Re:Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impa...
by iainmerrick on Sunday March 29, 2020 @06:34PM
(#22723407)
Yes, that whole series is terrific! I keep meaning to re-read the whole thing but get sidetracked around book 2 or 3. I should make time for it.
Besides the wit and the beautiful language, I’m fascinated by the depiction of societies (and micro-societies, when at sea) where people are the most valuable resource, for brainpower, highly specialized skills and sheer brawn in equal proportions; and the arbitrary nature of command and rank, where the best person for the job may or may not be in charge.
Wonderful, wonderful books. I didn’t even like historical fiction as a concept before these. It takes a while to get over the “culture shock” and learn the vocabulary of seafaring life, but it easily pays off with twenty-and-one-half (!) excellent stories. Someone also made a companion glossary called “A Sea of Words” which is a big help.