A Fine Retribution: An Alan Lewrie Naval Adventure (Alan Lewrie Naval Adventures, 23)

I have read the Alan Lewrie and Tom Kydd series of novels from their starts, and like them both, but series that extend into double-digits can get a little long in the tooth. The most recent in the two series, “A Fine Retribution” by Lambdin and “Persephone” by Stockwin, have some parallels. Each is more of a love story than a story of naval adventure, in each the protagonist faces major political complications, and in each the female love interest is a free-spirited painter in the romantic style who must sell her work under a male pseudonym. All the same they are quite different.As I recall it always takes quite a few pages to get Alan Lewrie to sea and into conflict. In this case more than the first half of the book is more of a light romance novel than an adventure novel. Romance is not to my taste (and given Lewrie’s bawdy nature a little unbelievable) but I read this with some enjoyment and recommend it to Lewrie fans and especially to those who find romance novels to their taste sometimes.If Lewrie’s new story is light romance, Kydd’s is broad comedy, with our frigate-captain playing the Buffone. The style is not comedic but plot elements are definite comedic turns – “Bring on the lovers, liars and clowns!” I had to skip several chapters – I just despise broad comedy, probably because I am too much of a Buffone myself. There are, though, plenty of twists and turns, both in the naval adventure parts and the romantic comedy, and the naval adventure turns on some real (and surprising) actual history, so those of Kydd’s fans who are more tolerant of buffoonery than I am will probably enjoy this outing.

It is always too long a wait until the next Alan Lewrie novel is published. More historical detail. More adventure. A perfect mix for a well researched historical novel with unique characterizations that maintain a reader's interest. Recommend the entire series. With respect to this particular novel, there is a bit of a focus on the "office politics" of assignments and advancement in the officer cadre of the British Navy, which can sometimes go hand and hand with a lack of initiative and stifling of progress by those with vested interests. Sometimes referred to as bureaucratic inertia, Lewie has to wade through a bunch of it, ultimately widening his experience -- and his reputation -- skirmishing with feet firmly planted on foreign shores.

“A Fine Retribution” is far from the most energetic of Dewey Lambdin’s Alan Lewrie novels. Through twenty-three chapters or more, a reader might be forgiven for thinking the author has gone all Jane Austen on us: we certainly learn more than we need to about the crown mouldings, wainscotting, and drains in Sir Alan’s rental house. But domestic entanglements have long been a key part of this series, and so Lewrie’s courtship of an attractive young painter with a mind of her own mostly works. If nothing else, we get to see how much the “Ram-cat” has changed—maybe. I don’t see any flagging of authorial interest here. But I wouldn’t mind, either, if the next book opens with guns blazing.

I give this four stars because it's Dewey Lambdin and Alan Lewrie. But I have to agree with other reviewers who said it was a bit boring. Too much time in London, leasing and buying his house and courting Jessica. All real parts of the naval life during Napoleonic Wars, but the author could have spent less of the book describing it and more on Lewrie's return to the Mediterranean. On the plus side, Lambdin has always been very good at giving us a good depiction of even the most banal aspects of life in the late 1700's / early 1800's, so the book, as do his others, paints a realistic picture of the era. Thought the closing battle, while well-depicted and gratifying to fans, was a bit too easily won by Lewrie. Looking for a more exciting read in the next book.

I'd wasn't sure whether to give this novel a three or a four star rating. I gave it four out of loyalty I guess. The first third of the book has Lewrie mooning around like a love struck midshipman and rehashing tales from previous books. The novel finally takes off in the last two thirds. I guess Lewrie is to senior for the old derring do and to junior for a large command.I think the ending hinted of something bigger to come, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.

As always, Lambdin has presented us with an engaging narrative in the life of Captain Alan Lewrie, RN. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities that his courtship of the delightful Miss Jessica Chenery provided him to regale her (and us) with details of some of his past exploits and adventures, although I did note that he failed to tell her about his previous dalliances. However, the sprig of rosemary she gave him may have indicated that she had heard of the navy's toast about wives and sweethearts (may they never meet). Lambdin's ability to put the reader smack in the middle of early 19th century London and rural England as well as on the deck of a man o' war sailing closehauled or running before the wind is on a parallel with that of O'Brian. Sometimes, one can almost feel the salt spray on his face, or smell the sulfur of spent gunpowder, or the tension that precedes the first broadside. And, from an action standpoint, Lambdin does an excellent job of describing the challenges of amphibious warfare in the age of sails. In spite of the petty politics of the time where favoritism often trumped ability (and still does), Lewrie still finds a way to put a thumb in the eyes of his enemies in England as well as her enemies abroad. As has been the case for the past several years, I can't wait for Lambdin to take us on Lewrie's next adventure... or misadventure. Great reading!

What can I say the best as allways

An excellent addition to the Alan Lawrie series

Quite different from past novels but most enjoyable nevertheless

Another great piece of work

great story

present for husband. he'll be very happy

Excellent as always. This has been a great series!

Good book

Up to the usual standard!

The latest in the long series that I hope will never end, although Dewey is clearly hinting that it is as the war at sea is winding down. Alan Lewrie is my favourite fictional character, never mind favourite Napoleonic war sea captain. This latest story focuses on his return home as a conquering hero, only to face internal politics that leaves him "on the beach." Only through hard work and some of his own politics does he once again find a ship, and a mission, only to find that he didn't leave the politics on the shore.A great read by a great writer and can't wait to see what he gets up to next.

Was looking forward to a naval exciting story but the first 2 thirds was about waiting for a ship. The adventure was confined to the last part and admittedly was quite good.

This series never fails to deliver. The character development is believeable and the action scenes are well described. Our main character is more than willing to accept is luck good and bad and not full of himself.

Always entertaining read from Lambdin. Great socio-history as well as navy history.

another good Lewrie book

GOOD BOOK