Post Captain

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 2

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 19 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The Peace of Amiens has left Jack Aubrey with no ship, no enemy to pursue, and no possibility of prize money to supplement his meager income. His decision to seek refuge from his troubles, and creditors, in France proves doubly disastrous.

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

©1972 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"The best historical novels ever written." (The New York Times Book Review)
"No writer alive can move one as O'Brian can; no one can make you laugh so loud with hilarity, whiten your knuckles with unbearable tension or choke with emotion. He is the master." (Irish Times)

Not quite as good as the Simon Vance version.

While still a decent performance, you are better off going to Overdrive and listening to the Soman Vance performance from Blackstone audio.

A fantastic series

Post Captain Brings the Turning point in Auburys Carear! Highly recommended that leaves you craving more!

Not what I expected. but so much, much more !

I've read most of Alexander Kent (Douglas Reeman) and some of C.S.Forrester. After 30 years of Sea Service I am not unaccustomed to rough language. As I recall only 3 instances in this work. Well done Mr. O'Brian. BRAVO ZULU !

Epic tale

O'Brian outdoes himself with this massive story of a friendship that comes close to breaking during the first days of the second Napoleonic war. more than any other novel, post Captain can stand alone.

Poor narration

Unlike other reviewers, I disliked Patrick Tull’s reading. His constant loud, audible breath intakes after every sentence, and his long, sibilant sss when pronouncing every word that
ended with “s” eg. Parisssss, was extremely off putting and interfered with the flow of the story and hampered my understanding of O’Brain’s nuances and subilties. ( and I have read the series, but style still interfered with my comprehension) Frankly, he sounds like a hugely fat man gasping for every breath.

Love these books but . . .

Narration had slight echo so that took away from this one. Very faint, but should be fixed.

most exciting 😀

loved this second book, the narrator was truly the most absolutely right person for this story!

Terrific

Well worth multiple readings. It is a shame that the author passed at all since his books are among the best ever written.

Unbelievable, Sherlock Holmes at sea

What did you love best about Post Captain?

Starting with this volume we see Maturin as an intelligence agent but instead of James Bond we find the sharp analytical mind of Holmes. Maturin is precise as a naturalist, devastating as a spy and a leading physician for his time with some hilarious misconceptions. His Watson is in charge and capable at sea. Aubrey is the emotionally driven everyman, with exceptional physical courage. Watson???s knowledge of medicine is replaced in Aubrey by a study of victory at sea. The implicit lessons on training and military priorities, good and bad, are universally true. If you seek pure action, this is not it. If you seek intelligent characters that can???t quite harmonize, just like real life, and intense battle won by superior appraisal of the critical factors then "I wish you joy of your find!"

What about Patrick Tull???s performance did you like?

He claims his delivery is a neutral reading of the material. How am I to contradict? However, the dry wit of the author, the occasional slapstick situations, the technical accuracy are all highlighted by his performance. Don't miss a comparison preview of competing readers.

White knucle driving during battle sequences

Would you listen to Post Captain again? Why?

I would definately listen to Post Captain again! It was a great book and the narration is wonderful. I love the way Tull reads it!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I cant say I have a favorite character. Both Jack and Steven are great!

Have you listened to any of Patrick Tull’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Master and Commander and he did a great job reading it. Post Captain does not dissapoint.

Who was the most memorable character of Post Captain and why?

Steven seemed to play some of the most important pieces of this story. We really find out more about him here.