Our heroes encounter a big blow, and their cruise gets extended. We learn about the perils, pitfalls and rewards of privateering. Jack learns a little mindfulness, and Padeen sinks deeper into addiction. We are once again reminded that it's all about the wind! Ch 3.
Jack exercises his new crew and tries to keep them from getting pressed, while Stephen talks carronades and strategy. In the meantime there's mooning, rogering and La Marseillaise - something for everyone? Ch 2.
At Shelmerston, Jack picks the last of his new crew, while Stephen gets distracted by a man in blue pants and a big bustard. Two interesting Admirals appear on the scene, one with a familiar name, as the Surprise prepares to sail. Ch 1.
Jack prepares to take the Surprise to sea to finalise her crew. Stephen’s French is tested when he’s invited to a mysterious and perhaps dangerous encounter. An old friend turns up with a missing possession and vital information, bringing the book to a dramatic end. Ch 10.
Stephen works to lessen Jack’s sentence, and get him on board with plans for the Surprise. Blaine offers counsels and potentially a new mission. And Jack's sentence is finalised and carried out, in one of the canon’s most emotional scenes. Ch 9.
Jack's legal situation worsens, as Stephen activates his back-up plan - a charming privateer, weatherly, stiff and fast ... you know the one! Also Byron, Donovan and a corsair named Dover. Can any of them help Jack avoid what's coming? Ch 8.
Jack and Stephen are getting their heads around Jack’s forthcoming trial - we find about the quality of justice, the puzzling fate of Ellis Palmer and parallels to our other hero, Thomas Cochrane. Ch 7.
We reach the conclusion of our review of M&CFSOTW in collaboration with the Cine-Files - can Jack Aubrey keep his naval family together? Can Hollom find leadership within himself? Will Stephen ever get to see his flightless cormorant? And what kind of surprise awaits the Acheron?
This is a joint episode with our friends Steve and John from The Cine-Files podcast, discussing the 2003 Peter Weir movie Master & Commander - Far Side Of The World. Part 2 is next week, and then we resume Reverse Of The Medal.
This week Babbington returns, as do honey-buzzards, cricket and hurling. Ashgrove Cottage comes to pieces at the hands of sailors. Reverend Martin is upset by the cost of setting up house, and he abandons bird-watching when Stephen needs it most. Finally, Jack gets an unexpected visit that changes everything. Ch 6.
Stephen hears a heart-breaking verse of Dryden, contemplates shearwaters, pulls a deserving nose and finally hangs out with his royal protectors. Along the way, he takes care of a big old MacGuffin. Ch 5.
After avoiding a bit of Cochrane action, Jack is on his way home, via London, in a leathern convenience. We find out how to kick up Bob's a-dying, and Jack is set for a fortune or a disaster - which will it be? Ch. 4
Jack, Stephen and the crew are chasing the Spartan, but pursued by their own doubts and superstitions. Three sightings, but will the tight-lipped crew take one last prize? Ch 3
Stephen and Jack are underway, still reflecting on the appearance of Sam Panda, pondering admirals, wives, saints and Jesuits along the way. And there's a new chase on the horizon! Ch 2.
We're at the beginning of The Reverse of the Medal - The Surprise and her captured whaler join the West Indies fleet, as people wonder whether Jack’s luck has run out. Stephen is back in high demand as a surgeon and intelligence agent, and Jack gets a surprise visit from a strangely familiar face. Ch 1.
The last of our series of Crossing The Line specials is all about music. With the help of special guest Rachel McMillan, we look back at how music has enriched the Patrick O'Brian stories, and look forward to musical treats to come. Bach, Boccherini and Mozart for all hands!
Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about children in the world of Patrick O'Brian. As we talk about Forshaw, Dil and squeakers past and present, we’re joined by special guest Steve Morris of the Cine Files podcast, and a special host too!
A mid season special, featuring a mix of highlights from past shows and fresh commentary. We're reaching out to a selected few of our past guests to add some of their thoughts, too - listen out for Eva Sandor joining us this week, as first of these specials comes out, on the topic of POB's humour.
The Far Side Of The World reaches a climax - there's confrontation and betrayal ashore, but who's that on the horizon? And we get a definitive answer to the question 'can it be ate?' - shark lovers, look away now. Ch 10
Jack is happy to be alive, so we explore the lot of women and men in the world, and how this relates to the Articles of War. Stephen tries bird-watching in a storm, resulting in a change in plans, and a visit to another uncharted island, this time flying a strange signal ... Ch 9.
Stephen and Jack figure out how they might survive on their desert island, if only Stephen can get on board with Jack’s taste in coconuts. We’re going to talk about rumours of a new Patrick O’Brian movie project on the horizon, while Jimmy Buffett takes us to the far side of the world. Ch 8.
In the Galápagos Islands we consider wildlife, mating rituals and gobstoppers. Stephen gets angry with Jack, and they learn that skipping a night of music can have disastrous results. Jack and Stephen become part of a new crew, and contemplate some wizened, purse-like objects. Meanwhile, we talk to Clare Hunt of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Ch 7.
Jack and the Surprise find an accommodating island, the sun comes out and things start to look a little better before the trouble starts - especially if your last name starts with an “H.” We have a couple of chases, some unearthly wailing and learn that Paradise might be closer than we know. Ch 6.
There's time ashore for Maturin and Martin, but the owl-faced night ape takes its toll, and South America offers addictive new possibilities. As the repaired Surprise races to catch the Norfolk, there are complications, a prize in view and the Horn to weather. Ch 5.
Trouble and foreboding aboard the Surprise - adultery threatens the equanimity of the ship, and Jack would rather heave-to and paint than cross the Line. Terrible puns are his only relief, sadly. Ch 4.
Out at sea, the new crew of the Surprise is getting to know each other better. Blood letting is just around the corner, but not in the way that you'd think. To top it all, there's a troublesome goat, so grab a dish of tea and enjoy the episode. Ch 3
Jack is getting ready for sea, and Stephen is birding at the top of Gibraltar rock, but what is the port admiral up to? What's going on among the warrant officers? And who is that uncommonly handsome young woman? Ch 2.
We're starting a new book, beginning in Gibraltar and all seems suddenly right with the world - the Fieldings reunited, Stephen's message to Diana on its way, and the Surprise on a new mission to The Far Side Of The World. We learn about the art of spin doctoring, and the fallacious nature of Black Swans. What could possibly go wrong? Ch 1.
The end of Treason's Harbour should also be the end of the line for Wray, Harte, the Surprise and the Dey of Mascara - but how will that work out in the end? Meanwhile, it's a whole new year for the Lubber's Hole! Ch 10
The action and tension are building, at sea and back in Valetta - a 'most romantic frame' is aboard the Nymphe, and almost takes us by Surprise. And there's a Derry Girls connection, so there is. Ch 9,10
