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The Forest

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The Forest

By: Edward Rutherfurd
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

A magnificent, sweeping history in which Rutherfurd captures the essence of the English heartland, from the author of Paris, London and New York.

Few places lie closer to the heart of the nation's heritage than the New Forest. Now, Edward Rutherfurd weaves its history and legends into compelling fiction. From the mysterious killing of King William Rufus, treachery and witchcraft, smuggling and poaching run through this epic tale of well-born ladies, lowly woodsmen, sailors, merchants and Cistercian monks.

The feuds, wars, loyalties and passions of generations reach their climax in a crime that shatters the decorous society of Jane Austen's Bath and whose ramifications continue through the age of the Victorian railway builders to the ecologists of the present day.

©2000 Edward Rutherford (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Historical Fiction Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
Edward Rutherford deconstructs history following fictional families for over a thousand years. As ever names and characteristics emerging during different periods.
Most of the tales are tongue in cheek with twists and turns in family interrelationships and fortunes. The effect of politics of each era intertwine throughout giving a memorable tale.

Storytelling at its best

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This long book is a mixture of fiction and a history of the New Forest but not a conventional historical novel. It reads more like a history lesson with fiction that feels like a device to add life to the history. I found it fascinating, including some unlikely ecological facts, much interesting legal history, and a delightful reference to Alice in Wonderland. It made me want to spend some time exploring the region.

The reader is excellent but I would have enjoyed it more if I had figured out sooner that it plays best on a high speed. At 1.00 or even 1.05 the book drags rather.

One to turn up the speed on

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Loved this book did not want it end. Having read Sarum and London did not have such expectations of The Forest but pleasantly found myself immersed in families and history. Edward Rutherfurd is a wonderful storyteller and a joy to listen to.

Brillant

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I’ve visited the New Forest on many occasions during my lifetime. The books Sarum and Forest by Samuel Rutherford I’ve read on multiple occasions because they’ve brought me so much pleasure. The Audible Version was so well read I found it difficult to stop listening while I did the necessary things to maintain my life. Thank you for giving me so much pleasure.

I love the New Forest

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loved this novel. the story is built on family and pulls you along as you follow their journey through the years

the tale sucks you in

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