You don't need to be a history or nautical buff to truly enjoy the fascinating characters in this historical novel. The author has written the dialogue in such a way as to make the reader feel a part of the conversation; part of the scene. It would be as if they were standing right next to John Paul Jones as he got down to the real issue, which is trying to figure how he's going to win the battle aboard the sinking Bon Homme Richard; with rotten oaken sides and holds that are filling with sea water. While at the same time, the HMS Serapis, commanded by Captain Pearson, is ready to finish him off and strip him of his ship and crew.