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The Truelove Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample

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3.99981929887965 out of 53.99981929887965 out of 53.99981929887965 out of 53.99981929887965 out of 53.99981929887965 out of 5 (4.00) - 5,534 customer ratings
The Truelove 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: Release Date: December 2016 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781440781476
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Publisher Description

A British whaler has been captured by an ambitious chief in the sandwich islands at French instigation, and Captain Aubrey, R. N., Is dispatched with the Surprise to restore order. But stowed away in the cable-tier is an escaped female convict. To the officers, Clarissa Harvill is an object of awkward courtliness and dangerous jealousies. Aubrey himself is won over and indeed strongly attracted to this woman who will not speak of her past. But only Aubrey's friend, Dr. Stephen Maturin, can fathom Clarissa's secrets: her crime, her personality, and a clue identifying a highly placed English spy in the pay of Napoleon's intelligence service. In a thrilling finale, Patrick O'Brian delivers all the excitement his many readers expect: Aubrey and the crew of the Surprise impose a brutal pax Britannica upon the islanders in a pitched battle against a band of headhunting cannibals.

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Customer Reviews

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  • 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

    " O'Brian can be difficult to read but is wonderful to listen to when read by narrators like Patrick Tull. The language is sumptuous and period-perfect. Moreover, the author's mastery of details of the British Navy circa 1803 is unmatched. "

    - Yovo, 10/23/2019
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This entry in the series did not do much for me. Not much action throughout. "

    - Stan, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " #15 in the series. This book was another good addition to this long series of sea stories. "

    - Sandy, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Too much Clarissa and not enough... Well, not enough anything else really. "

    - Robyn, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " We "read" this audio book on a recent trip. It makes a good companion on the road, with the usual cast of characters. THis story is not too compelling, though, as Aubrey and the crew sail to one of the Sandwich Islands to take sides in a local dispute and keep the island for Britain. The "Surprise" is now operating as a privateer with a letter of marque, and not a royal navy vessel. THe real story is about a woman, with a mysterious past, sneaked aboard by a junior officer, and her effect on the crew. "

    - Jrobertus, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Overall, I am a huge fan of the series in general and O'Brian's writing in particular. His style is wonderful--there is hardly a better master of subtle and super-subtle irony going. But with this and the previous entry in the series, I feel as if the energy is flagging a little bit. As he has done several times in the past, O'Brian turns to ringing subtle changes on characters we have met previously by introducing new characters that chime with them in interesting ways. Enter Clarissa Oakes. Except that this time the new character seems to be a much more pallid version of Diana Villiers and Louisa Wogan. Naturally, she becomes the means for Maturin to ferret out (perhaps) the last of the nest of spies that has been a major part of the story arc for the previous six or seven novels. As interesting as parts of this several novel south seas interlude has been, I am eager to see O'Brian bring the series back to Europe and to the main sphere of action. Of course there are difficulties with that, since in the time frame he is working with, the British Navy has little to offer a ship of the line captain (such as Aubrey) except blockade duty. Here's hoping O'Brian racked his brains and came up with an interesting solution to these problems in the series' final quarter and returns the focus in some ways to the interactions between Aubrey and Maturin. On a different note (and I can't remember if I have remarked on this before--here's hoping that if I did, I write about differently this time), it is endlessly fascinating to see how O'Brian starts each of these novels off with a unique précis that doesn't repeat all the other little summaries he has given, just in case there is some reader out there who picked up the series in the middle. "

    - Nelson, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Wow, these books really seem to be slowing down. There was next to no action in this book at all. I had a really hard time getting through it. There was so much going on in the ship that was just hinted at here and there so you never really get a clear picture of what is really happening - and I'm not sure that I want to know some of the details. As seems to happen a lot with these books, the main action happens in the last 10 pages or so which makes you then want to continue on with the series to see what happens next. "

    - Steph, 2/3/2014
  • 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, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love the all Aubrey-Maturin novels and this one was great, too. "

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

    " Builds on the previous 14 books in the Aubrey-Maturin series "

    - Paul, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Dammit, another non-ending. I guess my marathon continues... "

    - Ken-ichi, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good stuff, lots of words to look up. "

    - Squeaky, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the shorter novels is the series, and looking back, one where surprisingly little happens. That is to say, there is only a gradual change in setting, and little tumultuous action. O'Brian uses this longer voyage to segway into a social experiment of the effect of women (a woman) in an environment normally totally devoid of their presence. The result is a some beautiful character development and fascinating conversation about the nature of relationships, conversation & communication, and general society. "

    - Cole, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please finish them all, for all love! "

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

    " another great book in the series "

    - Williamfry44, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " another great book in the series "

    - Williamfry44, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Audiobook version, narrated by Simon Vance. "

    - Karen, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Don't like O'Brian's prose. He is a good writer, just not my style. I may finish the book sometime in the future. "

    - Edward, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The worst book of the series. "

    - John, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If you read Patrick O'Brian, I suggest you start from the beginning with Master and Commander. The books make more sense if you follow the history of the series "

    - Timothy, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The Pacific Ocean Islands beckon for Captain Jack Aubrey and ship's surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin, together with thrilling adventures at sea. The equilibrium of shipboard life is unbalanced and Stephen receives valuable intelligence from an unexpected source. "

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

    " Entitled "Clarissa Oakes" in the UK "

    - Martin, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I think it's because yet again there was a woman on board but I really liked this one. I also liked Emily and Sarah and how they had different dialects for different parts of the ship. "

    - Courtney, 12/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Patrick O'Brian wrote with such color and detail about this period that I am always captivated. This is one of my favorites of the Aubrey/Maturin series as it shows how the ship's company can be effected by a female presence on board. Loved it. "

    - Susan, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorites so far in this series. Martin and Maturin's adventures in Australia had me laughing out loud, and the clever interweaving of the bits of plot surrounding Clarissa, Padeen, Maturin and his intrigues were perfect. "

    - Isis, 11/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This one is another that dips just slightly in the pace of the story, though there are some very important pieces of the overall arc introduced here. "

    - J.E., 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another great episode of the Aubrey-Maturin series. This is my 10th time through the series, and it keeps getting better. A lot to unwrap in this one. Audible edition, read by Patrick Tull. "

    - Brian, 10/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another entertaining story from O'Brian. Wonderfully descriptive and engaging throughout. "

    - Mark, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " More adventures for Captain Jack Aubrey and his good friend Stephen Maturin. I've already started the next book so particulars about this one are fading. I'm still enjoying the series and I think I need to watch Master and Commander again now that I know most of the characters pretty well. "

    - ghostlibrarian, 9/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If you read Patrick O'Brian, I suggest you start from the beginning with Master and Commander. The books make more sense if you follow the history of the series "

    - Timothy, 9/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Still working my way through the Patrick O'Brian series, and this book is a fine addition the the group. Not my favorite, although I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite, but enjoyable nonetheless. "

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

    " I think it's because yet again there was a woman on board but I really liked this one. I also liked Emily and Sarah and how they had different dialects for different parts of the ship. "

    - Courtney, 4/19/2013
  • 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, 4/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " So far, my least favorite. Nothing new or exciting. Must have been during a dry spell or for money. "

    - Theron, 2/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This one is another that dips just slightly in the pace of the story, though there are some very important pieces of the overall arc introduced here. "

    - J.E., 1/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in mid-2008, again in May 2009. Aubrey and Maturin sail from Sydney to Moahu. Intrigue involving Clarissa Oakes. "

    - Greg, 10/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Part of a series of seafaring historical novels. Not much plot, but certainly a primer on 18th (19th?) century seamanship. "

    - Enid, 9/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The worst book of the series. "

    - John, 6/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " #15 in the series. This book was another good addition to this long series of sea stories. "

    - Sandy, 3/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please finish them all, for all love! "

    - Kathryn, 2/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not nearly as good in my opinion as the other books in the series to date. This novel was light on plot and seemed to be more of a place holder than anything else. "

    - Tagg, 12/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorites so far in this series. Martin and Maturin's adventures in Australia had me laughing out loud, and the clever interweaving of the bits of plot surrounding Clarissa, Padeen, Maturin and his intrigues were perfect. "

    - Isis, 10/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Too much Clarissa and not enough... Well, not enough anything else really. "

    - Robyn, 9/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Don't like O'Brian's prose. He is a good writer, just not my style. I may finish the book sometime in the future. "

    - Edward, 8/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " So far, my least favorite. Nothing new or exciting. Must have been during a dry spell or for money. "

    - Theron, 8/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in mid-2008, again in May 2009. Aubrey and Maturin sail from Sydney to Moahu. Intrigue involving Clarissa Oakes. "

    - Greg, 6/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interesting details on sailing ships. Odd focus on a female stowaway. "

    - Paul, 6/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The Pacific Ocean Islands beckon for Captain Jack Aubrey and ship's surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin, together with thrilling adventures at sea. The equilibrium of shipboard life is unbalanced and Stephen receives valuable intelligence from an unexpected source. "

    - JoTownhead, 5/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good stuff, lots of words to look up. "

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

    " Previously read in mid-2008. "

    - Greg, 3/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Only five left! What ever will I do when I finish them? Start them all again of course. "

    - Booksthailand, 3/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please finish them all, for all love! "

    - Kathryn, 12/4/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This one is another that dips just slightly in the pace of the story, though there are some very important pieces of the overall arc introduced here. "

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

    " #15 in the series. This book was another good addition to this long series of sea stories. "

    - Sandy, 9/16/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Dammit, another non-ending. I guess my marathon continues... "

    - Ken-ichi, 8/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One young woman can cause a lot of trouble on a ship full of men. This book started off slowly, but soon it went along as his books usually do. Patrick O'Brian was apparently a keen observer of human nature. His depiction of characters' actions and reactions is simply exquisite. "

    - Jocelyn, 7/6/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Builds on the previous 14 books in the Aubrey-Maturin series "

    - Paul, 3/13/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorites so far in this series. Martin and Maturin's adventures in Australia had me laughing out loud, and the clever interweaving of the bits of plot surrounding Clarissa, Padeen, Maturin and his intrigues were perfect. "

    - Isis, 1/17/2010

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.