle
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rated it 5 stars
Feb 18, 2010 04:26pm
I have just finished this book and found it a great read the characters were intriguing and fun to read about. I feel you should have kept yor opinion about this book to yourself for it was a work of art. And i doubt you realize that this book isnt a historical read but is in fact pure fiction. Why you were hoping it to be historical i know not. If you want a historical book about pirates why dont you get off the couch and write one yourself and stop abashing other authers works of art.
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Kyle wrote: "I have just finished this book and found it a great read the characters were intriguing and fun to read about. I feel you should have kept yor opinion about this book to yourself for it was a work ..."I never mentioned anything about the historical aspects of the book other than pointing out the basic premise and when the book is set. Just because something is a work of fiction does not excuse it from having an interesting plot. I've enjoyed plenty of other books by Crichton, but Pirate Latitudes feels more like a series of events strung along on a paper thin plot rather than an actual work.
Just because something is written, that doesn't automatically make it a 'work of a art.' I'm sorry if my opinion upset you, but that's all a review is, an opinion. Feel free to believe what you wish about the book and I will do the same.
