I really wanted to enjoy them but I just couldn’t get into the first book. Between the naval terminology and my complete lack of knowledge of the geopolitics of the era, I never really settled into the narrative because I spent all my time trying to decipher what was actually going on.
You might like the Hornblower books more. Less politics and sociology of the era and more straight-up action, combined with some antihero introspection - like the main character obsessing about how small his calves are.
Most of the naval terminology flew over my head. Ignoring most of it didn’t impede me from understanding and enjoying the story. But I agree it’s not always the easiest read.
![Changing interests [Haus of Decline]](https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/1a666320-df8b-40b0-aff5-4729b4a4d88c.jpeg){kind=link}
I really wanted to enjoy them but I just couldn’t get into the first book. Between the naval terminology and my complete lack of knowledge of the geopolitics of the era, I never really settled into the narrative because I spent all my time trying to decipher what was actually going on.
You might like the Hornblower books more. Less politics and sociology of the era and more straight-up action, combined with some antihero introspection - like the main character obsessing about how small his calves are.
Most of the naval terminology flew over my head. Ignoring most of it didn’t impede me from understanding and enjoying the story. But I agree it’s not always the easiest read.