PATRICK O’BRIAN'S DESOLATION ISLAND

Continuing the Patrick O’Brian Wednesday afternoon reading groups at the Tiverton Library, on January 10, 2018,  we will look into DESOLATION ISLAND, the fifth book in the 20-book series of historic novels that began with MASTER AND COMMANDER.

Whether you are on O’Brian enthusiast or might have read one or two in the past you are invited to participate in our review; of course, you will need to read the book beforehand, but each book stands alone and a perfect stranger to the tales can begin here as well as at the beginning.

The setting is the British Navy in the time of Napoleon.  The stories take us all over the world of the early 1800’s with political intrigues  and romances.

DESOLATION ISLAND focuses on a passage through the “Roaring Forties”, the wildness and desolation of the ‘Southern Ocean’, where winds blow from the west, unimpeded, for thousands of miles.  The sailing scenes are magnificent and will make your blood run cold!  There is but one battle in all of this, but it is epic in this genre of literature.

These groups are participatory, so staying on the same page is important.  The version we use is an early American edition by Norton, 325 pages, paperback or hardcover; the covers are distinctive, with beautiful Geoff Hunt artwork from edge to edge.   These are usually available at your local library or in many second-hand book shops or from your favorite on-line bookseller.

The room we use can accommodate a dozen or so. Be sure to register early, with your name and email address.  You will receive an acknowledgement and some hints on companion materials that are useful, plus reviews and other pertinent books.  Your questions are welcome at any time We hope you can join us!    Harris Gruber, Facilitator   varnishman@gmail.com