One reviewer finds this novel a pure joy to read as it shares unmistakably original insights into the mysteries of the world. "His books add up to a portrait of an entire world, containing every single aspect of human life." Specifically, the title character Clarissa Oakes "gives O'Brian a chance to explore their and Maturin's characters in exceptional depth." One reviewer compared O'Brian's writing style to that of several famous writers, considering that he has left C S Forester far behind, and is "one of the best storytellers afloat", with use of nautical detail that is "unalloyed, unapologetic and absolutely right." Another called it "Intelligent escape" as reading material, while another finds it "will delight fans."