Post Captain

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 2

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

The Peace of Amiens has left Jack Aubrey with no ship, no enemy to pursue, and no possibility of prize money to supplement his meager income. His decision to seek refuge from his troubles, and creditors, in France proves doubly disastrous.

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)

A fair shake

My addiction to this series started as soon as I picked up "Master and Commander" on a recommendation for Leo Laporte of TWIT. Its not my usual genre, but Wow have I become hooked. Based on how much I loved the first book, I was bracing myself for a letdown based on the reviews I read here.

After just finishing "Post Captain", I have to say two things:
1) Patrick Tull is a genius - possibly the single BEST narrator I have heard given that he has such amazing command of the British, Scottish, Irish, and French accents particularly. The characters just come alive - judge for yourself.

2) Unless you're ONLY reading these books for the accounts of engagements at sea, you'll enjoy this book. Yes, they spent a little more time on land, but ultimately, the character development, depth, and dimension that we get on these folks is WELL worth it. Obrian is also so skilled at painting the intricacies of dealing in a society that is so constrained by what is "proper" that relationships all ways round become almost as difficult to navigate as a lee shore. And I was quite satisfied with some outstanding high-seas adventure - when you get to the story about the Harbor with the "Inner Road" and "Outer Road", you'll know what I'm talking about!

If you just finished Master and Commander, and you're hoping the series continues to be good, you're in for a treat! I'm ready to dive into the third book now, and I see no end in sight - these are great!

Great story

Love the ships of the line. Good story. Read well. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Not quite as good as the Simon Vance version.

While still a decent performance, you are better off going to Overdrive and listening to the Soman Vance performance from Blackstone audio.

A fantastic series

Post Captain Brings the Turning point in Auburys Carear! Highly recommended that leaves you craving more!

Not what I expected. but so much, much more !

I've read most of Alexander Kent (Douglas Reeman) and some of C.S.Forrester. After 30 years of Sea Service I am not unaccustomed to rough language. As I recall only 3 instances in this work. Well done Mr. O'Brian. BRAVO ZULU !