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Breaker Morant cover art

Breaker Morant

By: Peter FitzSimons
Narrated by: Cameron Goodall
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Publisher's Summary

The epic story of the Boer War and Harry 'Breaker' Morant: drover, horseman, bush poet - murderer or hero?

Most Australians have heard of the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 and of Harry 'Breaker' Morant, a figure who rivals Ned Kelly as an archetypal Australian folk hero. Born in England and emigrating to Queensland in 1883 in his early 20s, Morant was a charming but reckless man who established a reputation as a rider, polo player and writer. He submitted ballads to The Bulletin that were published under the name 'The Breaker' and counted Banjo Paterson as a friend. When appeals were made for horsemen to serve in the war in South Africa, Morant joined up, first with the South Australian Mounted Rifles and then with a South African irregular unit, the Bushveldt Carbineers.

In October 1901 Morant and two other Australians, Lieutenants Peter Handcock and George Witton, were arrested for the murder of Boer prisoners. Morant and Handcock were court-martialled and executed in February 1902 as the Boer War was in its closing stages, but the debate over their convictions continues to this day.

Does Breaker Morant deserve his iconic status? Who was Harry Morant? What events and passions led him to a conflict that was essentially an Imperial war, played out on a distant continent under a foreign flag? Was he a scapegoat for British war crimes or a criminal himself?

With his trademark brilliant command of story, Peter FitzSimons unravels the many myths and fictions that surround the life of Harry Morant. The truths FitzSimons uncovers about 'The Breaker' and the part he played in the Boer War are astonishing - and, in the hands of this master storyteller, make compelling listening.

©2020 Peter FitzSimons (P)2020 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Breaker Morant

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Not bad for an old fella

Great recapture of previously told tales of this history. I can see why it took a year in the making though with some exceptional recounts from witness statements seldom if ever heard.

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very thorough

Very thorough and well written but very long.
narrator a bit over the top with accents and voices.

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Disturbing and brilliant

Although I read a lot of military history, I did not know much about the Boer War 1899-1902.
This book is a superb retelling of that war, from its origins, events, and conclusions. Very interesting. Quite compelling. Rather disturbing. Very well referenced, with official documents, newspaper articles, letters, and interviews.
I had not been aware that concentration camps were invented by the British, (and taken to their horrifying conclusion by the Nazis, and lately the Chinese).
This was a horrible war, and the book pulls no punches.
The Breaker Morant saga occupies the second half of the book, and it is truly horrifying, riveting, and is a convincing version.
I managed very little sleep over the three days that I listened to this 23 hour book, and it has provoked much subsequent thinking.
The narration is generally very Australian and very good, but the British accents are invariably of the foppish upper class twittish variety, even when applied to non officer ranks.
Thoroughly recommended.

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Magnificent.

Peter Fitzsimons, you legend. I knew bits and pieces about the Breaker from school and different books I've read, but this book tells it just how it happened. Thankyou to everybody involved in the research, writing and presentation of this magnificent book. Finally the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

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Typically well written.

As per usual, a very well researched account of a dark passage of human history.

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Extremely interesting

Well worth the time to listen to this book a fascinating part of Australian history I feel as if I know the facts now good and bad of this part of our history excellent book well written and read

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True account

I feel like I very much got to know this man. Cazy to hear this story in such detail after all of the years of hearing half truths and legend. A very comprehensive and revealing book that leaves you with a complete understanding of events and no mistaking of a conclusion.

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Brilliant

I have read multiple sa’s and other authors accounts on the Breaker Morant case. None of which comes close to this description. I truly enjoyed PF’s book highly recommended.
P.S. politicised, liberal…..I’m not making the consecration. It’s only good solid facts.

Well done.

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Why politicise it?

Great story and great listen but unfortunately Fitzsimmons adds his obvious political bias onto a great story… I mean calling the Tories party “ the liberals” really was just childish.

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Satisfied & informed on the event.

Thoroughly satisfied about this story about the Breaker. Knowing little about him other than thinking he was an Australian hero. Glad to listen to his account & the evidence supporting him as a murderer & all roams scoundrel. Thanks Pete. Highly appreciated.

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