• The Far Side of the World

  • Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 10
  • By: Patrick O'Brian
  • Narrated by: Patrick Tull
  • Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,710 ratings)

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The Far Side of the World  By  cover art

The Far Side of the World

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Patrick Tull
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Publisher's summary

The South Seas are a paradise for battle-weary Captain Jack Aubrey and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin. But their peace is disturbed when Stephen's fancy for a peculiar marine organism lands him overboard. Acting in his usual headstrong fashion, Jack dives into the rescue, unfortunately failing to plan what will happen once they are both in the water watching the sails of the Surprise disappear in the mist.
Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.
©1984 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)

What listeners say about The Far Side of the World

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Always Entertaining!

Patrick O'Brian deftly opens up a different side of the world for Aubrey and Maturin. Although not one of my favourite this series is always entertaining and leaves you anxious for the next book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Ahoy Listeners!

Another spectacular book by this Author! The late Patrick Tull the Reader is magnificent in his portrayals of each character! 3 Cheers for Jack and Dr. Maturin. !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Can’t get enough!!

Love the characters. I want to read more!!! On to the next book!
Bring it on

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Far side of the World

What a great sailing story. Not much of a story about naval battles but this story give a fabulous insight into Naval life of the 1790's. The information on whaling and the tension between British and U.S. whales was great. Patrick Tull is the best narrator of the series that I have listen to. The excitment displayed by the parson and the doctor regarding the exploration of nature was the best part of the story. The description of the Galapagos Island was magnificent.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Far Side Of Imagination

I have reviewed each one of these recordings in order as I have listened to them. So far they have only gotten better! Patrick Tulls American accent is classic and only serves to deepen the immersion in this incredible series. Far Side of the World is another perfect installment in the greatest historical series ever written. Listen to it and don't hesitate.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A class of storytelling unlike nearly any other.

I believe the true value of a novel, such as this one, comes from the feelings it leaves the reader with. In the case of O'Brian's The Far Side of the World, I was left with a feeling of absolute love for the story, it's characters, and style, as well as an incredible glee.

(SPOILERS AHEAD)
As the final chapter came to a close I emitted a sound quite similar to that of a girl in her tweens when she sees her favorite musician in public or at a concert. (SPOILERS AHEAD) As the Surprise came around the bend into view after having just knocked down the masts of the American whaler I was in such a state of high emotion that I shouted out in glee! (and I'm an American!)

Mr O'Brian has created another beautiful performance of storytelling that I just cannot get enough of. Oh how I love these books.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

wonderful narration

I love these adventures and the great historical detail of life in royal navy. Tull is a fabulous narrator and brings the characters to life

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great!

what a great and riviting story and a wonderful performance! The Patrick's have done it again!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Not the strongest of the original 10 book series

It was certainly good and I am always impressed with rhe ever differing twists and turns the stories take. Sometimes a sailing man of war enters into calm no wind zones that go onfor seeming ever and sometimes the chase ends with the discovery of a wrecked sunken enemy vessel.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Indifferent Personality

While I absolutely love the world POB has created, I cannot help but feel the indifferences of various characters regard towards the crimes committed as well as what is considered sport extremely off putting. Perhaps its a nod to the hypocrisy and ignorance of victorian era British society, but its a missed opportunity to set the characters apart from it.

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