Questions About Post Captain (Aubrey & Maturin, #2)

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Answered Questions (5)

It's been a while since I read Master and Commander. Should I re-read it before reading Post Captain, or is it okay to dive right in?

Cole Schoolland The first book was originally intended to be stand-alone. As you move through the series they become much more "serial". Post Captain is the first one…moreThe first book was originally intended to be stand-alone. As you move through the series they become much more "serial". Post Captain is the first one where you pick up some of the early elements of the longer narrative (mainly women). I'd say hop right in at Post Captain and continue your voyage all the way to book 20.5 then repeat!(less)

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Mike It would have been unlawful for them to duel at sea so they kept putting off the duel until their "seconds" could arrange an appropriate time and plac…moreIt would have been unlawful for them to duel at sea so they kept putting off the duel until their "seconds" could arrange an appropriate time and place when the ship was docked. Some very important things happen between them before they get back to land and their deeper friendship wins out over the jealousy which threatened to separate them. As often happens with O'Brian's writing, his wonderful points of view and gradual storytelling, some of the pieces come together in the midst of other activities in the form of characters reflecting or other characters reflecting on them. (Trying to keep this spoiler free - happy to add more detail if desired. This is one of my favorite book series!)(less)

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Did anyone else find Aubrey's pursuit of Diana out of character, unconvincing, given he was really in love with Sophie, and he suspected Maturin was attracted to Diana? The author seemed to try too hard for the conflict, just to have that conflict, which I never found very convincing. I've read the whole series several times and this book seems the weakest to me and drags on the most.

Ra Da I think it refers back to Book 1 Aubrey, who didn't take things too seriously with Queenie, even if it would hurt his career, versus Book 2 Aubrey, wh…moreI think it refers back to Book 1 Aubrey, who didn't take things too seriously with Queenie, even if it would hurt his career, versus Book 2 Aubrey, who is developing emotionally. I think the pursuit of Diana is trying to avoid a 'he was cured by the love of a good woman' cliche, but I agree it doesn't work that well.(less)

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Mike I don't know of a Catalonian revolt in 1802 (or so) the time of Post Captain but there appear to have been ongoing movements and activities for indepe…moreI don't know of a Catalonian revolt in 1802 (or so) the time of Post Captain but there appear to have been ongoing movements and activities for independence since the 1600's included the most recent activity in 2017. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan... (less)

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I've seen the movie (M&C) so I'd like to begin with Post Captain. Any thoughts?

Dale Sabo The movie is true to the spirit of O’Brian but has elements of several books spliced into one movie. I agree M&C is the logical starting point. One ma…moreThe movie is true to the spirit of O’Brian but has elements of several books spliced into one movie. I agree M&C is the logical starting point. One may jump up in anywhere though and go backwards and forwards in chronology quite comfortably. I started with Surprise and read several later in time before buying the set. (less)

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