H.M.S. Surprise

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 3

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

At the opening of his third novel in an ongoing adventure series by Patrick O'Brian, Jack Aubrey is cruising off Cape Sicie when his friend Stephen Maturin (more serenely situated in Sussex) is informed of the Board's decision regarding Aubrey's prize money, taken after victorious engagement with a Spanish squadron at Cape Santa Maria. The money, five million pieces of eight, is not, as is the custom of war, to be divided among the crews of the four victorious vessels, but is to be treated as droits of the Crown of England. Five million pounds is, after all, five million pounds.

It will be a hard rub for Aubrey, who had counted on that money to clear his debts and make himself a suitable match, but no more hard than for Maturin who spends much of his free time at Mapes Court in the company of the lovely Sophia Williams, Aubrey's betrothed. How could Stephen deliver the news that would break Sophia's heart?

When Jack docks at Portsmouth, he is clapped in irons forthwith, and carried off to a sponging house for debtors. Jack knows a prisoner can rot in jail, so when Sir Joseph graciously offers him escape aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, bound for the East Indies, he makes for the only place where his unsteady virtue remains intact: the sea.

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

©1973 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"O'Brian knows his history and sailing, as is evident in the rich particulars....Stretching its genre but never escaping it, the novel will impress those who enjoy swashbucklers." (Publishers Weekly)

I prefer Vance's narration

Having listened to Simon Vance read the first two installments I thought I'd give Patrick Tull a try, particularly since I'd listened to the ENTIRE "Brother Cadfael" series read by him. But what works SO well for one doesn't seem to work for the other. Granted, I have only listened to Tull for about 20 minutes but I already just now bought the Vance version of this title to continue -- Tull's voice seems too old and slow to portray these lively young characters and situations; he's great and more appropriate for the good Brother, but he makes poor S.Maturin sound ready for the old folks home.

Outstanding

Lucky Jack Aubrey and his Friend Stephen Maturin again prove to be a pairing of such epic proportions as those presented in antiquity of David and Jonathan.

Wow

Great story!, but do we really need to hear the performer move the saliva in his mouth after every pause!! It was so annoying!!!!

Patrick Tull is a Master and in command!

His narration of this series is unparralleled. I dont think I have heard another audiobook for which the choice of narrator, and execution is so perfect.

Totally Hooked

To my own surprise! The fact that I resisted for 2 decades, w/ 2 family members and now!!.....

Better and better

These novels keep getting better. Patrick O’Brian is easily one of the best novelists of the 20th century, and Patrick Tull one of its finest narrators. They are a perfect pair. I feel I will be at sea with these books for the rest of my life.

Wonderful story. Exquisitely narrated.

I’m working through the Aubrey-Maturin series. Another great novel and narration with HMS Surprise!

Aubrey/Maturin, O'Brian/Tull

I accidently bought this book with a reader other than Tull. After about 15 minutes, I had to buy this copy. No author captures the Royal Navy like O'Brian. No reader captures O'Brian like Tull. Aubrey/Maturin & O'Brian/Tull. You'll never think of one without the other once you've listend to this series.

A Masterpiece

A truly wonderful story, populated with rich, characterizations and terrific background. I've listened to the first two in this series and in my estimation, this is the best. Great sea yarn along with some of the most interesting characters in fiction. I have heard that the quality of the stories drops off in the later books, but the first three will knock your socks off. HIGHLY and FIRMLY RECOMMENDED.

Jack

very enjoyable

I can't say how much I have enjoyed this book. O'Brien keeps the excitement going. There are peaks and troughs, fast paced action and slow times, but always entertaining. Anyone who has ever sailed in the trade winds, or even dreams about such a trip, will know that O'Brien captures it masterfully. I felt like I was back at sea and was nearly pulling my hair out to figure out how to get back out there!