Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!!
Review: This is the second Aubrey/Maturin novel I've read recently and it won't be the last. O'Brian is an exceptional storyteller; his subtle prose, excellent character development and skillful portrayal of the nautical (and political) world in early 19th century Britain all combine to produce an engaging and satisfying diversion from the everyday life of an ocean-loving landlubber like myself. In the first half of "The Reverse of the Medal," the aging H.M.S. Surprise sails her last voyage (an intense one at that) as a Royal Navy frigate before her retirement. Returning to Britain (now in the second half), Captain Aubrey is soon snared in a legal battle with furiously political motives. Dr. Maturin, who is unofficially involved in British intelligence work, diligently seeks to help his friend and ultimately learns Captain Aubrey is a victim of a larger scheme instigated by agents loyal to Napoleon.
Even in the space of one book, O'Brian deftly brings Aubrey and Maturin to life. These men, each a complex character and different in many ways, are men you can easily develop respect for. Not perfect, having foibles of personality as all men do, but honorable, trustworthy men. In one way or another, every man will likely see something of who he is and who he would like to be in either Aubrey or Maturin (or more likely in both). Another virtue that underlies the whole series is the fraternal affection between the two, manifested in a loyalty seen clearly in this novel when Captain Aubrey finds himself in considerable trouble. I could write much more, but in the interest of brevity I'll stop here. Read it yourself, I highly recommend it!
| 
