-
Clarissa Oakes
- Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 15 (Unabridged)
- Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
- Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

pick 2 free titles with trial.
Buy for $18.68
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
Captain Jack Aubrey sails away from the hated Australian prison colonies in his favourite vessel the Surprise, pondering on middle age and sexual frustration. He soon becomes aware that he is out of touch with the mood of his ship: to his astonishment he finds that in spite of a lifetime's experience he does not know what the foremost hands or even his own officers are thinking.
They know, as he does not, that the Surprise has a stranger aboard: and what they, for their part, do not know is that the stranger is potentially as dangerous as a light in the powder magazine itself.
More from the same
What listeners say about Clarissa Oakes
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mr. N. W. Boothman
- 08-26-20
A weak (ish) link?
Patrick O'Brian's four-novel sequence of Aubrey and Maturin's great voyage around the world is an incredible achievement, especially considering it didn't begin until the 13th book in the series. But if there's one that's slightly less satisfying than the others, perhaps it's this. O'Brian is clearly fascinated by the character of Clarissa Oakes and the effect she has on the ship's company, but the way it plays out leaves credibility stretched thin. Stop reading now if you'd rather avoid spoilers...
...but the way O'Brian seeks to explain Clarissa's apparent willingness to sleep with every officer in the ship, (excepting Jack and Stephen) just doesn't wash. No joy from the physical act of love after a childhood of abuse...okay, we'll buy that. Though surely that would make someone less willing, rather than more? Ignorant of men and the social contracts around adultery...no, that doesn't really wash. Yes, there was the sheltered up-bringing, but then she kept the accounts in a brothel, killed someone, endured arrest, trial and transportation. A steep learning curve in every aspect of real life and common sense. And she likes to be liked. Well, so do we all, but not to THAT extent.
The other thing that dips slightly below the usual O'Brian standard is the lack of action. Not just action in the military sense but of anything really happening. There's a situation elsewhere in the Pacific that needs dealing with and they eventually get round to it, but that's your lot in the ten lengthy chapters. Otherwise, all the good stuff is still present: the characters, the language, the botanising, the seamanship, the letter-writing. But as a book, it's really just one extended chapter in a longer story. On to The Wine-Dark Sea!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- ben
- 03-10-15
More of the same
Not sure why you need a review of this book. You're either well invested by now, and know what to expect or you should start at the beginning!
That aside, another naval romp in the same vein as previous entries in the series. Not the best of them but solid nonetheless
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Richard
- 07-03-20
Very enjoyable
Great story. Well read. Kept me going all the way. Rik Jerom is the man. So well read.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- William Siddall
- 02-24-14
O'Brian at his best
Where does Clarissa Oakes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I think "Clarissa Oakes" is my favourite in the series
Who was your favorite character and why?
Jack Aubrey, because his character has developed as he has grown older, whereas Steven Maturin is still as enigmatic as when we first met him.
Which character – as performed by Ric Jerrom – was your favourite?
Killick, surly, rather stupid, faithful, and devoted to Jack Aubrey
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The unspoken understanding between Aubrey and his coxswain Bonden not to maroon Oakes and the stowaway Clarissa
Any additional comments?
I look forward to the rest of the series
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mark
- 10-15-13
Fantastic again....
As always the characterisations and story are captivating for those of us who follow Lucky Jack and Stephen Mturin through their voyages. For me again it is made all the more enjoyable by the fantastic narration of Ric Jerrom. I love my audio books replacing the little time I have for reading these days with the joys of listening to a master telling me the story as i travel to and from work. He seems to have the knack of making all the characterisations real and enjoyable and unlike many narrators it does not grate when a male narrator tries to dramatise a female character. Enjoyable stuff as always. On to the next one. As long as they keep churning out the books narrated by Mr Jerrom I will keep downloading them. Thanks Audible and thanks Ric
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Nicholas Ladd
- 06-06-23
A joy once again…
Beautifully read as always and another great yarn from this series. Can’t wait to listen to the next one.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- David
- 12-29-22
Clarissa Oakes
Not a bad listen but did get lost with it now and again but ok .
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mrs A J
- 11-04-22
Brilliant
Very interesting story laced with history and once again superbly narrated by Ric Jerrom.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Andrew Finnerty
- 06-18-22
Ric Jerrom at his best.
Although this story is in my opinion one of the weakest in the Patrick OBrien series, the narrator Ric Jerrom does a masterful job here. His narration is clear and understandable with none of the asinine faux accents that make other audiobooks so annoying.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- A. Moore
- 06-02-21
fantastic!
one of the very best in the series. exciting, characterful, a masterwork. O'Brien is truly unequalled in style, content and narrative, and the depth of his research is always astounding. he raises the historical novel to be the equal of the best in literature.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 01-25-22
Huzzay for Ric Jerrom
Ric Jerrom, you star! I very much appreciate your voices- enough to distinguish the characters, but not over the top.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Marshall Jackson
- 04-21-21
Some humanity for female characters at last
This instalment stands out as one of the most emotionally mature narratives in the series, and it is striking when compared to earlier books in the series that dealt with matters of the heart, and matters of female company. For the first time, the dismal lives of many women during the time period are laid bare and matter-of-fact, and instead of being passed off as a fact of life or twisting those women into dislikable or damaged, it opens the door for real discussion and emotional growth, as well as a healthy dose of humanity.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the exchanges between the sailors and the inhabitants of Moahu. As always, the action is brought to life in such a way as to maintain a suspension of disbelief. However, it is the respect for personal, and cultural differences, as well as a clear avoidance of ‘low-hanging’ racist tropes (which have made appearances in POBs earlier works) that suggests some valuable work has gone on behind the scenes, and will keep bringing me back for more.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Steve M
- 01-16-19
Normally a fan but this was a
Having read the whole series I found this disappointing, very slow and almost like just filling sound bytes - skipped some sections to see if improved and didn't really - hoping next one is better
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- john
- 02-19-17
plot not found
Compared with the previous 14 Aubrey-Maturin audiobooks I have much enjoyed, this audiobook was "Missing in Action". There is almost no plot. Often the text was boring, even tedious. If it was the first of the series, there probably would not be a second.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ben Briggs
- 10-30-16
pboz
as usual EXCELLENT STIRY NARRATION PREZENTATION AT USUAL SHPER STANDARD.
ENJOYED IT IN ALL RESLECTS
Related to this topic
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
Guard Her with Your Life
- By: Joy Ellis
- Narrated by: Tom Bateman
- Length: 3 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Detective Sam Helsdown hasn’t seen his daughter Zoe in two years and he’s excited and more than a little nervous to be at the airport picking her up for a visit. She’s 10 years old and has flown on her own for the first time. Flight BA631 from Athens has already landed and soon a trickle of people begins entering Arrivals. Among them is a little girl who runs towards him, head down, and throws herself into his arms saying ‘Daddy!’. But then he looks at her properly. This is not Zoe. This is not his daughter.
-
-
terrible
- By Bill on 04-07-23
By: Joy Ellis
-
He Who Fights with Monsters 2
- A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 2)
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 22 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
But Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone to compete for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he is to stand a chance against the best the world has to offer. While the young adventurers are caught up in competition, the city leaders deal with revelations of betrayal as a vast and terrible enemy is revealed. Although Jason seems uninvolved, he has unknowingly crossed the enemy’s path before.
-
-
Contrary to common reviews
- By Karen on 05-21-21
By: Shirtaloon, and others
-
Morgan Is My Name
- By: Sophie Keetch
- Narrated by: Vanessa Kirby
- Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Even as a girl Morgan has always been wild, like the seas which batter the cliffs beneath her home, Tintagel Castle. But she has always been safe, too. Then one day her father is called away to a war from which he does not return. In his place comes the High King, Uther Pendragon, with the sorcerer Merlin lurking in his wake. Uther claims Morgan’s mother, the Lady Igraine as his queen.
-
-
Bravo!!
- By Belle Barrell on 10-16-22
By: Sophie Keetch
-
The Beatrix Potter Collection
- By: Beatrix Potter
- Narrated by: Andrew Scott, Patricia Routledge - introduction
- Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Beatrix Potter Collection is perfect for introducing a new generation to the magic of her adored classic stories. Featuring her much-loved children’s tales and showcasing some of the most recognisable characters in English literature, it will enthral and entertain young listeners whilst providing warm nostalgia for those already acquainted.
-
-
I love Peter Rabbit
- By D.W. on 08-11-19
By: Beatrix Potter
-
Catchers
- By: Ben Rock, Bob DeRosa
- Narrated by: Billy Gardell, Herizen Guardiola, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Buck Lake, Colorado, the resident dog catcher, Collins, is on the verge of retirement. But something strange lurks in the woods, about to ruin his plans.... After 30 years, Collins is ready to be done with small-town animal control. His replacement, Blair, is a Gen Z vet student who hates mansplaining; they don’t get along. But on the eve of his retirement, Collins gets a call that changes everything. There’s been a report of a vicious wild dog on the loose.
-
-
I want more!
- By alex wolf on 10-28-22
By: Ben Rock, and others
-
The Art of War
- By: Sun Tzu
- Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.
-
-
The actual book The Art of War, not a commentary
- By Fred271 on 12-31-19
By: Sun Tzu
-
Guard Her with Your Life
- By: Joy Ellis
- Narrated by: Tom Bateman
- Length: 3 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Detective Sam Helsdown hasn’t seen his daughter Zoe in two years and he’s excited and more than a little nervous to be at the airport picking her up for a visit. She’s 10 years old and has flown on her own for the first time. Flight BA631 from Athens has already landed and soon a trickle of people begins entering Arrivals. Among them is a little girl who runs towards him, head down, and throws herself into his arms saying ‘Daddy!’. But then he looks at her properly. This is not Zoe. This is not his daughter.
-
-
terrible
- By Bill on 04-07-23
By: Joy Ellis
-
He Who Fights with Monsters 2
- A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 2)
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 22 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
But Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone to compete for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he is to stand a chance against the best the world has to offer. While the young adventurers are caught up in competition, the city leaders deal with revelations of betrayal as a vast and terrible enemy is revealed. Although Jason seems uninvolved, he has unknowingly crossed the enemy’s path before.
-
-
Contrary to common reviews
- By Karen on 05-21-21
By: Shirtaloon, and others
-
Morgan Is My Name
- By: Sophie Keetch
- Narrated by: Vanessa Kirby
- Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Even as a girl Morgan has always been wild, like the seas which batter the cliffs beneath her home, Tintagel Castle. But she has always been safe, too. Then one day her father is called away to a war from which he does not return. In his place comes the High King, Uther Pendragon, with the sorcerer Merlin lurking in his wake. Uther claims Morgan’s mother, the Lady Igraine as his queen.
-
-
Bravo!!
- By Belle Barrell on 10-16-22
By: Sophie Keetch
-
The Beatrix Potter Collection
- By: Beatrix Potter
- Narrated by: Andrew Scott, Patricia Routledge - introduction
- Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Beatrix Potter Collection is perfect for introducing a new generation to the magic of her adored classic stories. Featuring her much-loved children’s tales and showcasing some of the most recognisable characters in English literature, it will enthral and entertain young listeners whilst providing warm nostalgia for those already acquainted.
-
-
I love Peter Rabbit
- By D.W. on 08-11-19
By: Beatrix Potter
-
Catchers
- By: Ben Rock, Bob DeRosa
- Narrated by: Billy Gardell, Herizen Guardiola, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Buck Lake, Colorado, the resident dog catcher, Collins, is on the verge of retirement. But something strange lurks in the woods, about to ruin his plans.... After 30 years, Collins is ready to be done with small-town animal control. His replacement, Blair, is a Gen Z vet student who hates mansplaining; they don’t get along. But on the eve of his retirement, Collins gets a call that changes everything. There’s been a report of a vicious wild dog on the loose.
-
-
I want more!
- By alex wolf on 10-28-22
By: Ben Rock, and others