Desolation Island

The final page of the fifth book in Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series, Desolation Island, was turned this evening. As I’m starting to get familiar with, the endings are sudden, with very little denouement. But along the way we follow Jack Aubrey on his way to Australia, transporting prisoners, including one of some value. Alas, it wasn’t to be that easy, as he has to avoid a superior foe intent on stopping him and the aftereffects of the final battle with that ship. This book seemed a little shorter than the others had and read a little quicker than them. Maybe I’m getting used to the author’s uncompromising use of 19th century terms, maybe it was just a shorter book. Either way it was an enjoyable read.