Not a novel novel...

[ffutures]

I was passing the local Oxfam book shop this morning and noticed that they had a big run of Patrick O'Brien nautical novels. Including one I'd never heard of, The Truelove.

So I nipped in, and was about ten seconds from buying it when I thought to look at the plot summary... and discovered, of course, that it's a variant title for Clarissa Oakes.

Oh well, at least I noticed before I paid... But a bit disappointed anyway.

Meanwhile, has anyone read "21", the unfinished Aubrey/Maturin novel? Is it worth buying?

Comments

Re: 21

[timill]

There's a review on Amazon, which didn't prevent me buying it. But I haven't read it yet. Or even opened it, which I gather will come to much the same thing.

Re: 21

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

That short?

Re: 21

[timill]

The review says:
"I know that in strict page-to-pound terms this book is a waste of money. I know that there are only about 35 pages of type and the rest is Patrick O'Brian's almost illegible handwriting, but I also know that I missed Jack and Stephen terribly, and to even have the slightest prompting as to what might have happened to them after Blue at the Mizzen finished is worth a lot to me.
There they are, making their jokes as old friends do and trying to sort out land problems while at sea. And there's a promise that something exciting might have happened if only O'Brian had finished the book. But it wasn't to be, and the few personal notes from O'Brian's real life that bleed onto the last few pages make for a poignant end to a great set of adventures. I'm glad I read this. Its lack of completion gives you leave to make up your own fate for the characters. "

Re: 21

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Sounds like I should wait for a 2nd-hand copy.

Re: 21

[armb.livejournal.com]

I had a very quick look at a copy in Borders, and decided it was tempting, but too expensive for what it was for me.

Re: 21

[timill]

That was my take. This didn't stop me buying it, hoever...