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Book Review: A Matter of Honor. Written by William C. Hammond. Published by Cumberland House, 2007. I am always amazed by the manner in which so-called book reviewers can make casual comparisons to Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. If a novelist happens to write a historical novel that has a setting of the late 18th century and early 19th century naval wars, then they are automatically compared to the two greatest writers of the genre who gave us the gifts of Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin, and Horatio Hornblower. I suspect that this tendency for comparison is just an indication of laziness on the part of book reviewers, since making unwarranted comparisons is a great deal easier than actually generating an original thought. There are a number of current writers who do provide us with some fairly good historical novels based on seafaring life during the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Julian Stockwin's novels about a seaman named Kydd are readable and Stockwin seems to become a better writer with each installment. Jay Worrall's two books have provided an entertaining perspective with a Quaker twist. S. Thomas Russell made a good showing with his first attempt, Under Enemy Colors, and I look forward to reading what he has in the future. There are a number of other writers who have chosen this genre and they are churning out unreadable garbage. Alexander Kent has provided us with a series of very forgettable novels. Dewey Lambdin continues to have books published in spite of the fact that he is neither a writer, nor a historian, nor a remotely intelligent individual. By the way, he seems to have a rather unhealthy attachment to cats.
None of the aforementioned writers warrant comparison with either O'Brian or Forester, nor does the writer of A Matter of Honor, William C. Hammond. Of course, the actual fact that Hammond's writing is greatly inferior to that of O'Brian and Forester will not stop the comparisons. Indeed, the Easton Star Democrat was the first out of the gate, proclaiming, “In the genre of nautical fiction, this new book, a novel based on the American Revolution, is more than top-notch. In scope and brilliant writing, it's a fitting companion to the maritime tales of Patrick O'Brian.” I hate to disagree with a distinguished paper like the Star Democrat, but I can not agree that A Matter of Honor is “more than top-notch.” Indeed, I would judge the book to be a few notches short of the topmost. I must admit to being a little late to the party. A Matter of Honor was published seven months ago, so I am quite tardy with my review. I just stumbled upon the book a few days ago during my never-ending search for books that will take me back to the days of British naval supremacy. But maybe this review will assist those who may consider the purchase of the paperback when it is printed. The story line of the book is unusual in that it centers on an American rather than a British seafarer. The main character, Richard Cutler, is an American with British relatives who is, at different points in time, a midshipman on the Ranger and a lieutenant on the Bonhomme Richard. On both ships he serves under John Paul Jones. The one compelling aspect of the novel is the conflicting loyalties that Cutler deals with when confronting an unjust British autocracy while having friends and loved ones who are proponents of that unjust autocracy. In the matter of historical accuracy, A Matter of Honor is superb. There is no doubt that Hammond's writing is the result of meticulous research. He is very careful to place figures such as Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, and Alexander Hamilton in the right place at the right time. A prime example of Hammond's historical accuracy is found in his re-telling of the historic sea-battle between the Serapis and the Bonhomme Richard. Hammond's re-telling of this historical event is not only accurate in details, but his insertion of Cutler into the event which disabled Serapis is deftly done. While reading A Matter of Honor, I experienced some confusion on a couple of occasions. On those occasions I had the distinct impression that I had somehow mistakenly picked up a Harlequin Romance novel. The occasions in A Matter of Honor that are Harlequinesque, of course, center on sex. Hammond's handling of these scenes is, at best, puerile (By the bye, while searching on the Borders website for inventory information for A Matter of Honor, I learned that there is indeed a Harlequin Romance novel with the exact same title.) There are a couple of times when Hammond's writing is painfully predictable. At one point, he introduces a powder-monkey named “Scipio.” Hammond's introduction of Scipio just prior to an impending battle combined with the tortuous manner in which Scipio is introduced provides little doubt of Scipio's impending fate. Suffice it to say, if you read this book, do not become too attached to Scipio. The biggest problem that I have with A Matter of Honor is that there are times when the dialog is exceedingly painful. Hammond makes the mistake of being an American who attempts to write dialog that should be uniquely British and he fails miserably in his attempt. The conversations between Cutler and his girlfriend/wife are especially bad. Hammond makes the novice mistake of attempting to develop characters through dialog, and if I were forced to choose between undergoing a root canal or once again reading Hammond's stilted dialog between Katherine and Cutler, I would run to the dentist's office. I have not been very complimentary of A Matter of Honor, but I should make a point here. Hammond's attention to detail and passion for historical accuracy provide the basis for a good writer of historical novels. A Matter of Honor was his first effort, and it was not an altogether bad effort. I think that Hammond has possibilities. I can not recommend the purchase of A Matter of Honor in hardback, but if you can get the paperback for less that $7.00, then you will not have wasted your money.
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