Do you consider the book to be a complete novel? Why or why not? Can the novel be read and understood by itself, or does it require a background understanding only available by reading previous novels in the series of novels?

What characteristics of Aubrey do you admire? What characteristics do you find less than admirable? Why do you think Aubrey is such an enduring character in the popular imagination?

After reading the novel, do you envy the life of a common sailor in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars? Why or why not? Would you rather be a seaman aboard Surprise or Franklin? Why?

Martin is convinced that some type of physical intimacy with a young woman has left him infected with syphilis. As a medical man, he should easily discern the difference between syphilis and salt sores, his actual ailment. But...