90 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sean Courtney Prime-Time, July 9, 1999
By A Customer
Returning from a four-year ivory-hunt in the hinterland, Sean Courtney is plunged directly into the Boer War. We follow Sean's military career throughout the conflict, with the machinations of his rival twin-brother, now a colonel, always lurking in the shadows. Wilbur Smith has done his research here, the story is painstakingly correct historically, and it gives the reader a very good picture of the many nuances that lay at the heart of the Boer War. Given the sheer volume and span of Smith's writing, obviously, some characters are treated more superficially than others. The turn-of-the-century Sean Courtney is an exception. He is someone the reader truly gets to know. This is a hero for sure, but nonetheless one that is also fraught with weaknesses and flaws that serve to give the character credibility. "The Sound of Thunder" is one of the cornerstones for the reader who wants to follow the Courtney dynasty. The key members of the cast that is to follow originate here. Also, the beginnings of the business empire of the Courtney's appear in this novel. You may read this as an action novel or a history lesson or both, you'll enjoy it regardless. The good news is: there is more to come!
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23 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Europeans in Africa, December 14, 2001
The Sound of Thunder is apparently the sequel to When the Lion Feeds, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was looking forward to continuing the story of the explosive relationship between Sean and Garrick Courteney, but was somewhat disheartened by the lengthy section of the book dedicated to war. I found myself reading quickly through the parts that dealt with war strategy and killing, and upset by some of the grisly details of the way men and horses suffered and died.
I did learn, however, something about the Boer War, and was struck how two European nations (the English and the Dutch) had invaded Africa, and then set to killing off each other for control of it, a land which wasn't theirs to begin with.
Getting beyond the war scenes, when the Courteney brothers return home, for me, the juicier, more satisfying part begins. Sean Courteney, the main character, is really quite a character, an unlikely hero who is not always noble in thought or action. He occasionally gets drunk and gets into fights, but otherwise he's simple, honest straightforward, and quite lovable. Unfortunately there's a huge misunderstanding between him and his brother Garrick which has caused an ugly division between them. In this book, it seems that the difficulties they share will be passed on to the next generation, for there is enmity between Sean's children, who are unknowlingly half-brothers. Sean's devilish son Dirk is a disappointment to him, whereas Michael makes him proud. Having read this book, I am set to find out what happens among them in the next book, A Sparrow Falls.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smith is the best, May 20, 2009
This review is from: The Sound of Thunder (Mass Market Paperback)
Smith is one of the best story tellers I have ever read. He spans not only the continent of Africa but time itself. I rank him in the top five story tellers of the age. Thanks Wilbur and keep them coming!!
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