21

The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Patrick O'Brian became a legend with his beloved Aubrey-Maturin seafaring tales. O'Brian received further attention with the critically acclaimed film adaptation, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and won two.

When O'Brian passed away in 2000, he left behind three chapters of what was to be the 21st Aubrey-Maturin novel. The tale was to have followed Jack Aubrey in his new post, Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron.

Although it remains unfinished, 21 gives us one final glance at the unparalleled genius of a master craftsman and the series The New York Times Book Review hailed as "the best historical novels ever written".

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.

©2004 Patrick O'Brian (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"For Aubrey/Maturin addicts, there could be no better gift: a new, albeit incomplete, story with freshly piquant details, wry humor and salty nautical action." (Publishers Weekly)

a poignant end

A poignant end to a truly amazing series. The afterward is a wonderful way to wrap up this in complete finish. I'm very happy that they included it in this recording.

Remarkable Voice

After reading the entire Aubrey–Maturin series, I wish that “21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey” wasn’t found and left alone with Patrick O'Brian’s passing. The final 63 pages should have been kept a secret and should have never been published. That being said, as an audiobook listener, it is very rare to have the same reader throughout the complete series, especially for something that is this epic. I’m really happy that Patrick Tull was still healthy to perform the final voyage. It wouldn’t be the same without his voice. There is no doubt that the author was an extraordinary writer, but the series wouldn’t be the same without a remarkable voice to the audio.

Truly a joy to read

I only write reviews when something is atrociously bad or top tier. 99% of books are only worth reading once; I can’t wait to read the whole series again. Certainly, this series is the best I have ever read.

A truly classic literary experience.

The O’Brian series is a true adventure in vicarious learning across multiple liberal arts academic disciplines. The narration is beautifully done. The reader captures the essence of multiple characters and establishes mood and tempo beautifully. This audiobook presentation is highly enjoyable on several levels of entertainment and insight into the human condition beyond its historical perspective.

Tears

Such a series! That it is now over brought tears to my eyes. I thought the Snow afterword was great and expressed my thoughts and feelings about these books with real insight. Cannot recommend the Aubrey/Maturin books highly enough.

Wished it was a full book

Would you listen to 21 again? Why?

No, it is too much to get into it and have it just finish, he should have waited to pass away,
but what he wrote was a work of art

What did you like best about this story?

All of it even as short as it was

Which character – as performed by Patrick Tull – was your favorite?

Both Jack and Steven were great liked them both

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

It is our loss that Mr O'Brian left ust with it so nearly complete he was one of the best

unfinished but a fine wrap.up

Patrick Tull.does.his usual.superb job on this, O'Brian's final. although incomplete, this fragment ties up many threads from the prior.20 volumes. very nice.

I need another author!

Heartbroken that the series is over. It's a shame that another author can't take up torch, but I guess nobody can match O'Brian's style and omniscience of what Macherin and Aubrey would do next.

Great book.

I love Patrick O'Brian's work. It's like you are there on the ship. You can hear and see the crash of the cannon.

A beautiful and bittersweet farewell

I was warned in the forward, but the end still came as a surprise that left me weeping. I could only imagine Patrick O’Brian’s last breath at the typewriter, giving us his last beautiful effort. Patrick Tull’s performance great as always and the afterword notes by the editor interesting and insightful. I’ve read all these books several times but the series read by Patrick Tull breathed new life and enjoyment to them.