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

There's Noah’s Ark, action at sea, a race against an iceberg, unrelenting nature, more disaster, bad luck, and multiple good spots to end the book, plus our interview with guest Paul Bryers, author of the Nathan Peake books. Ch 10 (second half).

We are coming home to England! We hear about a lucky backgammon game, childhood high jinks, potentially good news for Captain Aubrey, and a change of plans for Stephen. Ch 1.

Jack has some news to offset his injury. Stephen meets Sir Joseph. Mrs. Williams is back and on steroids. There are interesting Easter Eggs, a new post captain, historical footnotes, and schadenfreude galore. Will Stephen finally get to see Diana and Brigid? Ch 2.

We spend more time with Jack’s family, as Mrs Williams sinks even lower. Stephen gets two surprises, one good and one bad. We get close-up views of the squadron, Sophie’s concerns, Jack’s musical abilities, and a lecture on what a proper sick-berth should be. Ch 3.

We have the Captain’s dinner with all of Jack’s command, we hear more about Captain Thomas, and things turn deadly dangerous for Stephen.  Plus we have a review of Trafalgar - Fog of War, by Seth Hunter. Ch 4.

Stephen rides back to the ship deciding what to do. Jack confronts “the green-eyed monster” - a reference for all you Othello fans. Plus family time (of a kind) on the Ringle, the Doctor’s fan club, a young Jack in the making, and bawdy humour from Hamlet. Ch 5.

A short Easter message to tide you over while the spring celebrations are underway.  Episode 150 will be with you next week.

What's that sound - a great fleet action? We have friends helping friends; questionable Plato; jealousy revealed and confronted; and a pause for perspective - the ultimate distress of mind. We also have an interview with George Jepson and Brittany Stoner of McBooks Press. Ch 6.

En route to Africa, Jack reads his secret orders and wonders about Stephen’s thoughts. Stephen considers what to do about Capt. Duff. Jack finalises his plans after momentarily setting up as a political cove and has his first encounter at sea with a slaver. Ch 7.

The squadron makes its presence known, Stephen trips himself up on shore leave, Jack gains perspective on being a Commodore and the Africa mission comes together. There’s pottos, miasmata, and the Bight of Benin. Ch 8.