I have been reading what has been called one of the best books ever written. It is entitled Master & Commander by Patrick O’Brian. The book is about a British naval ship in the early 19th century under the command of a young and enthusiastic officer, Jack Aubrey.
It took a bit to get into it because the language is archaic and the technical descriptions of the various sails and masts complex. But it is also a lesson in naval hierarchy and how things were organized and prioritized.
This book is the first in a series of 21 books. A movie was made of the sixth book starring Russell Crowe. I recommend both the book and the movie. (It is currently on Netflix.)
As I am more than halfway through the first book and hooked, just this morning I was wondering how I was going to find the remaining books in the series so I could contnue reading the story. Books in English aren’t exactly prevalent here in France.
There is a group called Cancer Support France comprised mostly of Brits that holds bi-monthly book sales – three books for 1 euro. But with the pandemic, the sales have been cancelled. I was resigned to adding the titles to my long list of books and wait until I visited the US.
A couple of hours later, I found in one of the Facebook groups for English-speaking people in this region, a posting from a woman who is moving back to England offering the entire set of books for 8 euros! I wrote her and said I’d take them. I just drove 50 km each way to St. Jean d’Aigues Vives to pick them up.
It is said that the Universe provides. It did so In a big way for me today.
Mike LOVED this book and mentions scenes from it often. Very cool that the universe provided you the set for 8 euros and a round-trip drive! Meant to be.
And a beautiful drive it was! This little commune is very close to the Pyrenees. Even the weather was a bit different (cooler). So the views were pretty.
Glad Lady Luck was on your side.
Amazing! I agree with your trust in the universe. 💚
Wonderful!!
I’m so glad you got the books!
As Marilyn said, this is one of my favorite book series. There are fascinating historical bits and descriptions of life in the 19th century British navy. There are some really funny (to me) subtle English jokes. After you finish I will tell you my favorite one.
And if you like this series, you will also like the Horatio Hornblower series. It’s shorter and written in much simpler prose– but really good. I thought it would be perfect for a 13-year-old boy and gave our grandsons my set. I didn’t ask what they thought of it [because I didn’t want to know whether or not they had read it.]
Thanks, Mike. I’ve put them aside for the moment as I am hoping to come back to the US for the holidays and want to finish a few books to bring back to share with family. But I look forward to getting through them. I look forward to your story! All the best!