58 pages • 1 hour read
Patrick O'BrianMaster and Commander
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1969A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian follows Jack Aubrey's first appointment as captain of the HMS Sophie and his growing friendship with Irish Catalan physician Stephen Maturin. They embark on a mission to capture enemy ships during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to the capture of the Spanish ship Cacafuego and facing challenges from rivalries, personal conflicts, and naval battles. The book contains racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander is widely praised for its historical accuracy and rich nautical detail, appealing to fans of naval fiction. The character development, particularly of Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin, is highly lauded. However, some readers find the technical jargon daunting and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling read for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Master and Commander?
A reader who enjoys detailed historical fiction, naval adventures, and rich character development will find Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian captivating. Fans of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series and Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels will appreciate O'Brian's meticulous research and dynamic storytelling.