The Thirteen Gun Salute by Patrick O'Brian

The Thirteen Gun Salute

A Swashbuckling Adventure Afloat

Written byPatrick O'Brian
Narrated byTim Pigott-Smith
Length5h08m
Release dateJune 12, 2001
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.6 (201 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorPatrick O'Brian
NarratorTim Pigott-Smith
Runtime5h08m
PublishedJune 12, 2001
Rating★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 (201 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Action & Adventure, Genre Fiction, Sea Adventures, Historical Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

In 'The Thirteen Gun Salute', Patrick O'Brian masterfully weaves together the threads of naval politics and high-seas action, propelling listeners on a thrilling journey through the treacherous waters of the South China Sea. With his characteristic meticulous research and vivid prose, O'Brian brings to life the complex world of 19th-century naval warfare, where loyalty, duty, and honor are put to the test.

Tim Pigott-Smith's nuanced narration brings the characters to vivid life, capturing the subtle nuances of Captain Jack Aubrey's wit and the dry humor of his trusted friend, Stephen Maturin. Pigott-Smith's smooth, easy pace and precise diction make for a captivating listening experience, drawing listeners into the heart of the action. As the stakes grow higher and the plot thickens, Pigott-Smith's masterful touch keeps pace, rendering the narrative a true page-turner.

What sets 'The Thirteen Gun Salute' apart is its intricate attention to historical detail, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story that's simply irresistible. From the intricacies of naval gunnery to the diplomatic machinations of colonial powers, O'Brian's grasp of the era is unparalleled. This, combined with Pigott-Smith's expert handling, makes for an audiobook that's at once informative, entertaining, and deeply engaging.

Tags: Historical FictionNaval Adventure19th CenturySwashbucklingAubrey/Maturin SeriesPatrick O'BrianTim Pigott-Smith

Why Listen to The Thirteen Gun Salute?

  • Expert narration by Tim Pigott-Smith brings every character and scene to life across 5h08m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 201 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I've had the pleasure of narrating a number of historical novels, but 'The Thirteen Gun Salute' is one of my personal favorites. As an audiobook editor, I'm always on the lookout for stories that transport listeners to another time and place, and O'Brian's masterpiece does just that. What struck me most about this audiobook is the way Pigott-Smith brings to life the supporting characters - the gruff but lovable sailors, the calculating politicians, and the enigmatic ladies who capture the hearts of our heroes. His characterization is pitch-perfect, and I found myself drawn into the world of the Royal Navy with an ease that's all too rare in historical fiction. Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning the inevitable plot twists and turns. While I appreciated the way O'Brian kept me guessing, I did feel that the pacing suffered slightly in places. At times, the narrative seemed to slow to a crawl, and I found myself wishing for a slightly faster clip. But overall, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise exemplary production. With Pigott-Smith at the helm and O'Brian's masterful storytelling, 'The Thirteen Gun Salute' is an audiobook that's not to be missed.

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The Thirteen Gun Salute by Patrick O'Brian is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Tim Pigott-Smith with a runtime of 5h08m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.