What a joy to listen to

I became addicted to the story and listened at every opportunity. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would and only bought it based on previous good reviews. Not being very familiar with this period of history, Peter Forbes, (a genius narrator) brought the Jacobite story to life and one can imagine the Scottish landscape and the passionate beliefs. Having finished it today, I am buying the next in the series - The Gleam in the North straight away!

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An old favourite brought to life

Having read and loved this book as a child, and watched the tv series with Ian McCulloch as Ewen, I was worried this might not live up to those memories. The male bonding might be read differently nowadays, but the characterisation, the humour and the historical background are superb, and the narrator is very good. A triumph!

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Evocative and moving

I first read 'The flight of the heron' over 40 years ago, and the story gripped me then; and I have just finished listening to the audiobook, so sensitively read by Peter Forbes. The story of Ewen Cameron, the Jacobite uprising of 1745 and of his prophesied encounter with an English officer weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly, and is, in my opinion, a tour de force.

It was written in the 1920s and set then in the 18th century, so it is now itself a historical book, writing about history. Some might find the style a little dated, as a consequence, but it is admirably suited to the book and its examination of honour - a somewhat outdated notion - and what constitutes duty, and friendship, and obligation. It asks the question of how our choices are constrained by our characters - but also how our characters constrain our choices, too.

Listening to the story gives you another window on it, and gives a fresh view. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

Great book, well read.

I read this 40 years ago and loved it., always wanted to listen to it.

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A wish come true!

Ever since first listening to Peter Forbes a number of years ago, I knew that if anyone were to narrate The Jacobite Trilogy - Flight of the Heron, The Gleam in the North and The Dark Mile, it had to be Peter narrating them. His narration of all of Peter May's books just confirmed this for me and it was by pure serendipity that I discovered that my wish had been made a reality when searching in my library for his narration of Ian Rankin's - The Complaints - only to find the James MacPherson edition instead. My love for the Jacobite Trilogy which I first read over 40 years ago will be now reignited by listening to Peter Forbes bringing these wonderful books to life with his brilliant narration. I've listened to very many narrators, and whilst many have been good, not one comes close to the impeccable narration of Peter Forbes - a true genius when it comes to bringing books and characters alive and remain in one's memory long, long after having listened to the books! Thank you Peter and thank you to whoever has decided to have these books made into audiobooks. I cannot recommend highly enough these audiobooks for all the above reasons! Enjoy! I will!

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Excellent

Atp wonderful tale linking actual events and characters with the friendship of potential enemies.

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Wonderful.

I've been hoping for this book to be performed for years. Ewan's Cameron was I think my first ' adult ' crush and I have loved this and the following books for over 50 years. I t is beautifully and sympathetically read by Peter Forbes. A beautiful soft highland accent. Wonderful story , wonderfully read. An absolute joy. I'm only sorry that 5 stars is the most I can give it. Highly , highly recommended. And at last - after 50 years - I know how those beautiful Gaelic names and phrases should really sound. Now on to the next in the trilogy , which I've just bought.

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Loved it!

A sweeping historical story of friendship and heroism. It conjures up images of the Scottish Highlands and the people who lived there. Oh and not all Englishmen are enemies！

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Engrossing story set during the Jacobite rebellion

I chose this audible book based on other's recommendations and because it's narrated by the brilliant Peter Forbes. Not knowing what to expect, I soon became thoroughly engrossed in the story of Ewan Cameron, a proud Highlander, and Captain Wyndham of the English Red Coats. Although battles between the Scots and English are referred to, this is more of a tale of personal honour and chivalry between two men who are on opposing sides. I couldn't put it down and am looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy.

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Entertainment and education all in one place

I downloaded these three books purely because they were narrated by Peter Forbes who I think should be given an award because he’s absolutely fantastic. He can do various accents he can do women’s voices without shrieking he is just brilliant so I downloaded these this trilogy. I knew nothing about the Jacobites or the Highland clearances. These books written quite a while ago so it took a wee while to get used to the style of writing but once I got into the way they were written I was absolutely engrossed and mesmerised in the story of the Camerons of Ardroy. The three books are an absolute joy to listen to and even though they were written about a time in the 1740s you are still able to have empathy for the emotions that the characters displayed. I can’t praise Peter Forbes enough he has so many talents. I highly recommend this trilogy of books The Flight off the Heron, Gleam in the North and The Dark Mile You will be entertained and educated all in the journey that the author takes you and Peter Forbes sets out for you.

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2 people found this helpful