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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 (408 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

What listeners say about When the Lion Feeds

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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Beautiful

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Reread

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.

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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
    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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great novel and outstanding narration!

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.

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

A moving adventure

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.

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brilliant!!

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.

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

Great book but let down by the narrator a little

Overall I did enjoy this book, however I thought the narrator was very monotone and his voices for the young Sean and Garrick sounded like 80 year olds rather than boys in the early teens, was very off putting and nearly turned the book off as it was driving me crazy, however I was glad I did not as overall I did enjoy the book.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.