A Sparrow Falls - Wilbur Smith

A Sparrow Falls, Wilbur Smith

As an avid reader of Wilbur Smith novels, I was delighted when the hubby gave me A Sparrow Falls for Christmas.


A Sparrow Falls is part of the Courtney series, which follow the lives and loves of the Courtney family.


** A bit about the characters**


Many characters bring this story to live but the four main characters in this novel:
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Mark Anders, a talented young sniper, from Natal, South Africa who is determined to establish what has happened to his grandfather and the land they owned ‘Andersland’ while he was away at war.


Dirk Courtney, Sean’s son whose obsession with money and power has tremendous impact on his family and those around him.


Storm Courtney, Sean’s daughter, a selfish, spoiled socialite who spends time ... more

A Sparrow Falls, Wilbur Smith

As an avid reader of Wilbur Smith novels, I was delighted when the hubby gave me A Sparrow Falls for Christmas.

A Sparrow Falls is part of the Courtney series, which follow the lives and loves of the Courtney family.

** A bit about the characters**

Many characters bring this story to live but the four main characters in this novel:

General Sean Courtney, a wealthy, honourable man whose deeds during war campaigns has also brought respect from both his army comrades but also the community where he lives serves in the African government.

Mark Anders, a talented young sniper, from Natal, South Africa who is determined to establish what has happened to his grandfather and the land they owned ‘Andersland’ while he was away at war.

Dirk Courtney, Sean’s son whose obsession with money and power has tremendous impact on his family and those around him.

Storm Courtney, Sean’s daughter, a selfish, spoiled socialite who spends time spending daddy’s money and tormenting Mark.

** A bit about the plot**

During Mark Anders meets General Sean Courtney during his tour in the trenches in Frances during WWI. General Courtney is impressed with not only Mark’s sniper abilities but also his quite determination and honesty he admires.

General Courtney becomes emotionally attached to Mark, and see’s himself in this young man, and the son he wanted.

When Mark returns to his ancestral land, ‘Andersland’ eight thousand acres of African land to find his grandfather who has looked after him since childhood has died under suspicious circumstances and the land has been taken over by Ladyburg Estates.

Mark begins a quest to discover the truth about his grandfather and ‘Andersland’. It is during this time Mark is reunited with General Courtney and works as his private secretary and becomes embroiled between political conflicts and the emotional power struggle between General Courtney and his son Dirk. It is during this time Mark discovers Dirk deceptions and questions out of two women which one should he give his love.

Ultimately, Mark’s investigations and confrontations lead to devastating results and his life choices lead to heart wrenching decisions.

Overall, each character has intricate roles to play and their actions impacts greatly on one another.

** Recommendation **

This is the third novel in the Courtney novels. However, I feel the style it is written, means that you do not have to read the novels prior to this one.

I feel Smith has successfully given me the opportunity understand and see the characters grow. This led me to become emotionally involved with these characters and how their different personalities have evolved and at times shouting in my mind ‘no don’t do that’.

There are a number of intense and violent scenes in the book however, I felt that these are softened beautifully by the romantic and scene descriptions.

I could go on about Smiths literary excellence and provide examples of sections of the book however I feel that this will take away from anyone new to Smiths novels. I will say through Smith’s flair and understanding of the culture, landscape, animals are amazing, detailed which gave me the opportunity to visualize the settings.

I really enjoyed this book and think you will too.

** Further information **

Prices: New from bookshop £7.99, however, this can be brought online or in second-hand bookshops at cheaper prices

Pages: 533

Publisher: Pan Books

Language: English

Further information on Wilbur Smith novels can be found at http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/novels/a_sparrow_falls.html

This review can be seen on both my Dooyoo at dooyoo .co.uk (Trish70) and Ciao at ciao.co.uk (Yocal) accounts.

Please note for some unknow reason Ciao keeps noting this review as audio book even though it is not listed as one on the site. I have notified Ciao of this
 

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