Without question, PIRATE LATITUDES is one of the year’s most bittersweet reads, simply for being the final novel by superstar novelist Michael Crichton, who died last fall at the too-young age of 66. Speaking of young, this is the kind of pure adventure story he wrote early in his career, like THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY or EATERS OF THE DEAD, being comparatively short at 320 pages and unconcerned with tackling a hot-button topic.
No cloning, global warming or nanotechnology here. This one’s all about pirates — specifically, Capt. Charles Hunter, who prefers the term “privateer.” After all, that term is befitting of one hired by the government — in this case, Jamaican governor Sir James Almont — to do the pillaging.
Hunter’s target? A rumored treasure at the seemingly impregnable — and certainly savage — island of Matanceros. To do so will require help, and Hunter quickly assembles a crew, OCEAN’S ELEVEN-style: the mute African, The Moor; the murderous Frenchman, Sanson; the disguised French female, Lazue; barber/surgeon Mr. Enders; and the weapons expert known as The Jew.
The ensuing adventure entails not only swashbuckling on the high seas, but also trips through the jungle and detours to prison. Those adverse to rats, snakes and sharks may contract a mild case of the willies along the way.
PIRATE LATITUDES is like a kid learning how to ride a bike: There a few clumsy starts at first, but once he gets the hang of it, he’s off. The ride is pleasurable, but really only mildly rousing. It’s not among Crichton’s best, but I’d prefer to have it over nothing at all. —Rod Lott
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• GRAVE DESCEND by John Lange
• NEXT by Michael Crichton
• STATE OF FEAR by Michael Crichton
• ZERO COOL by John Lange
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
RIP Michael Chrichton. Thanks for the thrills.
will this book be translated into indonesia ?