Patrick O'Brian · 1996 · sea

The eighteenth novel is the most domestic of all, set largely in England and on the weary blockade of Brest, with the long war winding down toward its first ending. Jack, in the Bellona, fears above all being yellowed, promoted to admiral but shelved without a command. This route follows his ship from England to the blockading station off Ushant and home again, as peace comes in 1814 and then, with Napoleon's escape from Elba, vanishes once more.

1. 1
   England

   Ashore at his home, Jack is embroiled in the small bitter wars of the countryside, a dispute over the enclosure of common land that sets neighbour against neighbour, and in money troubles and the frets of half-pay. Worst of all hangs the dread of being yellowed, raised to flag rank but passed over for any active command.

2. 2
   The Brest Blockade

   Off Ushant and the rock-bound approaches to Brest, Jack takes his station in the endless blockade of the French fleet, the long cold watch in wind and fog that is the Royal Navy's unglamorous burden. It is dull, dangerous, vital work, holding the enemy in his harbour year after weary year.

3. 3
   England

   Then comes the news of peace, Napoleon abdicated and the great war seemingly over at last, and with it the threat of the beach and idleness for a fighting captain. But the peace is brief: word arrives that Bonaparte has broken out of Elba and is loose in France once more, and the world tilts back toward war.