The Yellow Admiral

“The Yellow Admiral” is 18th in the 20 novel Aubrey-Maturin series, featuring Captain Jack Aubrey and his companion ship surgeon Stephen Maturin, set in the year 1815. “The Yellow Admiral” one a episode in a grand epic, and as such the plot is of secondary importance. Revealing “how it comes out” does not really constitute a spoiler. For reader’s new to the series, the titles often describe the ending of the novel, or the next novel in the series.

The novel begins with a rather through summary of preceding novels in the series, through various second-hand accounts. So, a reader new to the series could start with “The Yellow Admiral” and not be too confused. Caveat, once you’ve read any book in the series, you’re hooked. So, if you are thinking about reading “The Yellow Admiral”, do it right. Start with Book 1, “Master and Commander”

SUMMARY
The action begins at with Jack on temporary leave at his estate at Woolcombe, England, to attend to his Parlimentary duties. Jack is very much opposed to the enclosures of the commons in general and specifically of “Simmon’s Lea”. As “Lord of the Manor”, he is in a position to essentially veto the effort, and does. We learn a great deal about the subject, the effect on “small holders” and the politics. Jack’s opposition to the enclosure, other political positions he has hold in Parliament, and unpopularity in some parts of the Royal Navy threaten his naval career if peace with France breaks out.

Jack is ordered to sea to join a rather uneventful blockade of Brest, France. During which his wife Sophie learns of an affair Jack had with an American woman.

When the blockade ends, with the capture of Napoleon, facing the fact that he will almost certainly be “yellowed”, i.e., be promoted to admiral but never given a command, Jack opts to temporarily resign his commission in order to accept a private commission surveying the coasts of Chile, and organizing a Chilean navy. The agreement is accepted by “the powers that be”, with the proviso that Jack can be called back into service with the Royal Navy at any time.

So, Jack and Stephen set sale on the former “HMS Surprise”-now privately owned by Stephen–for Chile. At Madeira, he receives orders to take command of all Royal Navy ships at Madeira to blockade the Straits of Gibralter.

CRITIQUE
Although lacking the wonderful action sequences of pitched naval battles, “The Yellow Admiral” is extraordinarily rich and vibrant. In addition to the politics of the time, and vivid details of nautical life, the state of medicine (and surgery) are brilliantly illuminated.

Not for the action junky, and maybe not the ideal introduction to the series. But for fans of the series, another superb installment.

I have lost track of how many times I have read the entire series start to finish–somewhere between six and ten times, and I look forward to re-reading the series again and again.

> Click on Stoney just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

Patrick O’Brian, may he rest in peace, continues after 18 novels to fully engage the reader with the exploits of Aubrey and Maturin. A good deal of this read takes place on land as our hero has to negotiate his way around several legal entanglements while the good doctor is in London concerning the latest international intrigue. Excellent writing that reaches its climax with none other than Napoleon. A wonderful set up for number 19.

As per usual, Maturin has financial woes which are self inflicted. Arbrey is making a hash of it and still seeks the rank of admiral, but NEVER that of a yellow admiral. Once again the captains legal problems are closely avoided.
The best sea battle seems to happen off stage!!
Peace breaks out.

Every Patrick O’Brien novel – especially all of the Aubrey Maturin series – should be required reading for anyone who loves a great story with compelling characters, adventure, suspense and just the slightest touch of romance. Add to that that they are steeped in actual history – based on the logbooks of the RN captains who sailed in the era about which he writes – these are history lessons in the most entertaining form imaginable. Highest recommendation i could possibly give.

Everything l have ever read by OBrian has been first rate and enjoyable and this was no exception. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is that there was a bit too much emphasis on Jacks life ashore and not quite enough time at sea. Still an enjoyable read, well worth the time.

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