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HMS Ulysses

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HMS Ulysses

By: Alistair MacLean
Narrated by: Denis Quilley
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About this listen

The novel that launched the astonishing career of one of the 20th century’s greatest writers of action and suspense – an acclaimed classic of heroism and the sea in World War II.

Constant patrols have pushed the crew of the HMS Ulysses beyond the limits of endurance. And now they must be put to sea again, to escort a vital supply convoy heading for Murmansk.

As they head deep into the frozen waters they are faced not only with the fierce arctic weather, but a swarm of airborne attacks, German ships, then the feared U-boats, all hellbent on destroying the convoy.

With each day threatening another sudden attack, and increasing hardships aboard the frozen ship, Ulysses suffers greater damage trying to protect the other vessels. And soon the journey becomes a tense and deadly game of cat and mouse between the crippled cruiser and her silent pursuers.

 Action & Adventure Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Sea Adventures War & Military Adventure Suspense War Military

Critic reviews

‘A brilliant, overwhelming piece of descriptive writing.’
Observer

‘A story of exceptional courage which grips the imagination.’
Daily Telegraph

‘It deserves an honourable place among 20th-century war books.’
Daily Mail

‘HMS Ulysses is in the same class as The Cruel Sea.’
Evening Standard
All stars
Most relevant
Very disappointed with this book,
Quilley reads it like a News Broadcast, and the book itself is more like a Weather report.
There is so much about the weather, so many superlatives used, and yet it goes on and on.
Not much of a actual story, just a very long report on the weather conditions.

Like a Weather report!

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

Having read this book I was disappointed at the cuts to the story used on this audible book. I think it didn't fully give you the sense of the struggle the ship and crew faced in their battle against the Germans and the development of the characters.
Read the book and don't listen to this

Who was your favorite character and why?

CPO Hartley-backbone of the story

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

read all the book

Was HMS Ulysses worth the listening time?

No

A good story ruined

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This is a fantastic book however, abridging it ruins a great work.
I personally would read the full version as you get a better grasp of events and a better story all together.

Shouldn't be abridged.

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This is one of my favourite books of all time. The writing is outstanding but this audio version is a huge let down. Narration is brilliant (Dennis Quilley) but large sections of the book are missing. To help put this into context - unabridged audio versions of the book are 13 hours this is under 3 which totally ruins the book.

Don't waste your money on this - buy an unabridged version.

DO NOT BUY - IT IS ONLY ONE QUARTER OF FULL BOOK

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Lacking in story action more about description of north sea.

HMS Ulysses

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