THE IONIAN MISSION

In one of the best in the Aubrey/Maturin Napoleonic-era sea story series, the tone of the late O'Brian's work and the inflections of the characters are nicely enunciated by Tim Pigott-Smith. He reads with consummate ease, moving from one character to another effortlessly, revealing their characters as well as their words. When an accent is needed, he provides it--Maturin has a gentle Irish brogue, for example. When age and feebleness need to be presented, Pigott-Smith skillfully presents them. The story has to do with Captain Aubrey breaking blockade and, under orders, sailing into the Greek isles for intrigue and action against the French. D.W. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]