Books reviewed by Paul Talbot - Pirate Latitudes

Pirate Latitudes

by Michael Crichton
published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia
RRP $32.99 (312pp; 235mm x 155mm)
With the range of novels penned by the late Michael Crichton, it is perhaps not surprising that he would turn his hand to a bit of piracy on the Spanish Main. Unbeknownst to anybody, the author had completed Pirate Latitudes prior to his untimely death in 2008. But it had not seen the light of day until an assistant recovered the finished draft from his hard-drive.
Pirate Latitudes does not add much to the body of work already published by others on pirate themes, but Crichton adds his deft touch, with swash and buckle galore. It is reported that Stephen Spielberg has already made plans for a film based on the book, which some have said, had its genesis in the nineties. Of course, Spielberg and Crichton joined forces on other successful films, so this venture should be no different.
Crichton sets the book in 1665 in Port Royal, Jamaica with a vivid description that takes you immediately to the relevant Caribbean ride in Disneyland. The hero, Captain Charles Hunter (more Errol Flynn than Jack Sparrow) is a privateer operating under the auspices of the local English Governor and therefore, the King of England. With the discovery of a treasure ship, the classic Spanish Galleon, to capture, Hunter puts together a suitable crew to launch a raid on an impossible-to-take Spanish Fortress.
And thereby hangs a tale. Along the way, Hunter and his crew face all sorts of obstacles, including hurricane, cannibals, sea monster, formidable foe, et al. Hunter finds time to rescue a fair maiden, take revenge on a few dobbers and do away with a traitorous ex-crewman. While it seems that the author is never quite comfortable with the genre, he certainly brings his talents to bear in inflicting pain and suffering on his collection of characters.
Pirate Latitudes rollicks along and will not disappoint Crichton-lovers. The film will likewise appeal.

Captain of RomeCaptain of Rome

by John Stack
published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia
RRP $32.99
(375pp; 235mm x 155mm)
John Stack has followed up Ship of Rome, his first novel in his Masters of the Sea series, with this offering. His first effort was a readable sea adventure combining Roman history with his interpretations of the war at sea between Rome and Carthage. In some ways, Ship of Rome seemed a little tentative, as Stack warmed to his task and trade. Captain of Rome reveals the author as a fully-fledged craftsman.
This book again recounts the exploits of Atticus, Greek-born captain of the Roman trireme, Aquila. Once again caught up in the machinations of Roman politics, Atticus finds himself at odds with certain senators over the botched attack on a Carthaginian held Sicilian city. Having defied the orders to escape the battle, Atticus strikes the young Tribune and commander of the Roman fleet, but averts further disaster in a carefully laid trap.
Fortunately, Atticus has some supporters whose own interests help to counter the accusations against him. How Atticus extracts himself, and his good friend, Centurion Septimus, from the political intrigues and then subsequently covers himself in glory in later battles, John Stack develops in a well-crafted plot. The book culminates in the Battle of Cape Ecnomus, where history has it that 350 Carthaginian ships fought the Roman fleet numbering 330 ships. Staggering numbers, which probably make it the largest naval battle in history.
Captain of Rome shows how Stack has grown as a writer, with rich characterization, clever imagery and realistic description of sea action in a time long past. He lends realism to the book by drawing on historical characters and great sea battles of history, fought between Rome and Carthage.