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)

As fitting as it gets.

For those of us who have enjoyed each installment of the Aubry/Maturin series, I think this final glimpse is fitting enough an end. Our consummate heroes would have presumably died of old age surrounded by grand, or great, grandchildren and of course each other. Had Patrick O'Brian begun the writing at the age of five, he may have been granted enough time to finish the story in it's entirety. But as it is Admiral Aubry and Dr. Matruin will continue to sail the seas in the minds of the reader.

Patrick Tull's reading of this final episode also shows that his excellent recreation of the world of Patrick O'Brian could not go on indefinitely. His age shows with every sentence. He sounds a bit like he has just returned from the dentist, after having half of his teeth removed. But after spending so many hours with the story one must finish it regardless.

It would also be inconsiderate to mention literary errors that would certainly been corrected by O'Brian before it's final version, and release. There are certain inconsistencies that one notices after spending countless hours getting to know O'Brian and Tull. But given the circumstances these can be overlooked.

The series taken as a whole is well worth the time it takes to get through it. And I'm glad to have finished it. Five stars from beginning to end.

The Sad Ending Of My Journey In The English Navy

What's there to say? Realizing that I will no longer be sailing with Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Maturin was a great shock. To be marooned on land without the voice of Patrick Tull to lull me to sleep floating on the ocean rollers in anticipation of the next great adventures with these two characters will be hard. But.... nothing lasts forever... but OH! what voyages they were! Don't miss out on these great sea-going stories, you will be sorry!

farewell wherever you fare, Patrick O'Brian!

The only thing wrong with this book is that Mr. O'Brian did not have a chance to finish!

Sad to see these books end. Patrick O’Brian is a master

It will be difficult for anyone ever to live up to Patrick Obrian’s storytelling prowess, his character development, his dialogue, or his historical content. I will read the all again in 5 years. And I look forward to the experience.

An Excellent End

This novel was shaping up to be a great one, worth a listen even though it is unfinished. Thank you Patrick O'Brian for the gift of these books.

a bittersweet farewell

I previously read all in this series, except this one, unwilling to hear the end of Jack and Stephen's lives. Now having listened to all of the books (and I must say I enjoyed hearing them enormously, due to Patrick Tull's fine readings), I recommend this book to any fan of O'Brian. There is no closure in the story, which is fine with me. I can imagine further adventures, and perhaps someone will take up the series in the future. The abrupt termination is, however in a way, not unsatisfying. Like everyone else, I wish there were more, but this book gave some type of finish--for the moment.

Couldn't end in any better way!

3rd time through the series but must have missed this last partial book the other times. So glad to have it and O'Brian's friends have nice things to say afterward.

Like great music

I have “read” the entire series at least four times either in print or voice and never tire of it. Like listening to great music beautifully performed.
Only disappointment was brief appearance of someone other than Patric Tull narrating. I could not get past 2 chapters.

Farewell to Dear Friends

We have listened for nearly a year to the lives of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin and could not conclude our experience without hearing their very last words. We could have listened with great delight as long as the author allowed them to live and regret that he passed before they.

Even at 85, he left too soon.

While entirely too short, it gives a good indication of where Aubrey was going. The afterward is quite touching.