The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

Stephen 'practices upon' Jack, laudanum returns, Oakes and Clarissa approach Norfolk Island, and a pursuing cutter threatens Clarissa and Padeen. We are reminded that the community often knows us better than we know ourselves, and new orders arrive. Ch 2.

Jack & Stephen puzzle with letters from home and Jack’s new orders. Martin has decisions to make; Clarissa is on the minds of all the officers; and the Gunroom’s delayed wedding feast gets an unexpected main course. Ch 3.

It’s Guy Fawkes time again. The Gunroom has the long-delayed feast for the bride and groom, as we learn life lessons from Shakespeare, and discover some Latin Easter eggs with the help of our new consulting medieval Latinist. Jack learns the disastrous effects of too much pudding and starts to realize what’s going on with the gunroom. Ch 4.

Aboard the Surprise, the storm continues. There are stunning revelations about Mrs Oakes. Stephen and Jack reveal the depths of their nautical and birding knowledge. A prize is spotted after Jack drives the ship hard. The mission continues ... (Ep 5)

As trading and high jinks continue ashore, a French-American crew are threatening Moahu.  Stephen, meanwhile, learns about Clarissa's dark personal history, and gives some important clues about treachery in the heart of the British establishment. Ch 6

An excited Stephen writes to Sir Joseph Blaine, while Rev. Martin confesses. We learn more about Mrs. Oakes, her attitude toward men and her effect on the Surprise’s officers and crew. An unpleased, indignant Jack tilts church toward fire and brimstone. And there’s a dinner! Ch 7.

“Nasty, brutish, and short”? Maybe. An angry Captain presides over punishment, and we dig deep into the delights of John Donne. The medicos go fishing and sight the Evil One. And our special guest, author and academic Josh Corey, joins us to discuss the character of Nathaniel Martin and lots more besides. Ch 8.

Jack and the Surprises sail into Moahu hoping to secure Queen Puolani’s allegiance and defend her against the north’s attack. They hunt for the Franklin, find another ship, see a little action and encounter the spoils of war, as we learn more about Clarissa and resolve the gunroom’s dilemma. Ch 9 (Part 1)

Battle with the North commences, the Franklin is in the offing, and the spoils of war are great and terrible as the current story of Clarissa Oakes comes to an end. Meanwhile we wrap up this novel with an interview with our old friend, novelist Rachel McMillan. Ch 9.

The chase of the Franklin continues, pitting Jack Aubrey against a very resourceful Yankee sailing master and Mother Nature herself. We meet some new characters onboard, attend a gunroom dinner and remember to keep one hand for the ship and another for ourselves.  Ch 1.