Great story, poor narration.

The facts of what actually happened at Isandlwana are not well known due to the lack of survivors but I believe the author has made a very good attempt to fill in the detail and it makes for a rippingly good yarn. What puzzles me is the use of a narrator with an obvious American accent. Some of the pronunciations jar badly and the portrayal of some of the characters is laughable.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The Greatest British Defeat Explained

Thoroughly engaging audio book, which compelled me to buy the follow on book 2. The battle at Isandlwana is well known and well documented; however, this book treats the subject with an air of personal empathy and deals with the two sides equally well both prior to, during and after the battle.

Overall the book is well presented and the story clearly compelling; its one shortfall may well be the performance, which I found a tiny bit overly theatrical at times (but I can only compliment Jonathan Waters on his reading).

The personal stories blended well with the objective of the book; and brought to light a couple of items that in the film "Zulu Dawn" that were not dealt with; and indeed highlighted some of the errors that are contained within that same film production. This book helps put the record straight from the point of view of the film production.

The language is crude but appropriate in places; and this is what gives the book that personal reflective tone rather than reading (or listening) to a non-fiction historical book.

Worth a listen; and not excessively long, so you will not get unduly tired of it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Isandlwana

This is a story I know well, but still manages to stir the emotions even after all these years.

So listening to a a semi dramatised version was an interesting experience. Quite hammy in parts and really hammering home the jeopardy of the situation.

Overall done really well, although my biggest issue was the narrators pronunciation of many place and character names. He quite literally butchered many names, I mean calling Lord Chelmsford, Lord Kelmsford, that’s such an awful error. But maybe that’s just me?
Of course I’ll have to listen to the Rorkes Drift story now!!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

fantastic!

historical acuracy: 100%. pace, timing, and info 100%. this battle defined cowardice, bravery, and indomitable spirit!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Bloody Chelmsford!!

The attempt at Female voices was off putting. Overall very good information & sad at the end to what we all knew!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant book.

This is a brilliant book about something I already know a lot about but thus has really personalised the events for me. The narrator is good except for the odd obvious word which you would assume everybody knows how to pronounce. The most obvious example is ' Trafalgar ' which the narrator rhymes with raffle car!!!!!!!!! Don't let the odd howler like this put you off. The story is great, and I will definitely be buying the sequel to this if the author writes one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

History Come to Life

This is a history book but in a different way it brings the events of the Zulu War ti life in a way that is not just dry facts and fingers but though people who feel real.
I'm learning a lot more about the Zulu war than I knew before listening to this I'm Id watch the film Zulu and a few history programs but I sure this series will teach me more.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great narration!

Really well read, the narrator really made this book. We all know the story but this book really makes you feel like you was there. I'm so glad I listened to this and it really brings home the bravery of the British Empire.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

proud but sad.

really good listen , very disruptive. It puts you right in the middle of the fight. you know the outcome but you still think that some of the key lads are gonna make it. can't wait for the nxt one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

did not finish.

A pet preev of mine is a dishonest/fake accent and I seem to have a ear for it.
the narrator is clearly a yank trying to do some type of old upper class style southern english accent. rather than just telling the story with some drama and genuine interest in ones true daily speaking voice it felt like some kind of reading performance or act. sorry.
maybe audiobooks arn't for me. think I'll stick to Dan Carlin and good old printed books.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!