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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 Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Sea Adventures Suspense Thriller & Suspense War & Military Adventure Scary Tear-jerking War Military

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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  
Excellent reproduction of the novel. Jonathan Oliver's performance was first-rate, bringing all the characters to life.

HMS Ulysses

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He dragged it out in a couple of story lines but the descriptive narrative and way he got into the men's minds and fellowship were. Brilliant and finally he doesn't see the need to introduce a token mindless liason with the opposite sex

Best naval book I have read

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Drawn from his own Arctic convoy experience, MacLean fairly rams the horror of those deadly Arctic voyages home.
Jonathan Oliver has a great voice but tended to scupper it all by over acting, which is a pity.

Alistair MacLean’s devastating Arctic convoy story

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Having read the book many years ago, this audio version was excellent in bring the story to life - captivating till the end

Brought to life

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I read this book over 50 years ago (when I could still see to read) I had forgotten what a great & exciting story it is! Starts off at a sprint & keeps going to the climatic finish. No time to get your breath. Alistair Maclean was a great loss to readers of all ages. If you like naval fiction, this is not one to miss!

Fantastic read.

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I have read all of Stephen king’s books and none of them are as horrific as this. Thank god I’ll never go to war.

Brilliant

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Best war story ever. Funny, sad and unforgettable. A fine and fitting tribute to the courage of the men of the Atlantic convoys.

Brilliant story

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Very gripping and I was almost on the ship with the crew every time I thought Ulysses was on top they received another blow
G

What a story

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A moving and exceptional account of the horrors of war in freezing rough terrible seas

A moving exceptional story.

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This is a great story. When you look at the reality of the Russian convoys this actually brings it to life.

This story tells the story of the grit and tenacity of the British fighting man in all its detail and glory.

Incredible story

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