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  • Covenant with Death

  • By: John Harris
  • Narrated by: Mike Rogers
  • Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (94 ratings)
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Covenant with Death

By: John Harris
Narrated by: Mike Rogers
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Summary

They joined for their country. They fought for each other.

When war breaks out in 1914, Mark Fenner and his Sheffield friends immediately flock to Kitchener's call. Amid waving flags and boozy celebration, the three men - Fen; his best friend, Locky; and self-assured Frank, rival for the woman Fen loves - enlist as volunteers to take on the Germans and win glory.

Through ramshackle training in sodden England and a stint in arid Egypt, rebellious but brave Fen proves himself to be a natural leader, only undermined by ongoing friction with Frank. Headed by terse, tough Sergeant Major Bold, this group of young men form steel-strong bonds, and yearn to face the great adventure of the Western Front.

Then, on one summer's day in 1916, Fen and his band of brothers are sent to the Somme, and this very ordinary hero discovers what it means to fight for your life.

Stirringly told from the down-to-earth view of everyday soldiers, Covenant with Death is acclaimed as one of the greatest novels about war ever written.

©1961 John Harris (P)2014 Hachette Audio

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Factual entertainment

What made the experience of listening to Covenant with Death the most enjoyable?

The fact that although fiction it is based on truth. One can clearly picture the misguided enthusiasm of the Pals battalions as they rushed to their doom.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Covenant with Death?

Without doubt the morning they went over the top.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The pre enlistment medical, when men lied about their age, their occupations and their health, simply to make sure that they got into the war.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely.

Any additional comments?

Although written many years ago, it has lost none of its freshness. One to listen to again and again.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

I first read this book over thirty years ago and still have a copy. Also have it on e-reader and now on this format.
For my money it is the best war novel ever written and I would love to see it as a TV series as well.

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4 people found this helpful

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Moving

The first memoir I have read from ww1 and it. Makes you want to weep. 778 men reduced to 78 men and not one officer in 10 minutes. Well worth a listen.

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3 people found this helpful

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If you liked Birdsong, this is for you

Both well written and read, this book will never go out of date. In this centennial year it is a timely reminder of what we owe to the characters in this remarkable book. Definitely worth a read.

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3 people found this helpful

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Stunning

Would you consider the audio edition of Covenant with Death to be better than the print version?

So moving, so well read . I felt the soldiers initial gung ho spirit, I felt their final feelings of loss. Brilliantly written

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eff , if you've been in the forces you've known an Eff!

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3 people found this helpful

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  • 28-03-21

Gripping, immersing, impactful.

Right from the beginning the characters become like acquaintances. While the outcome is inevitable the story in compelling throughout and I commend the narrator who really made this book for me. I've just finished it and quite honestly still fell quite shocked and moved. Will certainly listen again and again. This is a book that was recommended by the late, great, Christopher Hitchens, as a must read. I wholeheartedly agree.

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2 people found this helpful

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Fantastic Book

As a current serving Soldier and a Yorkshire man I could easily relate to all the characters in the book! Wonderfully written and researched the characters resemble something similar to my “oppos” I work with some likeable, some annoying (but you have to put up with) and of course the Sgt Maj, who everyone despises but deep down respects and loves.
The narrator brings the story to life, beautiful regional accents are used and he immerses you into the story.
There are parts where you will laugh out loud and parts which wrench at your gut and make you stop to soak in the realities of war.
A must read for anyone who is serving, have loved ones who serve and a marvellous insight to the comradeship and horrors of war!
5 stars - a must read

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Brilliant, moving and timeless

Outstanding book with great narration. This book transports you into the story feeling great love for fantastic characters such as Eff and Lockie. Very well written and brings the sheer horror of the Somme into light. 10/10 would recommend

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Classic War story

Covenant with Death is, in my opinion, one of the all-time classic War stories, up there with All Quiet on the Western Front in bringing the First World War down to a personal level. I have read John Harris' novel two or three times and this recording by Mike Rogers does it full justice.

Colleagues from a newspaper in a Yorkshire city (not named but clearly Sheffield) are imbued with patriotism at the outbreak of war. As they train, face the inevitability of fighting and then arrive, eventually, on the Western Front, the scales gradually clear from their eyes as they realise that the only way this war will be over by Christmas is for them personally, by bullet, shell or bayonet.

It is a story of comradeship, naivety, duty and, above all, courage. Two years in the making, ten minutes on the destroying. That was the history of the Pals Battalions on the first day on the Somme, encapsulated in this book. Mike Rogers' laconic delivery suits the character of the protagonist, Mark Fenner, to a tee.

It is an epic sorry with an emotionally charged finale. Listen and remember.

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A brilliant and thought provoking story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Covenant with Death to be better than the print version?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Covenant with Death?

Fenners realisation of Helens feelings for him.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I think sadness was my overiding feeling not joy.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Of men and heroes.

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