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

Episode 30 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 7)

This great book builds to the first of its climaxes - we've got literary allusions galore, music, a rousing chorus and of course the Gentlemen's Relish, finishing off with a gripping chase in a storm. Ch 8,9

Episode 31 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 8)

Back ashore for Stephen, Jack and Jagiello - this time as prisoners in the hands of the French authorities.  But which authorities?  And we seem to be working up towards some kind of culmination, but how is it that Diana's character looms so large over these final chapters? Ch 10,11

Episode 32 - The Surgeon's Mate (final part); Rachel McMillan

Finally we reach the conclusion of book 7 in the series, The Surgeon's Mate.  Jack, Stephen and Jagiello break free, but what about Diana? To talk about her, we're joined by author and Villiers superfan Rachel McMillan. Ch 11.

Episode 33 - The Ionian Mission (Part 1)

We're picking up book 8 in the series, The Ionian Mission. We've a fresh start for Stephen and Diana, a new ship for Jack, and driving lessons for Jagiello.  Oh, and lots and lots of Bach. Ch 1,2

Episode 34 - The Ionian Mission (Part 2)

Jack's weaponry lets him down, and we have a heart-stopping moment of anxiety about Stephen.  Puddings then become a major topic of conversation, triced about the larboard gumbrils, naturally.  Ch 2,3

Episode 35 - The Ionian Mission (Part 3)

Jack has been down in the dumps, but a dose of naval discipline and a second pair of stockings seem to be building him back up. Ch 3,4

Episode 36 -The Ionian Mission (Part 4)

We continue with the Ionian Mission; Jack and Stephen encounter trouble with quails - or are they tribbles? Or partridges in pear trees? Meanwhile Lt Somers loses his cool. Ch 4-6.

Episode 37 - The Ionian Mission (Part 5); David Curtin

As Jack, alone aboard the Worcester, explores the mysteries of 'Old Bach', we explore them for ourselves, with the help of our guest, music professor David Curtin.  We also uncover old cold remedies, and a new horse metaphor.  Ch 6.

Episode 38 -The Ionian Mission (Part 6)

We muse on what is and is not poetical, and Stephen misses a rhinoceros and thousands of flamingos. Jack’s cold continues to dog him, and we have the possibility of some unexpected action, usually the perfect thing to set up our hero, Jack Aubrey. Ch 6,7

Episode 39 - The Ionian Mission (Part 7)

This week there’s a showdown with Harte, Jack gets re-acquainted with an old friend, and Stephen makes an unwelcome entrance. Plus, there’s espionage ashore, resulting in a surprising encounter in a moonlit French marsh. Ch 7.