The Fortune of War

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 6

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

The H.M.S. Leopard pulled into the bay of Pulo Batang looking more like a shabby merchant ship that a man-of-war. The crew had endured a calamitous voyage plagued by gaol-fever, pursued by the Dutch Waakzaamheid, and struck by an iceberg. Suffice it to say, Jack Aubrey was ready for home.

The return journey aboard La Fleche proves delightful for both Aubrey and his particular friend. Stephen Maturin, with high winds and beautiful skies. It is when La Fleche nears the coast of Brazil that tragedy strikes. Accidental fire ravages the ship, forcing the crew into lifeboats. Rescued eventually by the Java, Aubrey and Maturin meet with yet another deterrent to their journey home when the Java engages the U.S.S. Constitution in battle, and loses. Aubrey, now a POW in Boston, waits for word of a prisoner exchange, while Maturin renews his friendship with the raven-haired expatriate, Diana Villiers.

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.©1979 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"The Fortune of War is a marvelously full-flavored, engrossing book, which towers over its current rivals in the genre like a three-decker over a ship's longboat." (Times Literary Supplement)

Thrilling & Complex

This is not a straightforward chase and board ‘em, but more complex than some of the others. Maturin’s emotional life takes an unexpected turn & is handled with sophistication and sensitivity.
As always, Patrick Tull is a superb narrator.

Another fantastic yarn

What made the experience of listening to The Fortune of War the most enjoyable?

The fact that both American and British characters were treated fairly and with great concern for historical accuracy.

What does Patrick Tull bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He makes the characters come alive. Makes them believable. i once listened to an O'Brian book with a different narrator and stopped after 1 chapter. NO way

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

of course when the Chesapeake was captured and so many of our country's sailors died.

Another solid entry

Loving the series and loving Patrick Tull. He is the voice of O'Brian, and brings the story to life.

Amazing series of books

Amazing series of books, that are timeless.

Fantastically read, throughout. Highly recommended. must start at the beginning of the series. It keeps you captivated all the way theough.

This is one of the best of the series!!!

Intrigue, drama, action, humor, and adventure! Excellent. One of O'Brian's best. Plenty of Jack and Stephen and wonderful new characters. So good!