58 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
400
Novel • Fiction
Napoleonic Wars • 1800s
1969
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
16+ years
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.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Gritty
68,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
68,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Stephen Maturin
A physician and naturalist joining the British Navy as the ship's surgeon, offering insight into both human and animal behavior. Of Irish Catalan descent, he is characterized by his small stature, pale complexion, and intellectual pursuits.
James Dillon
The Irish Catholic lieutenant on the ship, serving as a stern and honorable presence with a conflicted sense of loyalty. Known for his dark-red hair and green eyes, he presents a foil to Aubrey with shared bravery but differing backgrounds.
Molly Harte
The wife of a captain with whom Aubrey is romantically involved, known for her commanding presence and beauty. She is musically inclined, often drawing attention at social gatherings.
400
Novel • Fiction
Napoleonic Wars • 1800s
1969
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
16+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.