21

The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Patrick O'Brian became a legend with his beloved Aubrey-Maturin seafaring tales. O'Brian received further attention with the critically acclaimed film adaptation, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and won two.

When O'Brian passed away in 2000, he left behind three chapters of what was to be the 21st Aubrey-Maturin novel. The tale was to have followed Jack Aubrey in his new post, Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron.

Although it remains unfinished, 21 gives us one final glance at the unparalleled genius of a master craftsman and the series The New York Times Book Review hailed as "the best historical novels ever written".

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.

©2004 Patrick O'Brian (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"For Aubrey/Maturin addicts, there could be no better gift: a new, albeit incomplete, story with freshly piquant details, wry humor and salty nautical action." (Publishers Weekly)

farewell wherever you fare, Patrick O'Brian!

The only thing wrong with this book is that Mr. O'Brian did not have a chance to finish!

Sad to see these books end. Patrick O’Brian is a master

It will be difficult for anyone ever to live up to Patrick Obrian’s storytelling prowess, his character development, his dialogue, or his historical content. I will read the all again in 5 years. And I look forward to the experience.

An Excellent End

This novel was shaping up to be a great one, worth a listen even though it is unfinished. Thank you Patrick O'Brian for the gift of these books.

a bittersweet farewell

I previously read all in this series, except this one, unwilling to hear the end of Jack and Stephen's lives. Now having listened to all of the books (and I must say I enjoyed hearing them enormously, due to Patrick Tull's fine readings), I recommend this book to any fan of O'Brian. There is no closure in the story, which is fine with me. I can imagine further adventures, and perhaps someone will take up the series in the future. The abrupt termination is, however in a way, not unsatisfying. Like everyone else, I wish there were more, but this book gave some type of finish--for the moment.

Couldn't end in any better way!

3rd time through the series but must have missed this last partial book the other times. So glad to have it and O'Brian's friends have nice things to say afterward.

Like great music

I have “read” the entire series at least four times either in print or voice and never tire of it. Like listening to great music beautifully performed.
Only disappointment was brief appearance of someone other than Patric Tull narrating. I could not get past 2 chapters.

Farewell to Dear Friends

We have listened for nearly a year to the lives of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin and could not conclude our experience without hearing their very last words. We could have listened with great delight as long as the author allowed them to live and regret that he passed before they.

Even at 85, he left too soon.

While entirely too short, it gives a good indication of where Aubrey was going. The afterward is quite touching.

Fantastic voyage!

This is the most engrossing and gratifying voyage I've ever embarked upon! Prodigious! Capitol! Now I'm going to get some grog!

Sad that I have finished

What an amazing series of literature. The style was unprecedented and can never be duplicated. Jack and Steven, so different, so balanced, so wonderful. Start from book one and get yourself through at least five chapters and you will be an addict. No other naval series will quite compare, though many entertain. Enjoy!