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OK, I admit, I'm excited. I know, that's not cool. But I don't care. I haven't read these books in years, so I'm really looking forward to a chance to revisit them and discuss them with everyone.
I've just barely started, switching back and forth between the eBook and both the Vance and Tull audio books. I'm going to try to mostly listen to the Vance version, just because it's not my old, familiar favourite. I'm already noticing the difference in pacing, and the very different voice of Stephen Maturin. Overall, the Patrick Tull version has gravitas. It feels like Tull is telling me a story. OTOH, the Simon Vance version is somewhat lighter, and it feels like Vance is reading me a story.
This opening scene says so much about the two characters that we come to understand in more depth later. It's a well written scene, IMO. And from this rather unpromising start to their relationship, a deep and abiding friendship develops that will span decades and many challenges.
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