What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Fortune of War
Patrick O'Brian · Book · 1996
If you loved The Fortune of War, start with Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (Peter Weir, 2003) — a film on the same thread. Below: 1 film, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Fortune of War across media.
What hooked you in The Fortune of War was the way high-stakes historical conflict is tethered to the profound, enduring bonds of friendship.
Films on the same thread
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Peter Weir · Film · 2003
Explores: Duty vs. Friendship, Leadership Under Pressure, Man vs. Nature.
If you valued the naval precision of The Fortune of War, you will appreciate how this film captures the same sense of duty and camaraderie amidst the perils of sail.
Series on the same thread
Our Friends in the North
Peter Flannery · Series · 1996
Explores: Thatcherism, Police Corruption, Social Change.
Much like the central relationship in The Fortune of War, this series uses the backdrop of a changing world to examine how deep personal ties survive the pressure of decades.
North and South
Richard T. Heffron · Series · 1985
Shares a thread with The Fortune of War: Social Class.
Fans of the complex loyalties found in The Fortune of War will recognize the same poignant tension as two friends navigate their opposing sides during a major historical conflict.
The Winds of War
Dan Curtis · Series · 1983
Shares a thread with The Fortune of War: Naval Warfare.
This saga mirrors the naval atmosphere of The Fortune of War while exploring how a dedicated officer maintains his personal integrity and family connections during a global wartime crisis.
Shōgun
Rachel Kondo · Series · 2024
Shares 2 threads with The Fortune of War: Honor, Duty.
Those drawn to the espionage and cultural navigation in The Fortune of War will find a similar depth of political intrigue and survival strategy within this intense historical drama.
Podcasts on the same thread
Jocko Podcast
Jocko DEFCOR Network · Podcast · 2026
Explores: discipline, stoicism, accountability.
The philosophical reflections on leadership and conflict in this podcast provide a modern, real-world extension of the themes of duty that define the characters of The Fortune of War.
Revolutions
Mike Duncan · Podcast · 2025
Explores: societal collapse, power dynamics, cyclical history.
If the historical scope of The Fortune of War fascinated you, this narrative history series offers a similarly immersive look at the systemic pressures that shape human conflict and revolution.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Fortune of War the start of a series?
No, The Fortune of War is part of the Aubrey-Maturin tales by Patrick O'Brian. These novels are widely hailed as the greatest series of historical fiction ever written. You should consider reading the preceding books in the series to fully understand the ongoing relationship between Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.
What happens to the characters in The Fortune of War?
In The Fortune of War, Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin take passage for England on a despatch vessel. While they are en route, the War of 1812 breaks out, forcing the pair to navigate the complications of this new conflict during their journey.
Where does The Fortune of War take place?
The Fortune of War begins in the Dutch East Indies, where Captain Jack Aubrey is appointed to command a fast and well-armed frigate. The plot then follows the characters as they travel toward England, only to be interrupted by the outbreak of the War of 1812.
How does the War of 1812 affect The Fortune of War?
The outbreak of the War of 1812 serves as a major turning point in The Fortune of War. While Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are traveling to England, the sudden onset of this specific conflict disrupts their plans and creates new challenges for the pair at sea.