MASTER AND COMMANDER

This gem of a tale concerns an ambitious Royal Navy officer, Jack Aubrey, who is given command of his own vessel during the early stages of the struggle against Bonaparte. O'Brian, who is known for his historical detail, doesn't disappoint with this tale as the listener is treated to a lesson in early ninetenth-century naval history and to a superb tale, as well. Robert Hardy reads this abridgment with great skill. He displays his versatile voice in a performance that is clear and vivacious. Classical music, used as a transition between episodes, complements the reading. The major flaw is that some of the scenes do not flow well in the abridgment. M.T.F. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]