PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Patrick O'Brian, until his death in 2000, was one of our greatest contemporary novelists. He is the author of the acclaimed Aubrey--Maturin tales and the biographer of Joseph Banks and Picasso. He is the author of many other books including Testimonies, and his Collected Short Stories. In 1995 he was the first recipient of the Heywood Hill Prize for a lifetime's contribution to literature. In the same year he was awarded the CBE. In 1997 he received an honorary doctorate of letters from Trinity College, Dublin. He lived for many years in South West France and he died in Dublin in January 2000.
The 19th novel in O'Brian's bestselling series of naval tales is set in the days following Napoleon's escape from Elba. For most, the Hundred Days campaign heralded an unwelcome return to warfare, but for Jack Aubrey it rejuvenates his career. Appointed to command a squadron he is given some dangerous and difficult missions - troubles compounded by a lack of ships, men, confusing political allegiances, and Jack is not as young as he was. However, he has his trusty companion Stephen Maturin to help him, and together they focus on defeating their old enemy. (Kirkus UK)
