Treason's Harbour

Uniquely among authors of naval fiction, Patrick O'Brian allows hischaracters to develop with experience. The Jack Aubrey of Treason'sHarbour has a record of successes equal to that of the most brilliant ofNelson's band of brothers, and he is no less formidable or decisive inaction or strategy. But he is wiser, kinder, gentler too. Much of the plotof Treason's Harbour depends on intelligence and counter-intelligence, afield in which Aubrey's friend Stephen Maturin excels. Through him we geta clearer insight into the life and habits of the sea officers of Nelson'stime than we would ever obtain seeing things through their own eyes. Thereis plenty of action and excitement in this novel, but it is the atmosphereof a Malta crowded with senior officers waiting for news of what the Frenchare up to, and wondering whether the war will end before their turn comesfor prize money and for fame, that is here so freshly and vividlyconveyed.