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

Steven and Jack are in Bombay, and there are temptations and tragedies at hand.  Ian and Mike talk through the emotional depths of O'Brian's great writing, and explore literary references to Dryden and Dostoevsky.   Ch 7-8

It's been a long journey, but Jack and Stephen are finally headed for home.  Before they get there, Jack must face the French, Stephen must face a duel, and they both must face the prospect of rejection.  They seek comfort in music (if only we knew WHICH music).  And, we get the punchline to the joke 'What do you call a giant tortoise on a remote Indian Ocean island?' Ch 9-11

Jack is married and settled in his dream cottage with Sophie - but the dream isn't working out perfectly, so a new mission in the Indian ocean has him hurrying to get to sea with Stephen again.  Jack struggles to corral a group of fractious captains, and Ian and Mike explore a tenuous link to Star Trek - it's a voyage of discovery for everyone. Ch 1-3

The campaign to take Mauritius and La Reunion is underway, but with the French still commanding the odds, and a hurricane brewing.  Can Jack muster a coherent campaign with his odd assortment of officers? And what impact can Stephen have ashore?  Ch 4-8

Ian and Mike bring The Mauritius Command to an end: can Jack fare better without Clonfert, Corbett and Pym?  Will he have the wind taken out of his sails by Admiral Bertie? He has Stephen on hand, so maybe it will all be well in the end.  Our guest naturalist James Albright talks to us about the scientific world of Dr Maturin. Ch 8-10

Jack's family is growing, but so are his financial commitments; Stephen doubts whether he can ever be truly happy ... sounds like the perfect moment for a new sea voyage to Botany Bay.  What can possibly go wrong? (except for spies, stowaways and storms, obviously). Ch 1-4

With gaol fever aboard the Leopard, the discussion turns to disease and death.  We uncover a casual exorcism, and stumble across Butch and Sundance, as we revisit the most thrilling chase in the whole series.  What odds now on a safe arrival at Botany Bay?  Ch 5-7.

The Leopard is in deep trouble, getting deeper with every page of Desolation Island.  We enjoy a 'Santa Claus' moment aboard the Leopard, and welcome our special guest Brian Wilson, podcaster and former intelligence officer, with a personal take on the career and character of Stephen Maturin. Ch 8-9

Jack and Stephen have survived, and found their way from Desolation to civilisation - which in this case means cricket, culture and letters from home. They're in a hurry to get home, as the War of 1812 has broken out - there's not a moment to lose! Ch 1-2

Jack's journey round the world continues, even though he's not in command of the ship. Life in a lifeboat, and then in a lunatic asylum, leave him depending on Stephen, just like always.  Finally, there's the funniest thing since Babbington's farting horse. Ch 3-4.