Master and Commander was a very good book and film.However, I think O'Brien spends too much time on nomenclature. Who cares what a "Cross catharping" or a "Cunt splice" is?
He is a good writer, but he won't replace C.S. Forrester and Horatio Hornblower.

In Lonesome Dove, the obligitory rape scene I could have done without.I always have a problem with such violence. However, when Gus rode into their camp and evened the score, I cheered inwardly. McMurtry knows how to push my buttons.