By the Mast Divided

John Pearce, Book 1

By: David Donachie

Narrated by: Peter Wickham

London: 1793. Young firebrand John Pearce, on the run from the authorities, is illegally press-ganged from the Pelican tavern into brutal life aboard HMS Brilliant, a frigate on her way to war. In the first few days, Pearce discovers the Navy is a world in which he can prosper. And he is not alone; he is drawn to a group of men who eventually form an exclusive gun crew, the Pelicans, with Pearce their elected leader. During an action-packed two weeks, as HMS Brilliant chases a French privateer across the English Channel, these disparate men form friendships that will last a lifetime.©2004 David Donachie (P)2007 Soundings

some nautical inaccuracy

really well written characters but I two masted bark ain't a thing nor do you commonly release lines aw removing the belaying pin etc etc

Historical Novel 1793 Royal Navy

Donachie is a new author for me and this is book one in his series about the Royal Navy in 1793. The protagonist is John Pearce, who is press ganged into the Navy. He is placed on HMS Brilliant, a frigate on its way to war against the French. John forms friendships with a group of fellow press-ganged landlubbers. They form a gang called “The Pelican’s” with the aim to look out after each other. They are pressed enlisted men so are the lowest of the low aboard the ship. John shines as he uses his natural skills to help in whatever situation they are in and is a natural leader.

As the first book in a series I expected there would be more time spent on character building and back story. Donachie cleverly weaves these fictional characters into a true historical situation. There is action, the book bogs down at times but most often it is well paced. The book ends in a cliffhanger and sets up for book two. The story shows the harder side of the life of a gang press man at sea. The story is compelling and kept my attention. Peter Wickham does a good job narrating the story.

Entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if they enjoy historical fiction

What was one of the most memorable moments of By the Mast Divided?

The descriptions of the sailing technology of the time period.

Have you listened to any of Peter Wickham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The same as the book title

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this authors work under his other pen name Jack Ludlow. This is the first I have purchased under his real name. I cannot wait until the release of the next Ludlow book , the sequel to "Son of Blood". A fantastic series about the Normans in Italy.

Outstanding

Well written, Extremely entertaining! Will continue listening to the remaining books in the series and looking forward to it!

Might not be what you think

This isn't an action series. The sea battle aspect of this series is not the focus. Rather, this series is a work of historical interest which illuminates the life of the times and the politics of the times. If history interests you, then you are in the right place. If you want sea battles and dashing heroes, you best look elsewhere.