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Hello,

Welcome to the group discussion of the book HMS Surprise by Patrick O'Brian. This discussion is being led by Assisting Moderator - Christopher Tolley.

During the week of May 2 � May 8th we are reading:

Week Six - May 2 - May 8 - Chapter 6 - p. 133-189


This thread will discuss the following:

Week Six - May 2 - May 8 - Chapter 6 - p. 133-189



Remember, these weekly non spoiler threads are just that - non spoiler. There are many other threads where "spoiler information" can be placed including the glossary and any of the other supplemental threads.

We will open up a thread for each week's reading. Please make sure to post in the particular thread dedicated to those specific chapters and page numbers to avoid spoilers. We will also open up supplemental threads as we have done for other spotlighted reads.

We look forward to your participation. Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other noted on line booksellers do have copies of the book and shipment can be expedited. The book can also be obtained easily at your local library, on iTunes for the ipad, Audible etc. There are also downloadable eBook versions available. However, be careful, if you do go for an audible version that some audible formats are abridged and not unabridged.

There is still time remaining to obtain the book and get started. There is no rush and we are thrilled to have you join us. It is never too late to get started and/or to post.

Welcome,

Bentley

by Patrick O'Brian

Attached is the link to the full TOC and Syllabus:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

Here is a link to the Introduction Thread for this book:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

And here is the link to the glossary which is a spoiler thread where anything can be discussed regarding the book including historical events, famous people, locations, naval history depicted in the novel and the like.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

Chris, your thread is open.

If Chapter 5 was Aubrey's introduction to the crew of the Surprise, Chapter 6 is Aubrey, the Surprise, and the crew being molded into one. O'Brian says as much on page 168: “[Aubrey] was on the quarterdeck, yet at the same time he was in the straining studdingsail-boom, gauging the breaking-point exactly.� Insubordination or even discord are banished. A sure sign, when the Surprises go ashore in Rio every one has the ships name sewn into his shore-going rig. And O'Brian places them in isolation in the blow on the edge of the southern ocean, so nothing can disturb the unifying process. This part of the voyage is where all are welded into one, in their trial in the wilderness. The Lively is, or should be, forgotten. The Surprise is Aubrey and her crew, Aubrey and the crew are the Surprise.

Aside from any bigger meanings, Chapter 6 was a great read about a 19th century sea voyage. What did you think of Chapter 6? I found it interesting that Stephen started thinking about Diana toward the end.

Please feel free to share any thoughts you may have on the above or anything else you found interesting in the book so far.