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HMS Surprise

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HMS Surprise

By: Patrick O’Brian
Narrated by: Robert Hardy
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In this abridged audiobook, how far will a man go in the name of revenge, honour, love or simple survival?

Far from familiar seas, Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew must test themselves to the very limits of human endurance.

Following a daring rescue, Jack Aubrey accepts a new command and a new commission to a far-flung destination. Ahead of him and his crew are the new sights and smells of the Indian subcontinent, and the terrifying hazards of an archipelago of islands in the East Indies, where their French enemies have near overwhelming superiority.

‘Combines adventure and the art of the novel with an astonishing finesse.’
FRANCIS SPUFFORD

‘Few, very few, books have made my heart thump with excitement. HMS Surprise managed it.’
HELEN LUCY BURKE, Irish Times

Action & Adventure Espionage Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Medical Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense War & Military Adventure Fiction Suspense
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Critic reviews

‘If O’Brian’s novels have become a cult, this is because they are truly addictive. . . They are, quite magnificently, adventure yarns whose superb authenticity never distracts from the sheer thrill of the action.’
Caroline Moore, Sunday Telegraph
‘The Aubrey–Maturin novels, by Patrick O’Brian, are so addictive that after I finish one I have to hide the next from myself for a little while in order to do anything else but read.’
Louise Erdrich
‘In Aubrey and Maturin, Patrick O’Brian has created two of the most enjoyable characters in twentieth-century fiction. Their relationship sustains an absorbing and thrilling sequence of naval stories, unrivalled in their complexity, full of impeccable detail and psychological insight. O’Brian switches from the intimate to the epic with equal assurance. One of the greatest authors to sail with.’
Michael Palin
‘My hero is Patrick O’Brian. It’s basically impossible to write that well.’
David Mamet
‘One of the most compelling and brilliant novelists of his time . . . Beyond his superbly elegant writing, wit and originality, Patrick O’Brian showed an understanding of the nature of a floating world at the mercy of the wind and the sea which has never been surpassed.’
Max Hastings, Evening Standard
‘I devoured Patrick O’Brian’s twenty-volume masterpiece as if it had been so many tots of Jamaica grog.’
Christopher Hitchens
‘Written with most engaging enthusiasm that can’t fail to give pleasure to anybody who enjoys historical adventure flavoured with more than a dash of realism.’
The Sunday Times
‘One of the most brilliantly sustained pieces of historical fictional writing this century.’
James Teacher, Spectator
‘Patrick O’Brian brings depth to his sea-stories with outstanding dialogue, characterisation, humour and a golden thread of romance. You don’t have to love books about naval battles to become entranced.’
Katie Fforde
All stars
Most relevant
The only pity is that these are abridged versions. Otherwise they are perfect. Very much recommend.

Robert Hardy is the best voice for Jack Aubrey

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This is the first book of the brilliant Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brian. Set during the French and Napoleon's Wars they are wonderful books and Robert Hardy's reading is equally wonderful but, alas, the story has been abridged. Ric Jerrom reads the unabridged versions, and reads them exceedingly well but I find Hardy's voice perfect. If only .....
All I can suggest is that you buy both. Well worth it.

A Brilliant Book, but, alas, abridged

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I bought this version by mistake. If you're an O'Brian fan avoid this like the plague. Where are the unabridged versions? The Americans have them.

Why abridged?

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different narrator then the first two books. way to short fir the price it's sold at.

way to short a book for the price.

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