When the Lion Feeds cover art

When the Lion Feeds

The Courtneys, Book 1

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When the Lion Feeds

By: Wilbur Smith
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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About this listen

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 Action & Adventure Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Destiny
All stars
Most relevant
I read this book many years ago, I am happy to have listened to it again. Wilbur Smith is in my opinion one of best authors of all time. I am from Africa and can relate at personal level. The storey is very factual in every respect.
Mr Barret does Wilbur Smith proud in his narration of this book.

Reread

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I have never read his books always looked to much - audible has made this rich South African novel real for me - I was also born in Zambia like the author and lived many years in South Africa and now live in Australia

Beautiful

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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.

What a story teller!

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I really only chose this book because of the narrator, but I was quickly drawn into the story and the prose. It’s almost a perfect audiobook in my mind and I’m excited to get stuck into the rest of the series.

One of the best I’ve listened to

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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!

Bloody brilliant!!

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This was my first Wilbur Smith novel and I loved it, including the narrator. In fact, we liked the narration so much we search for audio books now by the narrator, even before the book or author. This is an epic story that had me wanting to know what happens next, as well as compelled me to want to read more about the Courtney's and also other Wilbur Smith. He is a fantastic author and has a genius way with words.

Great novel and outstanding narration!

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At first I didn't want to continue when the story felt unbelievable, and then too horrific in the hunting scenes. But I'm glad I persevered. It is quite a drama. Just somewhat unfulling ending.

A moving adventure

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It is such a good read and had me listening every chance I got. It is not a fairy tale read and had me feeling all the emotions for the characters.

brilliant!!

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a brilliantly crafted story by one of the greats. I wish I hadn't put this book on the back burner for so long.

brilliant

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At the top of my list ‘A must read’
You will be obsessed and won’t want to stop listening. Xx

What an amazing book.

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