Review of The Man From Bere

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Nancy004
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Review of The Man From Bere

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Man From Bere" by Andrew Wareham.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Are you intrigued by tales set in a bygone era, where ships battle on the open sea amidst crashing waves? If so, The Man from Bere, the first installment in the Call of the Sea series by Andrew Wareham, should definitely find its place on your TBR list. Transporting you to a historical period rich with maritime adventures and naval conflicts, this novel promises an exciting journey to far-flung destinations.

Nick Turnhouse, a strapping lad hailing from a Dorset farming family, toils away alongside his siblings and parents in the sun-soaked fields. His life lacks clear purpose until a spark ignites when he becomes smitten with the squire's daughter. Fearing dire consequences for his son's infatuation, Nick's father sends him away temporarily, providing him with meager funds and no particular destination in mind. It's during this uncertain period that Nick serendipitously crosses paths with a Navy Lieutenant engaged in recruiting. This encounter marks the commencement of Nick's remarkable naval odyssey. As it turns out, the Navy was his true calling all along. Swiftly rising above expectations, Nick emerges as a prodigious talent on the ship's deck. His transformation from an anonymous farm boy to a celebrated naval figure is a mesmerizing journey worth witnessing.

The author's writing style is not only highly entertaining but also remarkably immersive. His skill in vividly depicting the historical naval setting makes you feel as though you've been transported back in time. The language, attire, cities, towns, and technologies all harmoniously align with the period being portrayed. Additionally, the author demonstrates a profound understanding of naval matters, ships, and the art of sailing, providing readers with valuable insights into these subjects. Notably, the author pays meticulous attention to the characters' accents. For instance, Nick initially possesses a rugged, unrefined accent typical of a peasant, but as he embarks on his naval journey, his speech gradually adopts a more formal and professional tone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and eagerly anticipate reading the next installment in the series. If I were to offer a critique, it would be that every character in the story is portrayed in a positive light. Having a negative character could potentially add more drama and entertainment to the narrative. However, despite this minor observation, I find the book to be truly exceptional.

This book offers a leisurely-paced adventure, maintaining a seamless narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to flip through the pages. Considering all the aspects I previously mentioned, I would give this book a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Despite encountering a few minor text errors, they were inconsequential and did not disrupt my reading experience.

I'd suggest this book to all adventure enthusiasts, particularly those with an affinity for naval tales and warfare. It's important to note that the book does include profanity, violence, and some mild sexual content, so it's advisable for children to read it under parental guidance. In essence, it's a great choice for readers who appreciate adventurous stories driven by well-developed characters.

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The Man From Bere
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Post by Kay Miller 2 »

A very well-written review. It tells the potential reader everything they need to know about the book to make an informed decision as to whether it would be the kind of book they would find interesting and enjoyable.
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Nancy004
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Post by Nancy004 »

Kay Miller 2 wrote: 09 Sep 2023, 08:36 A very well-written review. It tells the potential reader everything they need to know about the book to make an informed decision as to whether it would be the kind of book they would find interesting and enjoyable.
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it.
Good day to you. :tiphat:
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Post by Cara Wilding »

While I wonder if this book would fall into my preferred genre, I enjoyed reading your beautifully written review! I can also appreciate when an author does their research, and it reflects how authentic a book feels. Your example of the gradual change in Nick's speech also captures an element of his character growth! Thank you for your very well-written review!
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Nancy004
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Post by Nancy004 »

Cara Wilding wrote: 09 Sep 2023, 16:38 While I wonder if this book would fall into my preferred genre, I enjoyed reading your beautifully written review! I can also appreciate when an author does their research, and it reflects how authentic a book feels. Your example of the gradual change in Nick's speech also captures an element of his character growth! Thank you for your very well-written review!

I'm glad you enjoyed the review. Authors who put effort into their research and character development can indeed make a book feel authentic and immersive. If you ever decide to give this book a try, I hope it meets your expectations. Happy reading!
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Post by RutvikPatel »

"The Man from Bere" by Andrew Wareham takes readers on an immersive historical naval adventure, portraying the journey of a Dorset farm boy turned celebrated naval figure. With vivid writing and attention to detail, this book offers an engaging narrative, although a negative character could add more drama. Highly recommended for adventure enthusiasts.
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Post by Okewunmi Pelumi »

This is a mind-hacking review. I love it. Andrew did a great job on this book.
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