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  • When the Lion Feeds

  • The Courtneys, Book 1
  • By: Wilbur Smith
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (405 ratings)

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When the Lion Feeds cover art

When the Lion Feeds

By: Wilbur Smith
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Publisher's Summary

It is the 1870s, and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love.... 

When the Lion Feeds is the best-selling novel that launched Wilbur Smith's stellar career and the first in the riveting saga of the Courtney brothers.

©1964 Wilbur Smith (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

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What listeners say about When the Lion Feeds

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  • Overall
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  • HR
  • 13-05-2019

Women will like this story also

I was a bit worried this would be the type of book series which only men would like but I really enjoyed it. A great author, a perfect narrator and a very addictive tale. You won't go wrong with this book.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

loved it

great narrator makes such a difference to listening to a book Sean Barrett was born to narrate this series.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Adventure to South Africa

With my first trip to South Africa, I took along this audio book. I had not read or listened to Wilbur Smith before and it captured me as I witnessed the country on Safari. An amazing tale and narration was first class to my taste.
I now have finished another audio book and ready to listen to the next of the series.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Val
  • 08-06-2020

Absorbing

Best book I have read in a long while. Filled with Raw realism that has you moving side by side with the characters. Real life at it's most basic without the need for over-dramatisation to keep you riveted. Thank you Wilbur Smith for this amazing narrative.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bloody brilliant!!

What a thrill! This is an intense journey into the lives of the Courtney brothers. The narrator is superb! The South African accent is difficult to imitate, at the beginning it sounded more Indian to me, but Sean Barrett perfects it as the story unfolds. The story is an epic, taking the reader right to the centre of the booming of a new world city, from it’s beginnings in hard labour, risk and loss to the heights of fame and fortune and back again to the dependence on the land for survival to finding love, parenthood, loss and sorrow, again and again! My only regret is that it has taken me this long to read a Wilbur Smith, I’m addicted!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The main character.

Wilber smith talks about Africa like no one else. Worth every penny. Must read! You’ll love it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Still a good story

I read this book about 40 years ago, it’s still a good read. I enjoyed this again and would recommend it

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

What a story teller!

Absolutely loved the story. Almost 5 stars. I just felt the war seemed to suddenly come about without any build up..,,.,Farming then suddenly at war. Also would have liked to get a better feel for how the relationship got started with Sean and Imbarjanee.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not a good book

I didn’t like this book at all. In my opinion the author does not develop the characters or the story very well. I found his writing superficial and boring and I struggle to understand the 5-star reviews.
I loved reading about books set in Africa and had great expectations for this story but at the end I only finished because I liked the reader.
I won’t be reading anything from Wilbur Smith again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fabulous read

Excellent book. I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m sorry it finished and was looking forward to the next chapter to find out what happens next.
Thoroughly recommend this title!

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