298. Billy Budd

Billy Budd
Herman Melville
1924
Around 160 pages

It's a bit unexpected to have another Melville novel pop up after all this time. This was an unfinished work at the time of Melville's death. With the help of his long suffering widow, and the contributions of scholars and biographers, the Billy Budd as we know it today was published.

Which leaves you wondering how much Melville really had to do with this. If Melville had his way, I know this would have been at least 800 pages. Instead, we get a tidy and succinct novella. Very out of character if you ask me. 

In 1797, Billy Budd is shanghaied into service with the Royal Navy. Billy is handsome and has a stutter, which is Hollywood's favorite disability (that way, they can still be hot!). His likability invokes the ire of John Claggart, the ship's masters-at-arms. John falsely accuses Billy of conspiracy to mutiny, and Billy responds brutally. The other officers must deliberate on what to do with Billy.

I can see the appeal of this novella, particularly for those studying law. I just don't like Melville very much, if Melville was even in there that much. I don't like it when authors' estates attempt to finish incomplete works. I'm still mad about what they did to Michael Crichton. But moving on to Melville.

He has a stupid beard, he beat his wife, and he was a talented drone. I'm glad to see the last of him.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Adapted into an opera that I never want to hear.

Beau Travail (a 1001 movie!) is loosely based on this novel.

UP NEXT: The Professor's House by Willa Cather. Looking forward to it!