The Fortune of War

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 6

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The H.M.S. Leopard pulled into the bay of Pulo Batang looking more like a shabby merchant ship that a man-of-war. The crew had endured a calamitous voyage plagued by gaol-fever, pursued by the Dutch Waakzaamheid, and struck by an iceberg. Suffice it to say, Jack Aubrey was ready for home.

The return journey aboard La Fleche proves delightful for both Aubrey and his particular friend. Stephen Maturin, with high winds and beautiful skies. It is when La Fleche nears the coast of Brazil that tragedy strikes. Accidental fire ravages the ship, forcing the crew into lifeboats. Rescued eventually by the Java, Aubrey and Maturin meet with yet another deterrent to their journey home when the Java engages the U.S.S. Constitution in battle, and loses. Aubrey, now a POW in Boston, waits for word of a prisoner exchange, while Maturin renews his friendship with the raven-haired expatriate, Diana Villiers.

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

©1979 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"The Fortune of War is a marvelously full-flavored, engrossing book, which towers over its current rivals in the genre like a three-decker over a ship's longboat." (Times Literary Supplement)

fortune

have to agree this is better than desolation. plus, there's murder w/a stone phallus. how can ya top that?

Unexpected turn of Events

The story goes on with Lucky Jack once again at an amazing location as British naval history unfolds.

Enjoyed it!

I liked it better than the last book more action which I prefer. can't wait to listen to the next one.

Excellent as always.

I've listen to 6 on end now. I absolutely love the stories and Mr. Tull's telling of them.

A noble spread of sails, upon my word

"A noble spread of sails, upon my word"
- Patrick O'Brian, The Fortune of War

There is a danger in writing a review of these books too soon after finishing them. If it is possible to describe my reception of a book of literature as somehow the equivalent of love, these books by O'Brian would certainly be a top contender for one of the great literature loves of my life. No. This isn't Shakespeare, but often even Shakespeare isn't Shakespeare. But these books are something. They are beyond prose and art. There is a lift that I get from them that is hard to translate adequately. All I have to do is look at the edge of one of these books after I've finished it, and I've absolutely abused it with sticky notes and post-it tabs. There are just so many fine turns of phrase, observations, and witticisms that I don't want to lose. The edge becomes as layered as Caesar's hair.

As always, I love O'Brian's attention to Aubrey and Maturin's friendship and how he further explores the two very distinct aspects of manliness and honor, war and intelligence, love and loyalty. Captain Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin present very two idealized, but also very human, studies. Much like Johnson's pictures of birds, presented to Dr. Maturin "gives us not the bird, for no bird ever had this brilliant clarity in every member, but the Platonic idea of the bird, the visible archetype of the turkey-buzzard", these character studies of these two binary, nautical protagonists gives the reader not just men, but the archetype of men. It is done with grace, beauty, humor, and at moments - perfection.

One of the other parts of this particular book I adored was its focus on the American Navy during the War of 1812, specifically around Boston and Nantucket. I spent a day in Nantucket this last summer and also spent an afternoon snooping around the USS Constitution. I loved reading O'Brian describe the coast around Boston, the town of Boston, the USS Constitution, and finally the battle between the HMS Shannon and the USS Chesapeake on 1 June 1813.

Naval spy games done well

I was pleased how he was able to work in a significant amount of naval warfare and strategy into what ultimately is a spy/escape story. There are some wonderful moments: one with Jack mistaking another character's identity because of a common name, considerable development of Steven as a spy including a tremendous chase sequence that remains clearly in my mind to this day, and a satsifying and thunderous ending. Knowing that if you enjoyed this you can follow the characters on further (and previous) adventures is really a plus.

Excellent book.

Narrator isn't so great at an American accent, but overall a great book to enjoy.

Loved it!

Loved it! Every twist, every intrigue, every character was well played. I am torn between listening to it again and hearing the next book in the series. Well worth listening.

Patrick Tull at his best

Another chapter in the Aubriad as it's referred to and a lot of rare land based action. in most of the other books in the series the real gut clenching, white eyelid (as opposed to white knuckle) sections take place off the sea. Tulls American accent is exactly what you would expect from a world class narrator not perfect but intentionally so, he does it right and the nuances ring clear. A wonderful meeting of fine literature and fine acting.

Aubrey and Machurin keep up the excitement

This series is addictive and The Fortune of War doesn't disappoint. Tull's narration is delightful.