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  • H.M.S. Surprise

  • Aubrey-Maturin, Book 3
  • By: Patrick O'Brian
  • Narrated by: Robert Hardy
  • Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)
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H.M.S. Surprise cover art

H.M.S. Surprise

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Robert Hardy
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Summary

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.

©1997 Patrick O’Brian (P)1997 HarperCollins UK

Critic reviews

"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)

What listeners say about H.M.S. Surprise

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Why abridged?

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.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Brilliant Book, but, alas, abridged

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.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

way to short a book for the price.

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Robert Hardy is the best voice for Jack Aubrey

The only pity is that these are abridged versions. Otherwise they are perfect. Very much recommend.

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