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The Wine-Dark Sea Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample

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4.00017674089784 out of 54.00017674089784 out of 54.00017674089784 out of 54.00017674089784 out of 54.00017674089784 out of 5 (4.00) - 5,658 customer ratings
The Wine-Dark Sea 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: March 2008 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781501992582
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Publisher Description

Large in body and spirit, Jack Aubrey throws his heavy frame up main-masts as if he were a boy of ten. Tendentiously traditional, Aubrey spends his evenings with ship's surgeon, Stephen Maturin, a brilliant naturalist and occasional spy for the British government. In the quiet of Aubrey's cabin, the two work on their Corelli; after numerous voyages their friendship has mellowed into a touching, if occasionally tempestuous, marriage. Devotees can expect a number of spectacular battle scenes, ship-board jests, and the historical mimicry for which O'Brian is so famous. Maturin's efforts to persuade Peruvians to revolt against the Spanish crown will send him on a perilous journey across the Andes, while Aubrey will be reunited briefly with his illegitimate black son, and suffer dreadfully under the blustery politics of a Rousseauian.

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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

    " if new to Patrick O'Brian this wouldn't be the place to start but if you've seen the Master and Commander movie you can miss the first of the series I suppose, There are several recordings of these wonderful novels but really the only ones worth having are the unabridged read by Patrick Tull. He was the absolute master at these - each character having a distintive and authentic sounding voice through him. I'm working my way all the way through - for the second time. car journeys pass so quickly. "

    - Caliban, 9/23/2017
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rambles a little in the middle but starts and ends very well indeed. "

    - David, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Faultless, as ever. The plotting was, perhaps, a little thin; but when it comes as part of such beautifully written prose, and interspersed with such fantastically observed events as the emergence of a new volcanic island, or Stephen's adventures in the Andes, I really can't bring myself to care. Only four books left in the series, though! I think I shall have to slow down my pace again. I find myself wanting to really draw this series out, to make it last. "

    - Siria, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I started reading this series in 2004 and stopped on this one for some reason. Time to get back to it! "

    - Barbara, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Awesome. Sea battles and Peruvian exploration and political intrigue and character interaction galore. The subtle touches of humor are delightful and had me laughing out loud on occasion. "

    - Isis, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this installment, but not as much as other novels in the series. I think it's because nothing really happens. OK, a lot happens, but no significant plot development. This is surprising, as the ship has finally reached the destination where Stephen can fulfill the commission he received three books ago. The book, however, is more notable for its unusual weather: a lightning strike; a blizzard in the Andes; a volcano. As always, there is the interesting human element -- including, in this case, a surgeon's assistant who doses himself for an imaginary complaint (which I see as O'Brian's way of retiring the character, who was getting a bit tedious) and a charismatic prisoner who causes trouble by talking up his vision of a democratic society. "

    - Jocelyn, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the most enjoyable in the series so far "

    - Nicholas, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not to read a handful of the Aubry books is to miss visiting one of the most thoroughly realized and absorbing imaginary worlds in all of English literature. O'Brian may not be as essential to life as Shakespeare, but he makes life richer by far. "

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

    " I have read the entire Aubrey/Maturn series at least six times, in order, and been captivated by many facets. Of course the sheer adventure is enthralling, but the way in which O'Brian has developed his characters as the books go along is magical. One reviewer called O'Brian " The Jane Austen of the 20th century." Right on! Only in the last two books as O'Brian aged and was no doubt under pressure from publishers, did the standards slip. "

    - Jerry, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another pleasant sea romp with Jack and Stephen this time off the coast of South America, lots of action but not one of the best in the series. Audio read by Patrick Tull. "

    - Sandi, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the blurbs on the back of my library copy of this book says that the pleasures of this series "defy enumeration", and that is so, so true. The richly researched historical setting, the quiet/smart humor, the truly amazing characters, the stylish writing, the exciting stories... This installment is a more rousing, swashbuckling adventure full of excitement than #15, which was a more character-driven tale, and it is a wonderful one, at that. I loved Stephen hiking the high Andes, the pirates, the underwater volcano (I don't think that's spoiler-y, given that it is pictured in the cover art on my library copy), and lovely big battles with American ships. And wow, after reading Desolation Island, I can't read about them sailing through the icebergs in the Antarctic waters with any equanimity. Edge of my seat! "

    - Julia, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This voyage is looooong. "

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

    " I know Patrick O'Brian is a cult figure for a number of readers and I can understand the attraction. Well written, deeply historical, great characterization and intriguing plots. I read this first and then The Hundred Days and then stopped. It just isn't for me to continue through the series. "

    - Peter, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good overall, there is a section of this one that drags for a few pages. By this point O'Brian had reached the stage as an author wherein his editors print whatever he gives them without a critique; in the larger scheme of things an entire section of this book could have been cut out completely (maybe he was leaving open the development of a character who never emerges again as a prominent figure; that's the best explanation I can offer). "

    - J.E., 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the most enjoyable in the series so far "

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

    " It is the 16th book in the series of 21. all of which are compeling, funny, and intertaining. "

    - Bob, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 1st Recorded Reading: August 2001 "

    - Kathryn, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Awesome. Sea battles and Peruvian exploration and political intrigue and character interaction galore. The subtle touches of humor are delightful and had me laughing out loud on occasion. "

    - Isis, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not to read a handful of the Aubry books is to miss visiting one of the most thoroughly realized and absorbing imaginary worlds in all of English literature. O'Brian may not be as essential to life as Shakespeare, but he makes life richer by far. "

    - Fred, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rambles a little in the middle but starts and ends very well indeed. "

    - David, 11/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another wonderful volume. Can't read these often enough. "

    - Brian, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 1st Recorded Reading: August 2001 "

    - Kathryn, 10/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book had some very interesting scenes, one of which was the eruption of a volcano in the ocean and its affects on the wildlife and ships nearby. "

    - Becca, 10/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Heart-stopping adventure. "

    - ghostlibrarian, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " first read Dec 2007 "

    - Chaundra, 8/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " After 16 volumes of this adventure, I'm not sure what else there is to say. Keep at 'em like Smoke and Oakum. "

    - Craig, 7/31/2013
  • 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, 7/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Previously read in mid-2008. Again on May 1, 2009. Good sea-faring action as Surprise and Franklin capture a pirate in a vivid scene. Good intrigue as Maturin schemes to overthrow the Spanish government of Peru, then flees through the Andes to Chile. "

    - Greg, 6/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another excellent chapter in the Aubrey/Maturin epic. You are as good as there with them crossing the atlantic and climbing the Andes. I highly recommend it, along with the other 20 books in the series! "

    - Brian, 6/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Hugely enjoyable foray into the Pacific and Chilean coast "

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

    " Good book! Ended without the typical cliff hanger necessitating the purchase of the next in the series... at this point a rarity! :P "

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

    " Hugely enjoyable foray into the Pacific and Chilean coast "

    - Clifford, 12/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was an enjoyable addition to the series. A bit slimmer than some of the other books, and entirely set at sea, with lots of action. "

    - Andrea, 12/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I found this to be one of the most exciting of the Aubrey Maturin novels. "

    - Ted, 11/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Poor Aubrey and Maturin, they're getting so old! "

    - Courtney, 11/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Book #16...more adventures...and narrow escapes. This series has been marvelous to read. "

    - Sandy, 10/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another wonderful volume. Can't read these often enough. "

    - Brian, 8/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If this is Patrick Tull reading the Patrick O'Brian series... it's the best marriage of text and actor I have ever read. +++++ "

    - Meera, 6/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another excellent chapter in the Aubrey/Maturin epic. You are as good as there with them crossing the atlantic and climbing the Andes. I highly recommend it, along with the other 20 books in the series! "

    - Brian, 2/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Stephen gets to eat guinea pigs in Peru. "

    - Squeaky, 2/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think this is the 3rd time of reading this over past 15 years, and it is still a great read. "

    - Dominic, 9/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was an enjoyable addition to the series. A bit slimmer than some of the other books, and entirely set at sea, with lots of action. "

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

    " More of the same... mizzenmasts, stay sails, full broadsides, avast ye matees, etc.Time to take a break before going on to the next one. "

    - Aaron, 5/13/2011
  • 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: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The adventures of Jack and Stephen continue well. I don't recommend, however, reading all 20 in a row without a break. I am stopping to read something else before I continue with 17-20. I am still enjoying them immensely though. "

    - Ashley, 2/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another leg of the legendary journey of Jack and Stephen. From Tonga to Peru, and Stephen's exertion in Peru. At last, home-bound for England after several years circumnavigate. Of course, many wonderful naval battles as well. Already started the next in the series, The Commodore. "

    - Tao, 11/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Book #16...more adventures...and narrow escapes. This series has been marvelous to read. "

    - Sandy, 9/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Awesome. Sea battles and Peruvian exploration and political intrigue and character interaction galore. The subtle touches of humor are delightful and had me laughing out loud on occasion. "

    - Isis, 1/24/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book had some very interesting scenes, one of which was the eruption of a volcano in the ocean and its affects on the wildlife and ships nearby. "

    - Becca, 9/8/2009

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.