Desolation Island Add a review

Desolation Island is the fifth historical novel in the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. It was first published in 1978.

The story follows Jack Aubrey as he takes command of HMS Leopard on a mission meant to reach Australia, and occurs prior to the War of 1812. Stephen Maturin is assigned to the voyage in order to monitor a beautiful young American spy who is aboard the ship as a prisoner.

Critics praised the novel's "literate, clear-eyed realism" at initial publication, as well as the stirring naval action in the cold southern ocean as the Leopard is chased by the Dutch ship.