I Read Books: Man Of War

Man Of War

Hervey is back in England to get married, and possibly to attend a politically sensitive investigation into an attack on a gunpowder mill. Things get a little complicated; the president of the commission is the husband of his mistress, who he’s trying, unsuccessfully, to split up with as part of regularising his position (marriage, looking after his daughter, concentrating on his career etc).

The action in the narrative comes from flashback, in which Hervey’s friend Peto takes command of a ship and sails to the battle of Navarino Bay. He was engaged to be married to Hervey’s sister. This also gets complicated.

Hervey, trying to do the right thing, finds himself having to deal with other people in ethical dilemmas, and a few of his own when his colonel is incapacitated during a field day. Maybe he can find some simplification when he has completed his tasks and can return to South Africa.

Read This: The cavalry adventure series takes a nautical turn
Don’t Read This: Hervey, always judgmental towards those without the competence to do their job, becomes downright priggish