Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

According to the Daily Mail, this novel entitled "Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton" is "fast-moving, gripping". Yes, I would agree to this statement but the only thing which I consider as "fast-moving, gripping" is my bowel movement after a hot laksa soup... and definitely NOT this book :-D

On a serious note, this book is purportedly found as complete manuscript in Michael's files after his death in 2008; and it is somewhat based on a memoir written by the protagonist in the novel, Charles Hunter entitled "Life Among the Privateers of the Caribbean Sea".

Truth to be told, I don't really plan to write this review in such a way that it sounded downright negative, but I find the plot this book too shallow and do not reflect the true genius of a seasoned writer like Michael.

It seemed to me that Michael wrote this book after watching Pirates of the Caribbean movies (starred by the enigmatic Johnny Depp :-P). Well, let’s see... I have summarized the following "characteristics" found in almost all pirate novels.

1) Bad @$$ captain and crew
2) A ship full of sail & cannons
3) Equally bad @$$ enemy
4) Treasures
5) Sea fight
6) Etc etc
7) Oh, not to be missed... Kraken!

This book fulfilled all the abovementioned points; plus minus a bit more; and sadly, that's all about it.

To summarize everything, this book is about a band of privateers (not pirates OK? :-P) of the early British Empire lead by Charles Hunter launching a bold mission to attack a Spanish stronghold called Matanceros, which is zealously guarded by the bloodthirsty Cazalla. To cut the story really short, they had to go thru a lot of planning and hardship before they eventually succeed in their plan. Boring right? :-|

Yes, that's my expression throughout the book :-| not even once did the storyline managed to pique my attention. As befitting this book; in my opinion; the reader might as well watch the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy. At least those movies have cute casts and corny but funny dialogues.


Personal rating: 2 out of 10 (the worst among all Michael's novels)

Cons:
1) The plot is too darn predictable. Read only if you have nothing else to read.

Pros:
1) Purportedly based on actual events and real life figures as depicted in the epilogue.