21

The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

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)

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.

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for anyone ever to live up to Patrick Obrian’s storytelling prowess, his character development, his dialogue, or his historical content.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.

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!

Does not include whole text of printed book

A nice coda to the series. Unfortunately, it does not include O'Brian's handwritten continuation of chapter 3, found in the printed book, but goes only to the end of the typescript. In the manuscript pages we learn of the confrontation and duel between Maturin and Miller, as well as a few further details. This material is less worked-out than the typescript, somewhat choppy and discontinuous, but it would have been good to include in the reading, if only to reach a moment of conflict before the text breaks off.

Wished it was a full book

Would you listen to 21 again? Why?

No, it is too much to get into it and have it just finish, he should have waited to pass away,
but what he wrote was a work of art

What did you like best about this story?

All of it even as short as it was

Which character – as performed by Patrick Tull – was your favorite?

Both Jack and Steven were great liked them both

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

It is our loss that Mr O'Brian left ust with it so nearly complete he was one of the best