The Surgeons Mate Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample

The Surgeon's Mate Audiobook

The Surgeons Mate Audiobook, by Patrick O'Brian Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 10.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 7.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Aubrey–Maturin Series Release Date: December 2003 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781436100410

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

23

Longest Chapter Length:

57:55 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:10 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

39:22 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

65

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

Publisher Description

Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are ordered home by dispatch vessel to bring the news of their latest victory to the government. But Maturin is a marked man for the havoc he has wrought in the French intelligence network in the New World, and the attention of two privateers soon becomes menacing. The chase that follows through the fogs and shallows of the Grand Banks is as tense, and as unexpected in its culmination, as anything Patrick O'Brian has written.

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"Nice cruise into the Baltic, lots of political and military intrigue and a bit of navigational background into this area. Jack's in deep sh*t business-wise and a little politically, Maturin's at his finest as an intelligence agent, spy and scientist. The final chapters in Paris are obviously not naval at all and rather eventless as far as action goes, but all's well that ends well and never mind manouvres, always go straight at 'em. The wedding at the end may be a little schmaltzy for some readers, though."

— Robert (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “[O’Brian is] better than anybody at historical fiction.”

    — Denver Post, praise for the series
  • “The best thing afloat since Horatio Hornblower.”

    — The Observer (London)

The Surgeon's Mate Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.24 out of 54.24 out of 54.24 out of 54.24 out of 54.24 out of 5 (4.24)
5 Stars: 31
4 Stars: 32
3 Stars: 11
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.88888888888889 out of 54.88888888888889 out of 54.88888888888889 out of 54.88888888888889 out of 54.88888888888889 out of 5 (4.89)
5 Stars: 8
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 54.75 out of 5 (4.75)
5 Stars: 6
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • 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

    " The Surgeon's Mate is another solid installment in the Aubrey-Maturin series. The narration, as always, is wonderful. Lots of nautical fun and games in the Baltic, and a bit of romance in Paris, with the spotlight on Stephen. "

    — ILRose, 9/6/2023
  • 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, 2/21/2023
  • 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: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Bruce Jondle, 12/5/2022
  • 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

    — otte Rosenkrantz, 2/5/2022
  • 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

    — Steven Shockway, 8/15/2021
  • Overall Performance: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Anthony Schiro, 9/28/2020
  • 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

    — Edwin Gordon, 7/14/2020
  • 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

    — Lauchlin Meagher, 5/4/2020
  • 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, 1/4/2019
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " O.K. I was going to give it 2 stars, but the last chapter took it up one. "

    — Michael, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " O'Brian is one of my reliable vacation authors. Who can resist a Basque spy/scientist/physician in the 19th century British Navy? "

    — nlh, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " From the author of Master and Commander. Great read. "

    — Beth, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " O'Brian is one of my reliable vacation authors. Who can resist a Basque spy/scientist/physician in the 19th century British Navy? "

    — nlh, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please note, this 5 star rating is based on my long ago memories of this book - I may have read it greater than 12 years ago. I recall reading and really liking it, and even kept the book to read again in the future (something I only do with good, or otherwise significant books). The memories of an old man are sometimes faulty so this could really only warrant 3.5 to 4.5 stars, instead of the 5 I gave it. Once I re-read the book I will update this rating/review to more accurately reflect my thoughts. "

    — Bill, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another favorite from O'Brian's series of masterful historical fiction. "

    — Philip, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Boat Book #7. Yay for the fewer boat battles! Stephen's cool. But I still dislike Diana. "

    — Drianne, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The last few Aubrey/Maturin books kind of run into each other so on with this one. It is the weakest of the bunch thus far; enjoyable, to be sure, but lacking the sense of action that the first few books carried. Still, an immersive world of strong characters and invested reading. "

    — Ian, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Like all of the Aubrey/Maturin books, this was just a ripping good tale. O'Brian lets you smell the powder, hear the tearing canvas and feel the salt spray. And his characters and plots are not only believable but very much alive. "

    — Dan, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love Patrick O'Brian, 'nuff said... "

    — Chris, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Finally Dr Maturin displays his abilities in this last three books resolving several story lines with his work in espionage. He even gets Diana to finally marry him. "

    — Nicole, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " More. What could I say? Putty in the man's hands. "

    — Mackay, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best books in the series ... only 4 stars because of extensive typos in the Norton hardcover version I am reading now. "

    — Doug, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " There's hardly any naval battles in this novel. I'm beginning to wonder if I should bother finishing the series, or just reread Hornblower. "

    — Elron, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 1st Recorded Reading: August 2001 "

    — Kathryn, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good addition to the continuing story of Jack A. and Stephen M. The ending was a bit of a surprise for me, which is always a plus. "

    — Tlnorz, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very good read. All I can say re: the plot is... it's about time! You'll see, in the last 25 pages or so ;-) "

    — Paul-Dad-TheAged, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good. I have read it before. "

    — Alec, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another very enjoyable tale of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. Read three in succession they're so addictive. "

    — James, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another favorite from O'Brian's series of masterful historical fiction. "

    — Philip, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Spy novel: with romance and ships! "

    — Will, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another in O'Brian's series of Aubrey-Maturin historical novels, set in the British navy during the Napoleonic era. Thoroughly enjoyable and meticulously researched as always. "

    — Eric, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Starts with Stephen, Jack, and Diana V in America. Then off to sea--in various ships. What new scrapes will Jack get into? Will Stephen ever learn to board a ship without falling? Stay tuned.... "

    — LDuchess, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series continues to thrill... for an erstwhile sailor like myself, and lover of the Great Ships, this stuff is like eye and brain candy. "

    — Rob, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " O.K. I was going to give it 2 stars, but the last chapter took it up one. "

    — Michael, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best books in the series ... only 4 stars because of extensive typos in the Norton hardcover version I am reading now. "

    — Doug, 11/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another fine Aubrey-Maturin entry. "

    — Jack, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Boat Book #7. Yay for the fewer boat battles! Stephen's cool. But I still dislike Diana. "

    — Drianne, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Like all of the Aubrey/Maturin books, this was just a ripping good tale. O'Brian lets you smell the powder, hear the tearing canvas and feel the salt spray. And his characters and plots are not only believable but very much alive. "

    — Dan, 8/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Other than Aubrey and Maturin sailing off together, these books are incredibly varied. A particularly fun one! "

    — Jane, 8/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excellent, of course. And again and again. "

    — Diana, 7/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " But why does Jagiello say "Draw, incest," to the Dane on page 246? "

    — Squeaky, 7/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another excellent chapter in what has basically become, by this point, one enormously long book. A delightful ending. "

    — Matthias, 6/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Interesting that they are in America. "

    — Darlene, 5/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have loved this entire series so far, but The Surgeon's Mate was one of O'Brian's better ones. The plot is a lot of fun, as always, but he also explores some interesting insights into human nature that I found fascinating. "

    — Tagg, 1/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The endings of these books are so fantastic that it is impossible not to go on to the next. "

    — Tiffin, 1/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have loved this entire series so far, but The Surgeon's Mate was one of O'Brian's better ones. The plot is a lot of fun, as always, but he also explores some interesting insights into human nature that I found fascinating. "

    — Tagg, 12/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This one had a lot of great moments, but seemed less than the sum of it's parts to me. The last fifth or so was great, though, and the ending was lovely. "

    — Currer, 11/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great Aubrey/Maturin novel. Some parts dragged a bit, but there was plenty of sea battle action and naval companionship to liven my days! "

    — Kiri, 10/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An enjoyable story. "

    — Tom, 7/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another solid, charming entry in the series, flocked with high-seas adventure and O'Brian's signature straight-faced humor. "

    — K.M., 6/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " From the author of Master and Commander. Great read. "

    — Beth, 4/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Re-read: August 2012 "

    — Sara, 4/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Finally Dr Maturin displays his abilities in this last three books resolving several story lines with his work in espionage. He even gets Diana to finally marry him. "

    — Nicole, 3/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fun. O'Brian is still finding ways to keep it fresh. "

    — Aneel, 3/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Listened to this as a recorded book. Great tale, humor, adventure, endearing characters, wonderful descriptions. "

    — Jean, 2/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " O'Brian never fails. All the humor, adventure, suspense and historical detail of the previous Aubrey/Maturin novels. And finally some loose ends are settled, or so we are led to believe. For pure escapism history buffs can do no better than this master novelist. "

    — Ian, 11/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another very enjoyable tale of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. Read three in succession they're so addictive. "

    — James, 7/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another in O'Brian's series of Aubrey-Maturin historical novels, set in the British navy during the Napoleonic era. Thoroughly enjoyable and meticulously researched as always. "

    — Eric, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another in O'Brian's series of Aubrey-Maturin historical novels, set in the British navy during the Napoleonic era. Thoroughly enjoyable and meticulously researched as always. "

    — Eric, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " O'Brian never fails. All the humor, adventure, suspense and historical detail of the previous Aubrey/Maturin novels. And finally some loose ends are settled, or so we are led to believe. For pure escapism history buffs can do no better than this master novelist. "

    — Ian, 5/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " O'Brian never fails. All the humor, adventure, suspense and historical detail of the previous Aubrey/Maturin novels. And finally some loose ends are settled, or so we are led to believe. For pure escapism history buffs can do no better than this master novelist. "

    — Ian, 5/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in January 2009. "

    — Greg, 3/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have loved this entire series so far, but The Surgeon's Mate was one of O'Brian's better ones. The plot is a lot of fun, as always, but he also explores some interesting insights into human nature that I found fascinating. "

    — Tagg, 1/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have loved this entire series so far, but The Surgeon's Mate was one of O'Brian's better ones. The plot is a lot of fun, as always, but he also explores some interesting insights into human nature that I found fascinating. "

    — Tagg, 1/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series continues to thrill... for an erstwhile sailor like myself, and lover of the Great Ships, this stuff is like eye and brain candy. "

    — Rob, 12/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series continues to thrill... for an erstwhile sailor like myself, and lover of the Great Ships, this stuff is like eye and brain candy. "

    — Rob, 12/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love Patrick O'Brian, 'nuff said... "

    — Chris, 12/9/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love Patrick O'Brian, 'nuff said... "

    — Chris, 12/9/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good. It was more of the same from the series, but I've enjoyed them all, so that's not a bad thing. There was some action at the end of this one that actually made me a little anxious. So that was good. "

    — Motorcycle, 9/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good. It was more of the same from the series, but I've enjoyed them all, so that's not a bad thing. There was some action at the end of this one that actually made me a little anxious. So that was good. "

    — Motorcycle, 9/10/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " In this book our heroes are held captive by the French...but there is hope: Book #8! What a delightful serial experience; at the end of one book, you look forward to the next! "

    — Sandy, 7/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " In this book our heroes are held captive by the French...but there is hope: Book #8! What a delightful serial experience; at the end of one book, you look forward to the next! "

    — Sandy, 7/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I took it as a light holiday read and that is exactly what it is. Thoroughly enjoyable. "

    — David, 6/25/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I took it as a light holiday read and that is exactly what it is. Thoroughly enjoyable. "

    — David, 6/25/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best books in the series ... only 4 stars because of extensive typos in the Norton hardcover version I am reading now. "

    — doug, 5/13/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the best books in the series ... only 4 stars because of extensive typos in the Norton hardcover version I am reading now. "

    — doug, 5/13/2010

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.

About Patrick Tull

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.