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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
Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Sea Adventures Suspense Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fantasy Adventure Exciting Heartfelt 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

What listeners say about HMS Ulysses

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Heartbreaking

One of the best stories I've ever hear brought me to tears at points and I felt ashamed
Gut wrenching all the young men in this kind of conflict show what real courage is
Thanks to MacLean what a writer
HEROs every last one
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One of the best books written on the subject

One of the most amazing and important books giving a very accurate and chilling account of life on one of the Russian convoys of world war . The men I have spoken to from those times all confirm this several who took part in those convoys.

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The best book I have ever listened to

This fantastic book was Maclean's first. The plot is riveting and highly emotional. Anyone with an interest in the sea or Maritime convoys must read it.
The scope of the narrator's characterizations seems boundless. A brilliant performance.

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HMS Ulysses

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

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Best naval book I have read

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

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Alistair MacLean’s devastating Arctic convoy story

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.

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Brought to life

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

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Fantastic read.

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!

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Brilliant

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.

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Brilliant story

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

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