close
Desolation Island Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample

Desolation Island Audiobook

Desolation Island Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample
FlexPass™ Price: $12.95
$9.95 for new members!
(Includes UNLIMITED podcast listening)
  • Love your audiobook or we'll exchange it
  • No credits to manage, just big savings
  • Unlimited podcast listening
Add to Cart
$9.95/m - cancel anytime - 
learn more
OR
Regular Price: $24.99 Add to Cart
Read By: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Aubrey–Maturin Series Release Date: February 2008 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781436100366

Other Audiobooks Written by Patrick O'Brian: > View All...

Publisher Description

Jack's prize money has set the household accounts aright, but if he continues frittering it on naive extravagances, it will be gone in a fortnight. Fortunately he gets a commission aboard the Leopard, bound for Australia to rescue the hated and captive Captain Bligh.

Download and start listening now!

"This is one of my favorites from the series. It contains what I believe to be arguably the most riveting sea chase in any novel. Captain Aubrey is to take the Leopard, a two deck ship of fifty guns to Botany Bay to come to the aid of William Bligh (yes that William Bligh of the Bounty) who is now Governor of New South Wales and seems to have yet another mutiny on his hands. On route, they are chased by the Waakzaamheid, a Dutch ship of the line (three decks of 74 guns) into the far southern ocean where a building storm pushes waves sixty, eighty, one hundred feet high. The Leapard is becalmed in the troughs between the waves while the taller Waakzaamheid is getting closer and closer. Captain Aubrey orders the ship to be lightened in an attempt to escape. Over the side goes stores, water, and finally the guns. All but two which are placed in the stern cabin to fire at the gaining enemy ship. Like a roller coaster the two vessels climb up the face of the huge waves then down into the valley between all he time firing at each other as the distance between them shrinks."

— Joshua (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “The best thing afloat since Horatio Hornblower.”

    — The Observer (London)
  • “The relationship [between Aubrey and Maturin]…is about the best thing afloat….For Conradian power of description and sheer excitement there is nothing in naval fiction to beat the stern chase as the outgunned Leopard staggers through mountainous waves in icy latitudes to escape the Dutch seventy-four.”

    — The Observer (London)
  • “There is nothing in naval fiction to beat the stern chase as the outgunned Leopard staggers…to escape the Dutch.”

    — The Observer (London)

Desolation Island Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 54.4 out of 5 (4.40)
5 Stars: 36
4 Stars: 19
3 Stars: 10
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 54.875 out of 5 (4.88)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 54.375 out of 5 (4.38)
5 Stars: 4
4 Stars: 3
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — 1/22/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — ILRose, 8/24/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — David Bamford, 12/17/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Everything you expect from an O'Brian story. Excellent research. "

    — Jim, 11/3/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Jerald McCoy, 3/18/2022
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Sofie Borud, 3/4/2022
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    — Doug , 1/10/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Thomas Hjerpe, 8/16/2021
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin British sea adventures are great reads. O'Brian sets a fast past and the reader is quickly drawn into the story and the characters who are involved. This particular story involves a sea chase between two warring ships, with Captain Aubrey's ship at a considerable disadvantage.Aubrey ship is disabled and he and his crew eventually have to take refuge on a small, cold island in the Antarctic Ocean where they have to put the ship back into sailing order again. O'Brian information on the "tall sailing ships" and the historical circumstances of competition on the seas during the Napoleonic Wars is considered to be excellent. "

    — Helen, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was very good, especially after having read "the Endeavor." (another terrific book, with amazing pictures). "

    — Darlene, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " kinda incomplete. seems to leave the reader with an incomplete story. "

    — Ben, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved it. Oh how I wish I could go sailing for a few months with Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Which is quite remarkable, since up to a few short months ago I never thought twice about sailing ships. "

    — John, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Once again, I'm more interested in the people than the naval action but still loved this. Jack is bewilderingly misogynistic and Stephen is bewilderingly besotted by someone who doesn't seem to have any redeemable features. So, pretty much business as usual. "

    — Dodie, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Some of the best psychological insight into intelligence and warfare in the series. "

    — Vincent, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " My favourite of all of them, I think. The sequence with the Waargzaamheit (or however you spell it) is so riveting, I had to hold my breath through it. I love this series so much. "

    — marginalia, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The chase should get this six stars as should the horror of long days trying to save the Leopard. O'B comes adrift slightly with his women. Why do they all seem so slightly unbelievable? "

    — Nick, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Just as good as the first four. Just 17 more to go! "

    — Chris, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Working my way through the series and so far this one was my favorite. It struck just the right balance for me between history and fiction, between home life and sea life, and between humorous repartee and depictions of the horrors and challenges of battles at sea. I was genuinely fearful of Aubrey's chances, despite knowing there are an additional 17(?) books left to go in the series. Who's to say the remaining novels aren't prequels, or standalone adventures? Not me. "

    — Kristine, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I felt that this book got off to a bit of a slow start, but then it grabbed my interest and wouldn't let go until the end. Epidemics on board, intrigue and spy work, and then ending up in the antarctic ocean with the ship about to sink...what more could I ask for in the way of adventure? "

    — Becca, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A continuation of the Patrick O'Brian seafaring tales. Lots of nautical terms but a good adventure story. "

    — Allison, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Like many of the works of the period I have read, it requires a pretty intense level of concentration, suitable for going to sleep(mental exhaustion lol) "

    — Gina, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved it. Oh how I wish I could go sailing for a few months with Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Which is quite remarkable, since up to a few short months ago I never thought twice about sailing ships. "

    — John, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Although I still am ignorant as to the sailing of anything, the enjoyment of these well written books doesn't depend on the technical understanding of sailing. "

    — Sandy, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A tad uneven, but the description of the Waakzaamhied's chase of the Leopard is one of the most chilling and vivid passages I've ever read. "

    — Ian, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A great historical fiction novel. The characters develop throughout the novel and the whole series. Each book reads well on its own, but is even better as part of the whole. "

    — Hazel, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another very good read from O'Brian. I believe there is more to the story than we are told so far. "

    — Murdock, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my favourites of the series. Exemplifies the courage and ingenuity of those men. "

    — Stephen, 12/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The entire series is amazing. O'Brian's writing is a delight to read and while I could quibble over 4.5 stars or 5 per each volume I'm rating it across their totality. "

    — Dan, 12/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This has perhaps the most exciting chase scene EVER. Well, at least so exciting that I spent an extra ten minutes on the treadmill just to finish it even though I wasn't reading the book for the first time. (1) "

    — Savannah, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not my favorite installment in the series. A Maturin-focused book. Lots of spying and intrigue. Fewer naval battles. Shipwrecks and survival were interesting and the cliffhanger ending left me looking forward to the next book. "

    — Clay, 12/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved it. Very cool to think about being stranded on an island. "

    — Laurie, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not quite as good as the previous 4, felt there was something lacking. However I've got the next installment on my shelf. "

    — Deanne, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book makes being stuck on an icebound island sound like a great adventure. Wild weather and the unexpected keep this book constantly on the edge of disaster. Only Jack Aubrey could keep a ship together in these circumstances. "

    — Edward, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A great historical fiction novel. The characters develop throughout the novel and the whole series. Each book reads well on its own, but is even better as part of the whole. "

    — Hazel, 10/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A good and entertaining book. "

    — Tom, 5/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Oh I just love these books. Maybe this is really tom-boyish of me to read them but I just love the writing, the characters, the sea-adventure-gone-wrong....reading these books makes me so happy. "

    — Reba, 2/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Shipboard life is written so vividly that you can almost feel the boat rock and stench permeate, I just had little interest in the characters. This is my first reading of this author, maybe I needed to start at the beginning to appreciate the players. "

    — Jeanne, 10/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " So by now, I've admitted to myself, despite the hype, that P O'B is far, far superior to Forester, Pope, or Kent. Why, he's an adventurer's Jane Austen, and he never, ever puts a foot wrong. "

    — Mackay, 9/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Keep 'em coming, Randy. "

    — Marianne, 9/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Ahhh. I will run out of superlatives long before I finish this series. Rivetting as always. "

    — Diana, 6/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Carino, ma a pag.180 ancora non succede niente. "

    — Francesca, 5/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I felt that this book got off to a bit of a slow start, but then it grabbed my interest and wouldn't let go until the end. Epidemics on board, intrigue and spy work, and then ending up in the antarctic ocean with the ship about to sink...what more could I ask for in the way of adventure? "

    — Becca, 4/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A good book. Lucky Jack Aubrey seems to have left all his luck at home on this voyage as everything that can go wrong does. "

    — Paul, 12/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I forget how much I like these books, and Desolation Island is particularly good - even though in some ways it has less action or plot than most of the series. "

    — Nick, 11/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book is the kind that is relentless - one thing after another, each of them ratchetting up the tension. Just when you think things can't get worse, they do, and it's all quite brilliant. "

    — Boz4pm, 9/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Napleonic naval "

    — Ron, 7/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Possibly my favorite so far. This one has everything--plus a Newfoundland dog and as many references to Aphra Behn as a girl could hope for. "

    — Currer, 5/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another good historical sea saga about Capt. Aubrey and his friend, Dr. Maturin. "

    — Keith, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " My favorite one in the series so far. The last third is extremely gripping. "

    — Alex, 4/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book makes being stuck on an icebound island sound like a great adventure. Wild weather and the unexpected keep this book constantly on the edge of disaster. Only Jack Aubrey could keep a ship together in these circumstances. "

    — Edward, 3/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Previously read in late 2008. "

    — Greg, 3/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book contains one of the most remarkable descriptions I ever read, of two ships weathering high seas off the Cape of Good Hope. "

    — Jocelyn, 2/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Icebergs, you gotta watch out for 'em! "

    — Squeaky, 1/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wow. Just wow. This book is an absolutely amazing description of life at sea during the Napoleonic Wars. The characters are truly gripping and the ending is absolutely satisfactory. "

    — Maeve, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Wow. Just wow. This book is an absolutely amazing description of life at sea during the Napoleonic Wars. The characters are truly gripping and the ending is absolutely satisfactory. "

    — Maeve, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Less action than some of the other books in the series, with Aubry captaining HMS Leopard, a rather clunky 50 armed with carronades.<br/>More about the doctor than it is the captain. "

    — Doc, 10/21/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Less action than some of the other books in the series, with Aubry captaining HMS Leopard, a rather clunky 50 armed with carronades.<br/>More about the doctor than it is the captain. "

    — Doc, 10/21/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another great chapter in the Captain Jack and Dr Maturin series "

    — Tagg, 9/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another great chapter in the Captain Jack and Dr Maturin series "

    — Tagg, 9/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Ah, one of the best (of the best)! "

    — Alan, 8/5/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Ah, one of the best (of the best)! "

    — Alan, 8/5/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved it. Very cool to think about being stranded on an island. "

    — Laurie, 7/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved it. Very cool to think about being stranded on an island. "

    — Laurie, 7/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Although I still am ignorant as to the sailing of anything, the enjoyment of these well written books doesn't depend on the technical understanding of sailing. "

    — Sandy, 7/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Although I still am ignorant as to the sailing of anything, the enjoyment of these well written books doesn't depend on the technical understanding of sailing. "

    — Sandy, 7/8/2010

About Patrick O'Brian

Patrick O’Brian (1914–2000), a translator and author of biographies, was best known as the author of the highly acclaimed Aubrey–Maturin series of historical novels. Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars ,this twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician and spy Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. He wrote acclaimed biographies of Pablo Picasso and Sir Joseph Banks. He also translated many works from the French, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Lacouture’s biographies of Charles de Gaulle.