Customer Reviews

When the Lion Feeds

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When the young Courteney brothers sneak off into the fields surrounding their house to experiment with the forbidden gun, Sean accidentally shoots his brother Garrick's leg, which results in its amputation. This is the foundation for their shaky relationship and which affects their children in succeeding Courteney family books.

Sean forever after feels guilty and tries to take protective responsibility for his brother, but Garrick, always feeling like the loser, develops bitterness towards Sean. When Sean rejects the advances of Garrick's wife, in retaliation she tells Garrick that Sean forced himself upon her, and Garrick's hatred is cemented.

Sean abandons his brother and his home to seek other adventures. He develops friends and jealous enemies during his business ventures in gold mining. He becomes wealthy, but after losing it all, takes to the bush with his best friend, where they encounter danger with nature. Sean experiences it all: savage battle, wealth, poverty, danger, victory, injustice, sickness, romance, profound love and profound sadness. He pushes himself through all his adventures with fortitude, wit and charm. He's as sly as a fox and as gentle as a lamb.

After reading this book, I was hooked on Wilbur Smith, and went on to read the next two books: The Sound of Thunder, and A Sparrow Falls, which continue the Courteney saga. There are others in the series which I plan to get soon. I feel confident I won't be disappointed!

This is was the first novel Wilbur Smith published and it begins the Courtney saga with a bang....almost literally. Disimiliar twins Sean and Garrick are hunting when an accidental shot from Sean cost Garrick one of his legs and then builds from there....The Zulu War, the opening of the gold fields of South Africa, building (and losing...) financial empires all sprawled across the vast canvas of Africa and Smith's love of the "Dark Continent" shows on nearly every page...Any book by Wilbur Smith is worth reading, it would truly be a crime to miss this one....

When the Lion Feeds was truely a thrilling and realistic book. I grew up in South Africa and when I want to remember I read the wonderful stories Wilbur Smith has written. I have grown very fond of the Courtney Saga. Each character draws me into all the excitement that Africa has to offer. Sean Courtney who is the hero in this novel starts an historical journey through the African Bush. Almost all of Wilbur Smith's books show the beauty and mysteries that the the dark continent has to offer. When reading this novel I remember what it is like to appreciate such a marvelous landscape with all its treasures. Great reading filled with history and excitement.

I was given this book in October 1975 by a friend who said, "Join me in a love of adventure, history and characters that become part of your very existence." I couldn't resist the challenge. I was drawn into the book and was immediately transported into another life. This book has everything. If you never read another author, you will be captivated with all Wilbur Smith books once you have read this one. I was. I have now read every one of his works, at least ten times each. I get through the whole collection and a year later, find myself returning to them again. Now I buy them as presents for the un-initiated.

Find it absolutely incredible that so few people have reviewed this excellent work ! Smith's first novel is a magnificent saga of 1880's South Africa. The Courtenays brothers, Sean and Gary, are two farm boys whose close relationship is shattered by a hunting accident that wedges between them an animosity and life-long rivalry. The story line is strong and absorbing : love, adventure and history, a man's book that women would find well worth a read. The book is the first of a brilliant trilogy. Do yourself a favour and read them.

This was the first novel that captured the hearts of many, thought provoking and deep in both mystery and action, Wilbur offers provoking thoughts and a view to the past, once again not all of his writings are fictional in whole; there is a breath of reality invoked in each passage and chapter. It's a fictional work, with a tender side to fact.

I now have all his works, most I have read in the past, only a few have I missed. 26 large volumes, gives hours of great reading, only three books are short. A readers dream come true.

The last book, 'The Triumph of the Sun' is still waiting to be read, I prefer paperbacks; on this occasion I chose to accept the hard cover, rather than wait.

Such an Author, a grand epitaph of a great writer, indeed. Few will feel cheated by the many works he has created, though for some the confusion of where to start can be daunting. Almost all Wilburs works can be read as seperate works of Art, but, it it's far better to start at the beginning and much more rewarding.

The first book in Wilbur Smith's compelling saga of the Courtney family. It starts with the adventures of Sean Courtney, the original "Great White Hunter" in early Africa. Somewhat of a vagabond, we follow this irrisistable character through his journeys of self discovery, and his founding of what will later become the Courtney Dynasty. The sibling rivalry that starts as a tragic accident, becomes a heartwrenching legacy for future generations. The conflict between two brothers echoes the conflict between English and Afrikaans, between Black and White, between Hunter and Hunted, between Weak and Strong. It is a metaphor for the tragedy and lost love of Africa Herself. Its is the cornerstone of Wilbur Smith's writing, and makes every future publication all the more compelling and unique. Every element of a truly great novel is present, and after reading it you are bound to become a lifelong fan. Wilbur Smith is one of the greatest writers on the African condition. .Each new publication is eagerly awaited by his fans, and a Best Seller even before the first copy is sold.

Twins more different than fire and ice. Sean & Garrick Courtney were raised in South Africa's cattle country during the late 1800s. Accidently Sean maimed his twin brother while out hunting when they were still kids. Then, something that can destory even the best of men come between them, a woman. So Sean leaves home to make his fortune in the 1890s gold rush. But when he has the fortune he deals with the problem of every rich person. How do you keep everyone eles from taking what is yours?? A great book in all aspects

I have read all of his novels. He grabs you with the opening words, and seems to drop you almost as suddenly. His books are so interesting and engrossing, when it comes time to finish, you don't want it to end.

I get the impression he wants to end the book and cannot bear to do it, so he just sums it up and turns off the light.

I lived in Africa when I stumbled accross this book. Since then I have read every book ever published by Mr Smith. It's the kinda stuff that you could read over and over.

I know live in the south east USA and I am amazed that a lot of people here did not know about Wilbur Smith. So I am on a "Quest" for want of a better word to spread his work around . All my friends and co-workers love his writing. Although a big Steven King and Dean Koontz fan , Wilbur Smith writes more English -English which has a lot more passion than his US counterparts.

Other books I strongly recommend for new fans.

The Sunbird is easily his 2nd best novel and River God is a close 3rd.

But that's just my opinion. I hope you find out for yourself and enjoy the ride .

Brendan