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

The girls go to church, Stephen continues his mission ashore, Dutourd goes missing, and Jack takes on a big wind in a small boat. We talk about earthquakes, the Inquisition, Incas, and the changing situation in Peru. Ch. 7.

We finally reach Peru, and Stephen’s mission begins. The Franklin and the Surprise and Jack and Stephen part company. Martin’s illness is fully diagnosed. O’Brian takes several forays into the Bible, and Sam Panda returns! Ch 6.

The Surprise, led by a barrel, sails full speed into an examination of human behaviour, a pursuit of prizes, and danger - nautically and interpersonally.  We learn about Ben Franklin, language, gender and agency. Something for everyone! Ch 5

Political differences abound, as Stephen and Martin's relationship is hulled below the waterline. Tom has the Franklin armed & looking beautiful, but people suffer from salt and the lack of fresh water. The spoils are divided, as are opinions about Dutourd. Ch 4.

As West is buried, the gunroom is changed by the arrival of Dutourd and the ransomers, and Martin continues his decline. There’s a new acting Lieutenant, much ado about sects, a possible link between petrels and homeopathy, frisky midshipmen, beautiful music, and potential trouble aboard. Ch 3.

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a message to all our listeners, guests and patrons, a few Christmas highlights from the POB canon, and a guide to what's coming up in the next week or two.  Episode 136 is out on December 31st.  Happy Holidays!

We learn the cause of all the “unnatural” natural phenomena, the fate of Dutourd and the Franklin, what will become of West’s ongoing effect on the Gun Room, and the Shelmerston sect which doesn't play well with others. Ch 2.

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.

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.

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)

“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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

The Surprise sails for Easter Island and Norfolk Island. The crew seems to be acting strange and a little too happy. Jack’s health and his temper are still a worry, as he meets the ghost of cable tiers past. Ch 1.

This week we take time out from our reading of the canon to visit the Caird Library and Archive at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, to talk to senior curator Jeremy Michell and look at documents and artefacts underpinning the Patrick O'Brian novels.  Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGui2FMAoQ to watch the video version. 

Stephen Maturin the deadly duelist meets his match! But first: trips through the bush, more trouble with the authorities and the crew, Aborigines, boomerangs, big news from home and a falling out over duty, honour and friendship. Ch 10.

We are still in and around Sydney as we conclude Chapter 9 of The Nutmeg Of Consolation with orphanages (almost), midnight commotions, heartwarming reunions, possible help for Padeen and plans for a journey. Ch 9.

Ashore in Sydney, we meet Martin’s friend from university. There are literary lessons, obstructing officials, a great change of fortune, convenient corruption, copious convicts, and unappealing countrysides. Ch 9 (first part).

Our heroes make an island stop but leave with far more than fruit. With delightful new guests aboard, there's an uneasy Martin, rats going cold turkey, a self-medicating Captain, insults for the Irish, and the return of that cold reptilian glare. Ch 8.

At a farewell dinner, there are polar bear stories, thoughts on ageing, and a big transaction toasted with the best Sicilian juice.  We also have a great interview with special guest Neil Buttery, who’s going to talk to us about Regency food, drink and puddings. Ch 7.

The Nutmeg leads the Cornélie on a chase with lame duck ruses, twists and turns, duelling chasers, a familiar decoy trick, and an occulted Star Trek star. After a gunroom dinner with old port, and lots of sails & rigging, there's a very surprising encounter. Ch 6.