BEAT TO QUARTERS

by C. S. Forester ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 6, 1937

Grand reading, with two fine sea fights as successive climaxes. The period is shortly after that of the Bounty tales, while -- to English seaman and officers -- the mutiny was still an overhanging threat, and disciplinary conditions were only slightly ameliorated, and problems of stocking the larders for voyages of uncertain duration still involved guesswork and careful supervision throughout the voyage. Here we have a captain afraid to show what he considers his ""softness"", appalled by his enforced loneliness in facing the incredible orders for procedure against Spain on the side of unknown allies in the far Pacific. It seems to be a sort of lbustering expedition, and it is further complicated, when the impossible has been achieved, by a complete right about face of circumstances and orders. The final sea fight -- a 36-gun frigate against a 50-gun ship of the line is as exciting reading as anything of the sort I remember. There's a thread of romance woven through the texture of men's life and death struggle and bloody adventure. Forester's history has been a doubtful one, from the trade angle. In African Queen a good press almost brought success. This seems sure fire for your Mutiny readers -- and don't forget the possibility of a lasting plus sale for older boys.

Pub Date: April 6, 1937

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1937

Categories: FICTION