Christopher M. (gilesgoatboy) reviewed Enemy in Sight (Richard Bolitho, Bk 10) on + 61 more book reviews
I'm bingeing this series...it is too good to put down. The description of life in the British navy of that time is very realistic, the crews were rarely treated with decency, mostly being kidnaped away from their homes and families, many never seen again after meeting death in any number of cruel ways during their months or years at sea.
Officers often promoted by their high society standing, often without suitable natures, merit, or any gift of leadership qualities.
It's amazing the Royal Navy accomplished what it did with such a flawed and inhumane system making it a harsh experience of constant suffering and hardship. Those survivors too aged or injured were ejected to beg on the streets with no benefits nor compensation for their service.
The Bolitho books are very well written, with Bolitho the character showing what a rare thing true leadership is, especially in conditions that are more often than not extremely adverse, if not from dire weather conditions and battle actions, then often through orders issued by incompetent, malicious, negligent, or wilfully ignorant superiors lacking in good judgement or strategy but often strictly concerned for their own reputations, always ready to blame others for their own failures and to take the credit when underlings achieve successful outcomes in spite of them.
The technologies of war have changed greatly from 250 years ago but the devastation to the lives and communities of those on the front lines of today's battles, both attackers and defenders has only become greater, more widespread in its consequences to humanity and environment. Excellence in leadership, good judgement and strategy applied to the scale of global interconnection has replaced the smaller national scope. Richard Bolitho is the embodiment of the best qualities of leadership and the stories of his naval career make those qualities clear through his actions, his restraints, his descisions and his daring. If that isn't enough to satisfy a reader, they are inspiring sea battle yarns as well.
Officers often promoted by their high society standing, often without suitable natures, merit, or any gift of leadership qualities.
It's amazing the Royal Navy accomplished what it did with such a flawed and inhumane system making it a harsh experience of constant suffering and hardship. Those survivors too aged or injured were ejected to beg on the streets with no benefits nor compensation for their service.
The Bolitho books are very well written, with Bolitho the character showing what a rare thing true leadership is, especially in conditions that are more often than not extremely adverse, if not from dire weather conditions and battle actions, then often through orders issued by incompetent, malicious, negligent, or wilfully ignorant superiors lacking in good judgement or strategy but often strictly concerned for their own reputations, always ready to blame others for their own failures and to take the credit when underlings achieve successful outcomes in spite of them.
The technologies of war have changed greatly from 250 years ago but the devastation to the lives and communities of those on the front lines of today's battles, both attackers and defenders has only become greater, more widespread in its consequences to humanity and environment. Excellence in leadership, good judgement and strategy applied to the scale of global interconnection has replaced the smaller national scope. Richard Bolitho is the embodiment of the best qualities of leadership and the stories of his naval career make those qualities clear through his actions, his restraints, his descisions and his daring. If that isn't enough to satisfy a reader, they are inspiring sea battle yarns as well.
Fans of Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey/Maturin novels will enjoy Kent's Bolitho series.
