HMS Ulysses

By: Alistair MacLean

Narrated by: Denis Quilley

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.

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

What a misery

A misanthropic war tragedy. There's not much light or redemption in this unrelievedly grim tale of an arctic convoy during WW2. Misery upon misery ending in disaster, death and disgrace. I guess a gritty true-to-life account of what it was really like is an appropriate antidote to the boys-own-annual view of the navy and war but pheeww this one is really depressing. The writing is taught and Quilly's cut glass accent is perfect. If you can stand the tragedy its an interesting well crafted work.