The Thirteen-Gun Salute

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 13

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin set sail aboard the Diane for the South China Sea, shepherding a diplomatic mission to prevent links between Bonaparte and the Malay princes. If their mission fails, English merchant shipping in the area will be threatened. At the barbaric court of Pulo Prabang, the stage is set for a duel of intelligence agents, pitting the savage cunning of Stephen Maturin against the French envoys, who are already entrenched in the Sultan's favor.

The thirteenth installment of Patrick O'Brian's hugely successful Aubrey/Maturin series.

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

©1989 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The best historical novels ever written." (The New York Times Book Review)

it keeps the store going.

it was an okay book it kept the story going. I suppose there has to be a volume that is just a filler. It wasn't bad just unfulfilling. I definitely will keep going. I've fallen in love with the series. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

The Thirteen Gun Salute

I have read all the Aubrey/Maturin books, but prefer the audiobook format, but if, and only if, Patrick Tull is the narrator. I have heard other narrators of O'Brian's work. They are not the same. The author's work having been already done, the narrator is the most important part of the product. Kim Johnson

History comes alive!

Where does The Thirteen-Gun Salute rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Thirteen-Gun Salute is a marvelous book for travel or to keep you company while you do mindless work (like ironing) Patrick Tull is one of my favorite readers, and his ability to differentiate characters without using phony "voices" is brilliant. The Patrick O'Brian books are an entertaining education.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way that Jack's essential integrity is rewarded.

Who was the most memorable character of The Thirteen-Gun Salute and why?

I love Jack - big, bluff, and brave. He's a human-sized hero and so very believable.

Many novels aren’t this good, but…

Here is the problem with this kind of Patrick O’Brian novel. You have to judge it against his previous novels in the series. So, it turns out The Thirteen-Gun Salute isn’t the greatest in the series, but it’s still very good. Better than a lot of books. A few key events occur that cannot be skipped over before reading the next one, so don’t skip it. Some of these characters have become old friends, and I want to know what they do next.

Truth was what he could make others believe

"...for him, Truth was what he could make others believe."
- Patrick O'Brian, Thirteen-Gun Salute

"...What I meant was that if he could induce others to believe what he said, then for him the statement acquired some degree of truth, a reflection of their belief that it was true; and this reflected truth might grow stronger with time and repetition until it became conviction, indistinguishable from ordinary factual truth, or very nearly so.”

The Thriteen-Gun Salute, 188

Certain O'Brian novels just make me want to soak in them. I slow down while reading just to float on the prose. There is a poetry to his descriptions of sailing, the natural world, and music. Thirteen books in (I wonder if this was purposeful) O'Brian continues to paint and sketch more and more detail on his two protagonists. I now consider Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin to be, perhaps, two of the greatest characters ever. O'Brian uses these two men as archetypes of masculinity (I've covered this before). But each book allows him to shade more, nuance deeper.

Great Story, Excellent Narration

What made the experience of listening to The Thirteen-Gun Salute the most enjoyable?

This continues to represent the finest example of historical fiction I have read. The characters have been formed over many volumes and they continue to develop and interest throughout.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen Maturin has to be my favorite character, his quicky irish deference, addiction to tincture of laudanum and his faithful yet honest relationship with Jack Aubrey is a revelation.

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

All of Patrick Tull's readings of this series are excellent. I cannot for the life of my understand the criticisms of his narration. I see people writing that they cannot distinguish characters and don't enjoy his unique voice. For me, he is the voice of Master and Commander, almost speaking from the 19th century and I would not dream of listening to this series with anyone else - I have read every book so far and one of the things I look forward to most is the fascinating intonation and cadence of Patrick's voice. I particularly like the Irish Maturin diffidence and low cadence whenever he expresses disdain or disagreement with his friend Aubrey.

If you could rename The Thirteen-Gun Salute, what would you call it?

Its fine as it is

Any additional comments?

Great series - very consistent and hugely enjoyable.

Can't get enough!

What a pleasant diversion from my everyday life! I thoroughly enjoy listening and eagerly anticipate the next chapter

another great tale well told

A bit long at times but always a great narration by Patrick Tull...well done and finished

Entertaining

One criticism--the doctor's spy work part of the story seems rushed in its writing. Beyond that it is quite enjoyable.

I Miss Vance

All these books in the series are great fun but after having to listen to a couple of them read by Mr Tull I have to give up. I miss Simon Vance's reading. He brought Aubrey to life to such an extent that I would rather not hear as different performance as the one given by Patrick Tull.

Patrick Tull is a great narrator but his Irish shows far to often and his frequent dramatic pauses do not, in my mind, do Maturin or Aubrey justice. I will happily by other books performed by Tull but for me this series demands the booming voice of Vance. I love the books but will finish it in paper or find a source of Vance performances for the rest.