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HMS Ulysses

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HMS Ulysses

By: Alistair MacLean
Narrated by: Jonathan Oliver
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About this listen

The novel that launched the astonishing career of one of the 20th century’s greatest writers of action and suspense – an acclaimed classic of heroism and the sea in World War II.

Constant patrols have pushed the crew of the HMS Ulysses beyond the limits of endurance. And now they must be put to sea again, to escort a vital supply convoy heading for Murmansk.

As they head deep into the frozen waters they are faced not only with the fierce arctic weather, but a swarm of airborne attacks, German ships, then the feared U-boats, all hellbent on destroying the convoy.

With each day threatening another sudden attack, and increasing hardships aboard the frozen ship, Ulysses suffers greater damage trying to protect the other vessels. And soon the journey becomes a tense and deadly game of cat and mouse between the crippled cruiser and her silent pursuers.

©1955 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers Action & Adventure Classics Epic Fantasy Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Sea Adventures Suspense Thriller & Suspense War & Military

Critic Reviews

‘A brilliant, overwhelming piece of descriptive writing.’
Observer

‘A story of exceptional courage which grips the imagination.’
Daily Telegraph

‘It deserves an honourable place among 20th-century war books.’
Daily Mail

‘HMS Ulysses is in the same class as The Cruel Sea.’
Evening Standard
All stars
Most relevant  
Narration kills it for me came back months later to finish frustrated by the Narrators pitch & tone . The story was brilliantly reminiscent of the oldman and the sea with Condors and U boats. ex Stoker

Narration kills it, back months later to finish

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I read this when I was 15. It moved me then and it moved my now.

listened 46 years later

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When I was young, this story was too complex for my taste. As a (mature) adult, the brilliance of the storytelling, the imagery and the shear horror of life on board a warship in the worst conditions imaginable came to life. Highly recommended if you like seafaring tales in wartime.

Brilliant storytelling

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For those interested in the Navy, and World War 2 in particular, you cannot do better than this marvellous story if the Murmansk run. Boldly written, and beautifully read.

A wonderful, stirring tale of its time.

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An incredible tale of survival and the privations of the battle of the Atlantic. Great characters and heroism.

A classic naval adventure

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Probably pretty close to what the arctic convoys endured but bloody depressing for these souls. Still a great story. A must listen. We all know an admiral star unfortunately. The story ever thus. The insulated and protected political class and the people actually doing the hard yards. And what yards they were. Everyone of those foot soldiers deserved a vc.

Great story well told

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a great story of struggle, redemption and the perils of war on the Russian convoy route.

a ship steel and men of oak

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Lest we forget. Who could ever forget these men. In God's hands. We must live for them now.

Heroes all

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One of my favourite stories &have read it many times. Thank you for producing an unabridged version!
Excellent narration, cheers

Great story

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Extremely evocative of the tension, the cold and sheer horror of the Arctic convoys. Narrator excellent. Thoroughly recommend.

Brilliant Story - beautifully written

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