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The Far Side of the World Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample

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4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00) - 4,197 customer ratings
The Far Side of the World Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Patrick O’Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Audio Length: Series:The Aubrey–Maturin Series Release Date: February 2008 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781501984204
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Publisher Description

The South Seas are a paradise for battle-weary Captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin. But their peace is disturbed when Stephen’s fancy for a peculiar marine organism lands him overboard. Acting in his usual headstrong fashion, Jack dives in to the rescue, unfortunately failing to plan what will happen once they are both in the water watching the sails of the HMS Surprise disappear in the mist.

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Quotes

  • “The Aubrey-Maturin series…far beyond any episodic chronicle, ebbs and flows with the timeless tide of character and the human heart.”

    - Washington Post, praise for the series

  • “O’Brian’s twenty–volume masterpiece.”

    - Slate, praise for the series

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " No 10 in series is a good story. Like O'Brien other books in this series, it is hard to postpone listening. "

    - dre, 1/7/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really enjoyable - had a slow start when I began it once before, but picked it up again as I began commuting. The history's interesting but not overbearing, and the storytelling is really fun. I got this one free with cereal, but I'm sure I'll look up more of the series when my mind needs to flee from public transport to the adventurous seas of a different time. "

    - Julian, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another quality book in this series! Great action, and some plot events that might have come across as far-fetched were O'Brian not a master of his craft. "

    - Kiri, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I definitely think this is one of the better books in the series so far. I thoroughly enjoyed it - plenty of action and unexpected events. "

    - Steph, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This one is the volume that the movie released a few years ago was primarily based on; however, the movie drew from several of the books, not just this one. Still, it was a good movie (but a far better book, as is often the case). "

    - J.E., 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The ending is incredible! "

    - Anna, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fun, though slower than the others. Makes Maturin out to be a boobie. "

    - Ahf, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another excellent episode from the Aubrey-Maturin saga. "

    - Noel, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Ship wrecks, Americans, and adventures around the cape. No battles though. "

    - Will, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " As the title implies the movie is most similar to this book. The details are very different however. Particularly once the Surprise passes the cape. A good read. Steven manages to almost kill himself....again. "

    - Heath, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Just finished it. Not the best in the series, but ok... "

    - HA, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another excellent episode from the Aubrey-Maturin saga. "

    - Noel, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Pretty solid book. O'Brian's obviously deliberate anachronistic writing style makes it a bit of a slow read at points, but following the adventures of the Surprises was still quite entertaining, even if the end was a tad anticlimactic. Still, I'm a convert, and will be reading more from him in the future. "

    - David, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A bit disappointing when compared to the previous installment I read. Has some gaps in the plot where elements are not explained, which makes it a bit hard to follow. "

    - Tom, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great historical novel of Capt. Aubrey and his friend, Dr. Maturin. This time they are way out in the Pacific fighting a cunning French enemy. "

    - Keith, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was the first of the Jack Aubrey novels for me to read. It has changed me forever. "

    - Bob, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A bit disappointing when compared to the previous installment I read. Has some gaps in the plot where elements are not explained, which makes it a bit hard to follow. "

    - Tom, 12/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite adventures so far, lots of sea action and twists and turns. This series just keeps getting better and better. I'm slowing down now and savoring every single book, I don't want the fun to end! "

    - Libby, 11/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Still sailing happily along. A master of the historical novel, of the sailing yarn, and of writing. "

    - Mackay, 11/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I actually read the book (not listened to it). I am at about #20 of the series. Love the whole series - all 4-5 in my opinion. "

    - Pam, 10/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another classic, though more meandering that some previous installments. Patrick Tull is always a pleasure to hear narrating these great books. "

    - Paul, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Some improbably surrealistic events in this one, which probably means that O'Brian had exact accounts in triplicate to support them, but still. Showcases the tendency of the A/M books to end precisely where most authors would begin the big climactic action. "

    - Michael, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Proper English. Learned a lot of new words. Wanderful story could not put it away. One of my best reads. "

    - Margareta, 7/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin as they sail to Cape Horn. "

    - Marts, 7/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " You keep waiting for the quality of the writing to diminish , but the auhtor never falls into formula. "

    - Frank, 7/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Proper English. Learned a lot of new words. Wanderful story could not put it away. One of my best reads. "

    - Margareta, 6/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " As the title implies the movie is most similar to this book. The details are very different however. Particularly once the Surprise passes the cape. A good read. Steven manages to almost kill himself....again. "

    - Heath, 4/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great chapter in the Aubrey / Maturin series. Fun plot, fun to read as always "

    - Tagg, 4/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read Feb. 1, 2009 "

    - Greg, 1/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 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, 1/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " (Maturin got Diana to marry him. Yay! I hope my local library fills in some of the gaps in its collection so I find out how that happened.) "

    - Kate, 1/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read Feb. 1, 2009 "

    - Greg, 1/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As enjoyable on reread as it was originally. I had forgotten how much I adore this series. Maturin and Martin are such adorkable science nerds! "

    - Isis, 12/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Jack and Steven head off to the Pacific, chasing an American warship. Jack and Steven fall off Surprise and are rescued by Polynesian maidens (topless) who apparently want to do Jack a mischief to his privates. Yikes! "

    - Squeaky, 9/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 3.5 good old Aubrey Maturin story. "

    - benebean, 9/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was really good. I had fun reading it until we went on a tangent in the middle of the paragraph and Patrick O'Brien (the author) took us into an entirely different direction. Kinda like the turn of wind on the sea. Kinda like life on a ship. "

    - Beth, 6/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Do enjoy spending time in the company of Jack and Stephen, can understand why hollywood would change the book as much as they did. "

    - Deanne, 6/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best entries in the series. "

    - Jack, 5/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The doctor gets to see the natural wonders of the Galapagos and Capt. Aubrey finally looks to be headed home to a better financial situation. "

    - Kendra, 3/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great chapter in the Aubrey / Maturin series. Fun plot, fun to read as always "

    - Tagg, 1/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Different from the movie. "

    - Peter, 12/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was really good. I had fun reading it until we went on a tangent in the middle of the paragraph and Patrick O'Brien (the author) took us into an entirely different direction. Kinda like the turn of wind on the sea. Kinda like life on a ship. "

    - Beth, 12/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " You keep waiting for the quality of the writing to diminish , but the auhtor never falls into formula. "

    - Frank, 6/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Awesome, although I needed a dictionary of naval terminology to fully appreciate all the technical stuff. Great story. "

    - Tom, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Absolutely one of the best of the series, along with The Mauritius Command and, of course, H.M.S. Surprise. "

    - Brittany, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " not bad for an adventure novel and the characters are well written but it would desperately need a sailing term glossary to make proper sense "

    - Netts, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Up helm, stu'n'sails alo and aloft! Beat to quarters! A bit difficult if you don't pick up the salty jargon, but I got totally lost amongst the images in this one, not to mention getting hooked in the process. "

    - Horton, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love all of the Jack Aubrey series. I must admit I tend to skim the battle scenes but the characters and dialogue are brilliant, often laugh out loud funny. I love the sense of being immersed in a historical era, and Patrick O'Brian does that superbly well. "

    - Susan, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A new addiction has begun.... "

    - Jillian, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good story, but I will admit a bit hard to read. Lots of long sentences. Having the visuals from the movie in my mind did help. "

    - John, 4/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I listened to this on audio and it was delightful, perfect for audio. I'll read the others when I can. "

    - Daryoung, 4/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A good, fun story. Sometimes you feel you're right in a ship's cabin with the waves and cannon shot close by. Can't see my wife enjoying it, but then, I wouldn't enjoy the potato peel society. "

    - Spencer, 4/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great chapter in the Aubrey / Maturin series. Fun plot, fun to read as always "

    - Tagg, 4/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I can't do this one - I'm sure if you had a visual maritime archival vocabulary you'd love it. I'm just not a boat nerd. "

    - Barry, 4/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " If I had a grasp of the technical terms, the nautical lingo or even understood half of the English I might have enjoyed this book. "

    - Elizabeth, 4/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " All done. These books are getting easier to follow. "

    - Aaron, 3/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love this series. Aubrey and Maturin have such a great friendship. "

    - Sarah, 12/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This one is the volume that the movie released a few years ago was primarily based on; however, the movie drew from several of the books, not just this one. Still, it was a good movie (but a far better book, as is often the case). "

    - J.E., 11/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite adventures so far, lots of sea action and twists and turns. This series just keeps getting better and better. I'm slowing down now and savoring every single book, I don't want the fun to end! "

    - Libby, 7/9/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Our Boys in the British Navy hit the Pacific Ocean. Terrific as always, and Patrick Tull's narration of the audiobooks continues to be a thing of joy. "

    - Matthias, 7/1/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " could not finish - to hard/slow to reaad "

    - Clint, 5/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " AWESOME! One of the few O'Brian novels that takes place mostly atr sea, Aubrey and the crew of The Surprise chase an American ship across two oceans to the far reaches of the South Pacific... "

    - Brian, 5/3/2010

About the Author

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.

About the Narrator

Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.