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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 (657 ratings)

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

Great adventure and searing human drama

Really great read, can't wait to start book 2 in the Courteney series. Fortunately there was relatively little elephant hunting in these pages, easily speeded through. Wilbur Smith is tremendously talented, ranging from manly high adventure to tragic poetic passages. Don't be surprised if you get choked up a few times.

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2 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

Don’t miss this great story!

I stumbled upon the author, Wilbur Smith, many years ago. After reading River God I googled him. It turned out he was a prolific writer. The story of the Courtney’s is epic, this is the first book in the series.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I loved it

this is a great book. Wilbur Smith sure can tell a story. I can't wait to read the next book.

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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

Reminds me of Rhodesia

Make you think of ‘under a raging sky’ Daniel carney! Both excellent authors of Africa.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping tale

With roots of the toughtness that one could only experience in Africa. Romance, Drama and well researched stories. Enjoyed this book

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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

my first audiobook of Wilbur Smith.

I enjoyed this book. due to my failing eye sight I now can still read/listen to books.
Sean Barrett delivered

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

Excellent, Sweeping, Epic tale rooted in the history of South Africa

I was recommended this book by a friend and had no idea what it was about. It was a little slow for me at first and then drew me in. By the end, I didn’t want it to end.

I looked up Wilbur Smith and realized that this was only his first book in a spectacular writing career. We wrote over 40 books and over 20 of them were dedicated to this one fictional family’s story over centuries. I’m excited to read more of his works and learn about this important part of the world.

Highly Recommended!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Damn good book

Great story, beautifully written. Speaks of some of the most difficult parts of life to put words to. The narrator was excellent. Highly recommend.

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

pretty good!

A little bit racist, a little bit sexist. There's ivory hunting and medical inaccuracies too. But, it is a good story with a compelling main character that makes me want to try the second book in the series

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book and narrator

I have read and love all of Wilbur Smith’s books and Sean Barrett makes them even more enjoyable to listen to. Highly recommend!

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