By the Mast Divided

John Pearce, Book 1

By: David Donachie

Narrated by: Peter Wickham

Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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.

Series Devolves into Repetitive Pageant

My decision is to abandon ship at Book 10 in the series. The opening novels have some merit, introducing several of the injustices and hypocrisies promulgated by the British Navy during the Age of Sail. However, the story runs out of material about halfway through the series and begins to rely on ever-expanding, but quite impossible, historical fiction scenarios to carry the main character (and his minions) through to the next novel. The main character, John Pearce, rather than developing a sense of purpose (and self) as he navigates the troubled waters of his impressment and sudden rise to fame, becomes increasingly indecisive, petulant, and selfish. Midway through the series his heroics are notable, but without the experiential precursors to make them believable. And, therein lies the problem with this entire saga. The author attributes (through John Pearce's loyal shipmates) most of his great deeds to luck and serendipity. Occasionally he is clever. Once, or even twice, naval-battle fortune might be acceptable as a literary device (after all, who hasn't listened to tales of lucky sea captains), but every novel contains some happenstance that allows John Pearce to sail away (or run away) again (if not victorious, alive long enough for another installment).

I liked the first few novels. Nevertheless, I am not recommending that my fellow listeners start this series intending to enjoy a long yarn about a great sea going character. John Pearce is quite droll and obnoxious towards the end of this series. Not to mention that he sails around with his be-sainted (to his shipmates) mistress...feh! This series occasionally repeats (verbatim) while dragging on and on and on...as do its tired characters and storyline.

I give these novels (as a series) two cannonades down for their repetitive fire, lucky shots, and angry emotional salvos.

In closing...if you like the word "concomitant," you'll love these novels. The author uses it so many times, I began counting. That's always a bad sign when you are trying to be open-minded about a series.

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.

Enjoyable British Naval Fiction

The book was a very pleasant diversion and the narrative was enjoyable. Peter Wickham has a nice range of accents and vocal styles. I loved his Irish accent. As a fan of the British Naval Fiction genre, I was happy to find this new series - worth a try if you enjoy seafaring stories.

Worth a listen if this is your genre

It is mine but sooner or later they all start to sound the same; the sea-lingo, the misery of the times under tar. But then again, you get the scent of seaboard life, hear the creaks and smile as you go back a couple of hundred years from the comfort of your iPod. Less 'hearty' than some but with a good twist. Great read too!

Outstanding tale of naval adventure

What made the experience of listening to By the Mast Divided the most enjoyable?

The characters, heroes as well as villains, are fascinating

What did you like best about this story?

The plot is complex and always surprising. The book highlights the cruel side of press gangs usted by the Royal Navy to staff Ita warships.

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

I have not but I certainly will listen to him again

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to listen to other books in the series. It's exciting to discover a whole set of books to look forward to reading

I liked the protagonist. It will be interesting to see his development.

Last third of the story was entertaining. The first 2/3rds of the book was mostly boring background and monologue/dialogue. It was a pain and I almost moved on. But stuck it out to the end and was glad that I did.
Prepared to be bored overlong and then entertained.

Miss the Mark

Slow at times, there are more books, not my cup of tea . a lot of filler felt let down. TAKE A PASS ON THIS SERIES. Wish I could return it...