Until the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead

Well Buckle my Swash

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If I had friends that were as interested in Napoleonic war fiction as I am then yes I would. If my friend were Patrick O'Brien though I'd probably say it was a bit rubbish and then continue to read it in secret.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Luckily for me the fact that it was on a naval ship during the Napoleonic Wars was the most interesting aspect. The least was the overblown love story that seemed to take over a good few hours of unnecessary prose where there could have been more killing Frenchies or discussions on how to get the most wind into the sails so that she could reach Martinique by next Tuesday (for example).

What about Daniel Philpott’s performance did you like?

I think the rather innocent and gentle reading created a character that was certainly there but maybe understated the more exciting elements of the tale. Generally though, a good job. Well done Dan.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The emotion of sailors at the sinking of an enemy vessel is particularly well captured, although don't expect too much emotion out of this one. Just some good old England beating the French in the face of damnable odds etc.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

more like mills & boon than a military adventure

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

50% Slow, laborious romantic novel, 50% slow laborious historical adventure. Not for those trying to find alternatives to Kent, O'Brian or their more modern counterparts.