The Curse of Carne's Hold
G. A. Henty
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
When Ronald Mervyn from Devonshire is falsely accused of murder he emigrates to South Africa. He takes part in the Kaffir war and during this time he rescues a family from death. The family then return to England and try to establish Ronald's innocence. (Summary by Michele Eaton) (11 hr 26 min)
Chapters
How The Curse Began | 26:27 | Read by Michele Eaton |
Margaret Carne | 29:00 | Read by Michele Eaton |
Two Quarrels | 31:28 | Read by Matthew Walker |
A Terrible Discovery | 34:40 | Read by KarlHenning |
The Inquest | 48:34 | Read by Gabriela Cowan |
Ruth Powlett | 34:29 | Read by KarlHenning |
The Verdict | 28:01 | Read by Anna Simon |
Enlisted | 40:08 | Read by Kimberly Krause |
The Outbreak | 32:17 | Read by Anna Simon |
A Successful Defence | 36:00 | Read by Lynne T |
Attack On A Wagon Train | 34:29 | Read by Lynne T |
In The Amatolas | 33:53 | Read by Lynne T |
The Rescue | 32:50 | Read by metgmz |
Ronald Is Offered A Commision | 42:26 | Read by Gabriela Cowan |
A Parting | 36:57 | Read by Kimberly Krause |
Searching For A Clue | 41:21 | Read by Gabriela Cowan |
Ruth Powlett Confesses | 31:08 | Read by Tammy Stalcup |
George Forester's Death | 30:36 | Read by Lynne T |
The Fire At Carne's Hold | 30:55 | Read by Anna Simon |
Cleared At Last | 31:14 | Read by Lynne T |
Reviews
Excellent
el presidente
This story is less formulaic than some of Henry’s other works. It is rather a while into the story before the reader is really sure who is the “hero.” Additionally, the characters in this story are less black and white than is usual in Henty’s stories. Also having the main character be 10 years older and more mature and wiser than Henty’s usual boy heroes was refreshing. The mix of racism and paternalism that was normal in the British empire in South Africa is portrayed accurately along with the great variance between individuals in their attitudes. Attitudes of character range from “all natives are liars and thieves” to one character risking his life to save a “native” child. The text also gives a subtle criticism of colonial attitudes that treat all “natives” as the same and inferior. Henty takes the time to discuss some of the different attitudes between different African groups. The bravest characters in this story are a few Africans who lead, not follow, the main character on a harrowing adventure. All in all this is in my top 5 of best Henty books.
An unusual Henty...
The Weeping Prophet
An attempt at a "whodunnit", not entirely successfully. The narrative's hero crown wanders around a bit before settling on a somewhat unexpected head, as does the heroine's. The reading is very patchy varying between very good and very not so good depending on the reader, a large number of volunteers needed to get through this book obviously. Nonetheless enjoyable, especially as I'm from S Africa and I learnt facts of which I was unaware. Had never heard of the "Fingos" before...
Another great tale by G A Henty
Seven Archers
Even though it started out a little slow once the stage was set the plot cruised right along in typical "Henty" fashion, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The readers did a very good job in their performances. I definitely recommend this book.
Not my Favorite
Dagley Family
Althought it eventually becomes more like Henty's normal historic fiction, it has very little history in it. Over half the book is focused on the murder of a girl, and those who are accused. Not a good book for young listeners as it could cause nightmares.
Brett Miller
slow start to an excellent book. you start off barely knowing the main character. Then you hate him. And finally you are heavily invested in him.
COMPELLING
Avid Listener
It started slowly, but picked up steam and was going full-tilt at the somewhat unexpected ending.
A LibriVox Listener
There wasn't an ending what happened to the recording?
John Graham
great story. some readers very good, ...