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The Brethren
- Fortunes of France: Book 1
- Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
- Length: 14 hrs and 44 mins
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The Brethren
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Summary
The Perigord of 16th-century France is a wild region on the edge of the reaches of royal authority - its steep, forested valleys roamed by bands of brigands and gypsies, its communities divided by conflict between Catholics and converts to the new Protestant faith, the Huguenots.
To this beautiful but dangerous country come two veterans of the French king's wars, Jean de Siorac and Jean de Sauveterre, The Brethren - as fiercely loyal to the crown as they are to their Huguenot religion. They make their home in the formidable chateau of Mespech, and the community they found prospers, but they are far from secure - religious civil war looms on the horizon, famine and plague stalk the land, and The Brethren must use all their wits to protect those they love from the chaos that threatens to sweep them away.
The Brethren is the first volume in the epic historical drama Fortunes of France - a lusty, exhilarating blend of adventure and romance set against the backdrop of a critical period in European history.
Robert Merle (1908-2004) was born in French Algeria, before moving to mainland France in 1918. Originally an English teacher, Merle served as an interpreter with British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War, and was captured by the German army at Dunkirk, the experience of which served as the basis for his Goncourt-prize-winning Weekend at Zuydocoote. He published the 13 volumes of his hugely popular Fortunes of France series over four decades, from 1977 to 2003, the final volume appearing just a year before his death of a heart attack in 2004.
Critic reviews
"The spectacular 13-volume evocation of 16th-17th-century France" ( Independent)
"The Dumas of the twentieth century" ( Neues Deutschland)
"A wonderful, colourful, breathlessly narrated historical panorama" ( Zeitpunkt)
"Robert Merle is one of the very few French writers who has attained both popular success and the admiration of critics. The doyen of our novelists is a happy man" ( Le Figaro)
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What listeners say about The Brethren
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- glider
- 25-03-23
Boys own with depth
On its surface the fortunes of France books seem like slightly dated boys own adventures but if you give them a chance you’ll find an ins depth exploration of religion, medicine and economics and politics of 16th century Europe and an enjoyable romp.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- PauliK
- 31-07-15
Bravo!
Entertaining, informing and sometimes thought provoking. Everything one wants from a historical novel. Can't wait to start the next one.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- H. Overton
- 08-10-16
A long journey
I thought about giving up on this book, not one for listeners wanting non stop action. Not particularly deep or philosophical, but I was sadly moved at the end.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 20-06-23
A dangerous time to live
Despite the dangers, live in the Château de Mespesh is never dull, as Young Pierre matures under the austere tutelage of the two brethren, one of whom is General that he aspires to emulate. But it is Pierre who is much more of a hero in my opinion.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Debbie
- 16-05-22
Overacted/over voiced
What could have been a very listenable if not life-changing story was spoiled by this oddly inflected narration that was so overacted as if every sentence was key to the story. It wasn’t. Had he toned it down it would have made much more pleasant experience.
Story was good in part. Not sure I’ll bother with the follow up stories
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 14-03-23
Boring
I was unable to bring myself to finish it and the story teller's voice was a strain on my mind and ears
😢
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Ms G. Lovell
- 15-10-14
Yawn
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
A rewrite with rounded characters to put the history in context. The overall impression is a lack of tension, it's just flat and it shouldn't be given the events that are being described here. The story covers religious wars and bubonic plague, luckily, for them the family are able to survive all adversity with some contrived co- incidences and heroic father. Also author was very taken with large breasted women with many a rose tinted description.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
If you like family sagas that aren't too taxing this is for you, Hilary Mantel it ain't.
Any additional comments?
Avoid and I am not enticed to listen to the second saga.
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2 people found this helpful