Jane Austen discussion

Hi, I just wanted to check to see if we were ready to begin the discussion on Patrick O'Brian's Master & Commander? This novel was originally suggested as a novel which would relate to Jane Austen's world, particularly the naval experience during her time period.

I just wanted to check in to see who was ready to discuss and determine if we had any leaders for discussion? I won't be jumping in for several days because I was out of luck when I went to check it out at the local library yesterday. They had miles of O'Brian (Chris will be glad to hear), but not Master & Commander!

I have been on our library's waiting list also. I ran across an interesting item on the library website though when I was reserving Master & Commander. It has something called Related Novelist Content and under it were two authors:
Jane Austen
Patrick O'Brian

Sarah, and all, I would be happy to lead the discussion. I haven't a clue on how you'd like it conducted, but given that there are 12 chapters, perhaps a logical division is three chapters a week. The novel is a skosh over 400 pages; so that sets up with the following:

Part 1 (Chapters 1-3, pp. 7-119);
Part 2 (Chapters 4-6, pp. 120-199);
Part 3 (Chapters 7-9, pp. 200-300); and
Part 4 (Chapters 10-12, pp. 301-412).

The breakdown of sections, and page numbers referenced are from the Norton paperback edition of Master and Commander.

A couple of other quick thoughts to get you started --

Patrick O'Brian utilized much of the existing records and history of the naval war against France during the Napoleonic wars, and Master and Commander is no different. The character of Jack Aubrey is modeled on elements of the career of Lord Thomas Cochrane and his exploits with H.M. Sloop Speedy in the western Mediterranean Sea. He (Cochrane) was amazingly effective in disrupting and raiding French and Spanish (they were at war against England too, at this time) commerce in the Med. Of Cochrane, Napoleon is reputed to have said that he was the "Le Loup des Mers" ('The Sea Wolf' or 'The Wolf of the Seas'). See if you can figure out how Jack Aubrey receives his intelligence about French and Spanish commerce in the novel. Look for a direct reference to Austen's Mansfield Park too (I'll give a huge 'attagirl' or 'attaboy' to those who catch it!).

Please let me know if this breakdown works for all of you too. If you want more time, that is fine with me! I am thrilled that you are setting sail with the Captain Aubrey and the crew of H.M.S. Sophie! Cheers! Chris

Diane wrote: "I have been on our library's waiting list also. I ran across an interesting item on the library website though when I was reserving Master & Commander. It has something called Related Novelist Cont..."

Diane, Patrick O'Brian made no secret of his appreciation for all things Austen. He truly believed that her writing was some of the best seen in the English language (and I could not agree more wholeheartedly!). You will see that as you read Master and Commander that there is more than a passing nod to the style of Jane Austen.

The references I plan to use, if necessary, during our side-read include the following:

Master and Commander, by Patrick O'Brian, W.W. Norton & Co., 1970.

A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian, by Dean King, Henry Holt and Co., 2000.

Harbors and High Seas: An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, by Dean King and John Hattendorf, Henry Holt and Co., 2000.

The Patrick O'Brian Muster Book: Persons, Animals, Ships and Cannon in the Aubrey-Maturin Sea Novels, by Anthony Gary Brown, McFarland & Co., Inc., 2006.

I have the books (all 21), but I am heading over the pond in a week. So, I will be reading in the plane and will have to join the discussion when I return (the last week of June). I will be looking for the reference to Mansfield Park. :)

I have the book, and just finished chapter 2 this morning. I like the timeline, Chris, as it works well for me personally. I'm somewhat 'in between' books right now, as I've read the ones for the Victorian group, and another group I follow is still working through the polls for the next group. It's good timing that I joined you all, really, as I'm reading 3 books for this group (N&S, M&C, Mysteries of U)!

Impressive Paula! I gave up on Udolpho and chickened out on N&S due to other commitments. I am looking forward to following the O'Brian discussion. My husband loves these books. And I already have heard all of the good bits. :)

Diane wrote: "I have been on our library's waiting list also. I ran across an interesting item on the library website though when I was reserving Master & Commander. It has something called Related Novelist Cont..."

That shows we may be on the right track, right Diane?

Sounds good everyone, and hope Tanja will weigh in since she put us on this good track to begin with. I am going online to my library today to see where they can pull a book from for me and I'll get going.

Sadly, lots of other group reads have come up for June and I won't get to read this one. :( It will stay on my TBR, though.

I'm in--I will be headed to my library to check it out when I get back into town next week, so I may be a bit late in the discussion but I will definitely join in :)

Since Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, I am excited to get a glimpse into what Wentworth's life at sea might have been like. Great recommendation Chris!

Great Joy! Rachel, join us for discussion next time round--

I decided to begin reading the first book. I've read the beginning before; I plan on reading the entire book this time. If the discussion gets going later this week, I'll even have something to contribute. :)

I hope to get Master and Commander within a couple of days. I'm still finishing up North and South though.

I'm starting Chapter 4.

As expected, my husband has picked up my copy of Master and Commander! So, we will both be reading it on our trip. And, I get a "live" discussion, as well as someone to share favorite passages with. :)

Jeannette wrote: "As expected, my husband has picked up my copy of Master and Commander! So, we will both be reading it on our trip. And, I get a "live" discussion, as well as someone to share favorite passages wi..."

He just couldn't resist :) That is very fun to be able to discuss (in person) a book you're reading! Especially since it sounds like your husband really enjoys it. Have fun!

He's already reading his favorite passages out to me, and I to him. :) He has a Sharpe book to read, so he won't be stealing Jack from me!

Yay! Picked up Master and Commander today at the library, as well as The Patrick O'Brian Muster Book: Persons, Animals, Ships and Cannon in the Aubrey-Maturin Sea Novels for supplemental info along the way. Just read the first chapter at Starbucks and am excited to dive back into a fun adventure tale. Perfect summer reading :)

Jeannette - I covet the fact that you and your husband are both enjoying a book together! My fiance is always up to date on news and random events but I don't think I've ever seen him actually read a book (and we've been together over 5 years!)

Paula wrote: "Jeannette - I covet the fact that you and your husband are both enjoying a book together! My fiance is always up to date on news and random events but I don't think I've ever seen him actually read..."

My husband rarely reads fiction, but we have enjoyed listening to audio books together on car trips. Last summer we listened to The Poisonwood Bible and he really liked it. I wanted to listen to Master and Commander with him on our trip last weekend, but couldn't get the audio files in time, so we just ended up listening to music.

I have started listening to the audiobook and am quite enjoying it. Some of the terminology is confusing (naval stuff) but I like the pace of the story and the character depictions.

I am finally reading our Master & Commander book! Sorry about the delay! I have only zipped through the first 50 pages, but I couldn't put it down. I really like the beginnings of the Aubrey-Maturin relationship.

Chris, why didn't you tell us it was so good?! ha ha BIG joke there!

I cannot avoid comparing it so far to the film version of Horatio Hornblower -- I watched but never read--- because that is the only thing similar I have experienced, and which I loved, BTW.

I will try to swing into the discussion as quickly as possible.

I am half-way through and really enjoying the book! Even though there is a lot of nautical lingo that I don't understand, the story is so accessible and enjoyable that I am just swept away with the tale and the parts that I don't understand don't diminish the tale.

I've got two more chapters to go and lots of little bits of paper marking pages! On to the singing tour....

Anyone else getting close to finishing and planning on joining the next read of Post Captain ?

Joy wrote: "Anyone else getting close to finishing and planning on joining the next read of Post Captain?"

I am in! I can't wait to see what all of you will think of Jack and Stephen interacting with the ladies in "Post Captain." You guys all know what Jack is like when at sea, and then when ashore... You get the picture...

When work wanes away, Jack will play?

Joy wrote: "When work wanes away, Jack will play?"

...and that he is quite adept at sea, but maybe not quite so sure-footed ashore. I shall say no more...

I have started Post Captain on audio. So far (not very far) I like it. Jack and Stephen fox hunting - something different!

I'll be reading Post Captain also and have a slight bit to finish M&C.

I'll read Post Captain, too. I missed this discussion, so it's only fair.