The Truelove

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 15

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

A British whaler has been captured by an ambitious chief in the Friendly Isles, and Captain Jack Aubrey is dispatched to restore order. But Jack must first contend with an escaped convict who has stowed away on the Surprise, an attractive female convict who is driving the crew to awkward courtliness and dangerous jealousies.

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

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

©1992 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

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

The story goes on and on

This one felt slow to begin with but ends with a rousing finish. Will likely go for at least one more book

Ianother book in this great series

Patrick Tull makes this book great
Patrick Tull is one of his masterpiece performances. I have read all 22 of his books (Patrick O’Brien) thing that probably. That's the thing that pushed his works over the top Wall Patrick tols narration, his way of speaking and you know who is speaking. And he doesn't miss a beat when he talks over any kind of mechanical things.

This just kept me coming back for

Fantastic book

I loved it. Another great book sailing, adventure and prizes. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Audio needs editing

the audio needs editing, too many gaps with no sound then abruptly cutting back in. at least fill the gaps with the same background noise as the rest of the reading, (Patrick Tull breathing, other narrators narrating, etc.)

I thought the book left too much hanging. Steven was too indiscreet giving up the name of Sir Joseph to who could very easily have been planted by the French or Americans to get that very information. and there was something in the air about Clarissa that I feel wasn't fully explained by her story. perhaps we haven't heard the last of her.

Another Hit

Those familiar with this series will not be disappointed with this book and as always the characters and story are brought to life by Patrick Tull's wonderful narration.

I love this series and this is a favorite. l

Patrick O'Brian never disappoints and this is no exception. Add the narration on Patrick Tull and this is a winner.

another wonderfully written sea story

Patrick Tull makes every book come alive, he is excellent. so in wads to the next tale

Decent story, but not the best.

O'Brian was running out of real history by this point and was beginning to rely on set pieces, but this is still worth reading if for no other reason than to advance the main story arc. Also it has a significant female character for a change.

AKA Clarissa Oakes

“I am in favour of leaving people alone, however imperfect their polity may seem. It appears to me that you must not tell other nations how to set their house in order; nor must you compel them to be happy.”
- Patrick O'Brian, the Truelove

When originally published, O'Brian's 15th installment in his Aubrey-Maturin series was originally titled Clarissa Oakes. I'm not sure why the title was changed, but perhaps it is because the focus of this novel is less about Clarissa (Harvill) Oakes (the convict stowaway from New South Wales who marries Oakes, one of Captain Aubrey's Midshipman) than the events that surround her introduction onto the Surprise. Clarissa on the Surprise allows O'Brian to wax on a bit about sexual mores in the Navy and in England in the early 19th century. She also carries forward the series plot a bit.

It isn't the most exciting book in the series, but it is fascinating to watch the discipline aboard the Surprise deteriorate and Captain Aubrey's efforts to regain control. It is also provides O'Brian the space, with the introduction of Clarissa Oakes, to discuss sex (both gender and the act) in the early 19th century.

A challenge to Keith Richards re; Patrick O’Brians books.

IMHO this might be the best story out of 20. Plus the performance is very heartfelt and passionate. I started reading these stories in 2005 and have worn out 2 complete paperback sets. With this third set I have also purchased the Audible series. It is a joy to listen and read the stories at the same time. I find something new each time I read the series. The humor is at times subtle and at other times it hits you right on the head. I am surprised (no pun intended) that no one has made a series out of this on the lines of “Lonesome Dove”. I think Keef Richards would be the ideal person to produce the series as I know he enjoys Patrick O’Brian’s writing. “Master & Commander” was done some time back and was fairly decent but it was more of an amalgamation of several books but not sequenced well. I would love to see something that was true to the books and all inclusive.