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Covenant with Death

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Covenant with Death

By: John Harris
Narrated by: Mike Rogers
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They joined for their country. They fought for each other.

When war breaks out in 1914, Mark Fenner and his Sheffield friends immediately flock to Kitchener's call. Amid waving flags and boozy celebration, the three men - Fen; his best friend, Locky; and self-assured Frank, rival for the woman Fen loves - enlist as volunteers to take on the Germans and win glory.

Through ramshackle training in sodden England and a stint in arid Egypt, rebellious but brave Fen proves himself to be a natural leader, only undermined by ongoing friction with Frank. Headed by terse, tough Sergeant Major Bold, this group of young men form steel-strong bonds, and yearn to face the great adventure of the Western Front.

Then, on one summer's day in 1916, Fen and his band of brothers are sent to the Somme, and this very ordinary hero discovers what it means to fight for your life.

Stirringly told from the down-to-earth view of everyday soldiers, Covenant with Death is acclaimed as one of the greatest novels about war ever written.

©1961 John Harris (P)2014 Hachette Audio Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Military War & Military War Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Africa
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Both well written and read, this book will never go out of date. In this centennial year it is a timely reminder of what we owe to the characters in this remarkable book. Definitely worth a read.

If you liked Birdsong, this is for you

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I read this book 40 years ago, and hearing it just now it has lost none of its genius and impact. It still makes you weep.

As good as ever

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This has always been my favourite novel about WW1. I first read it 30 or 40 years ago and since then many more times. The description of events makes me feel as though I was one of the ordinary people being described. However, I know in reality I would never have been a match for their courage. The lives of the members of this fictional battalion are sensitively described.
I wondered how I’d feel about listening to it on Audible. Would it be as good as reading the book? For me it exceeded my expectations. The narrator was perfect. I thoroughly recommend this book.

A brilliant book

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Would you listen to Covenant with Death again? Why?

I would probably not listen to the story again. Not because it is not good (it is, very) but because over the book (which takes time to get going) I really developed a strong attachment to quite a few of the characters. The final few chapters therefore became quite maudling with some characters I expected to be fine coming to unfortunate ends.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Sergeant Major I felt really came across as the professional. You could tell he cared about his men, wasn't afraid to voice concerns but then made the best oif a bad situation.

What three words best describe Mike Rogers’s voice?

evocative, clear , honest

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As mentioned, the final few chapters were quite hard but I was really absorbed, even dropping back a couple of times to make sure I caught something. I was very sad when it finished.

Touching

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What made the experience of listening to Covenant with Death the most enjoyable?

The fact that although fiction it is based on truth. One can clearly picture the misguided enthusiasm of the Pals battalions as they rushed to their doom.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Covenant with Death?

Without doubt the morning they went over the top.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The pre enlistment medical, when men lied about their age, their occupations and their health, simply to make sure that they got into the war.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely.

Any additional comments?

Although written many years ago, it has lost none of its freshness. One to listen to again and again.

Factual entertainment

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