Before the film to which actor Russell Crowe lent his not inconsiderable acting talents, there was the book, which like so
many other page to screen adaptation, is infinitely better in print form. Author Patrick O’Brian has skilfully put together one of the best sea stories ever written. Master and Commander is the first book in a series of high seas adventures undertaken by the heroes Captain Jack Aubrey and his stalwart companion Doctor Stephen Maturin. The reign of Captain Aubrey is set during the Nelsonic campaigns of the early nineteenth century, which to be fair to the book, isn’t laden with swashbuckling innuendo. A rather bleak, harsh and unbending disciplinary code of the Royal Navy prevails, and although Aubrey himself has compassion and humanity in his dealings with his enemies and
crew, he is ultimately a product of the iron fist system which maintained structure and discipline amongst its crew members, who regularly display thinly veiled contempt and a potential mutiny is never far away.
Aubrey’s daring and thirst for broadside battle is tempered by the more mild mannered and contemplative Doctor Maturin. While his presence in the book is vindicated through his role as a full character with his own devils and demons to contend with, its difficult not to see him as Aubrey’s alter ego. Somebody to provide a balanced opinion and rationale in times of crisis, of which there are no shortage. At a time when sickness and disease were every bit as lethal as the rusty cutlasses and crude canon ball shot that could be pitched against the sailors, Master and Commander delivers a realistic portrayal of life a sea. The putrid existence in dark and rat infested environment below
decks was only juxtaposed by the frantic running up of sail and rigging on the upper decks. A fully rounded novel with a satisfying conclusion, plus the knowledge of further adventures awaiting the eager reader.