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In The Reign Of Terror: The Adventures Of A Westminster Boy
Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau of a French marquis. After various adventures, he accompanies the family to Paris at the height of the French Revolution. Imprisonment and death reduce their number, and Harry finds himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the house in his charge.
321 pages, Audiobook
First published July 8, 1887
63 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
G.A. Henty
1,196 books363 followersGeorge Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.
Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.
Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 30, 2014
The bloody guillotine...The slaughter of fatted nobles...The bloodlust massacre of innocents. G.A. Henty gives us the sour taste of these images from the French Revolution in his adventure story, In the Reign of Terror.
The tale follows Harry Sandwith, an English youth on the cusp of adulthood, as he tries to find a place in life for himself in France in the late 18th century. While there, the rumors of populous unrest explodes into the most unimaginable of horrors. Henty places his hero in the very center of history, even rubbing elbows with Revolutionary icons such as Robespierre. Where the politics of the times are concerned, the novel takes a decidedly antagonistic view of the Revolution. The plight of the people is not ignored, however, the acts of violence against the noble class are to be abhorred, if the novel's tone is the measuring stick to go by.
Adventure novels rely upon action to draw in the readers. Here the action comes in spurts and leaves much to be desired. Modern readers, accustomed to the pulse-racing nonstop action of today's highly-polished books and movies, may be frustrated by Henty's style. Too many static scenes drag on, too many words are wasted in describing plans instead of just enacting them, and too many insignificant actions are pondered upon. Once I even scared myself into thinking I'd accidentally started reading a James Fenimore Cooper!
The dialogue has issues too. A good deal of almost absurdly detailed exposition is delivered via dialogue, stilting it unnaturally. Emotional and psychological character transformations come at the flip of a switch: I see you are right and I am wrong. I will adjust my values. There, I have adjusted my values.
But before I finish, I don't want you to walk away from this review thinking poorly of this book. No, I actually enjoyed it for the most part, and if you can forgive the writing style, this less than perfect novel can be a fun read.
The tale follows Harry Sandwith, an English youth on the cusp of adulthood, as he tries to find a place in life for himself in France in the late 18th century. While there, the rumors of populous unrest explodes into the most unimaginable of horrors. Henty places his hero in the very center of history, even rubbing elbows with Revolutionary icons such as Robespierre. Where the politics of the times are concerned, the novel takes a decidedly antagonistic view of the Revolution. The plight of the people is not ignored, however, the acts of violence against the noble class are to be abhorred, if the novel's tone is the measuring stick to go by.
Adventure novels rely upon action to draw in the readers. Here the action comes in spurts and leaves much to be desired. Modern readers, accustomed to the pulse-racing nonstop action of today's highly-polished books and movies, may be frustrated by Henty's style. Too many static scenes drag on, too many words are wasted in describing plans instead of just enacting them, and too many insignificant actions are pondered upon. Once I even scared myself into thinking I'd accidentally started reading a James Fenimore Cooper!
The dialogue has issues too. A good deal of almost absurdly detailed exposition is delivered via dialogue, stilting it unnaturally. Emotional and psychological character transformations come at the flip of a switch: I see you are right and I am wrong. I will adjust my values. There, I have adjusted my values.
But before I finish, I don't want you to walk away from this review thinking poorly of this book. No, I actually enjoyed it for the most part, and if you can forgive the writing style, this less than perfect novel can be a fun read.
September 24, 2020
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Even though I’ve read this book several times, I still feel the fascinated excitement, and am on the edge of my seat from the 20% mark to the end. Harry is one of my favourite Henty heroes. He is not dashing and funny, but he’s steady and dependable and cool-headed. I am not a sensitive reader, and am not bothered a bit by the doings of the Revolution (though the first time I read it, it made a deep impression). Note also there is a kiss.
A Favourite Quote: “In spite of the almost universal confusion and disorder, life went on quietly and calmly at the chateau. The establishment was greatly reduced, for few of the tenants paid their rents; but the absence of ceremonial brought the family closer together, and the marquis and his wife agreed that they had never spent a happier time than the spring and summer of 1791.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The lady held out her hand, which Harry, instead of bending over and kissing, as she had expected, shook heartily. For an instant only a look of intense surprise passed across her face; then she said courteously: ‘We are glad to see you. (...)’
“‘These are my sons Ernest and Jules, who will, I am sure, do all in their power to make you comfortable,’ the marquis said. The last words were spoken sharply and significantly, and their tone was not lost upon the two boys; they had a moment before been struggling to prevent themselves bursting into a laugh at Harry's reception of their mother's greeting[.]”
A Favourite Quote: “In spite of the almost universal confusion and disorder, life went on quietly and calmly at the chateau. The establishment was greatly reduced, for few of the tenants paid their rents; but the absence of ceremonial brought the family closer together, and the marquis and his wife agreed that they had never spent a happier time than the spring and summer of 1791.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The lady held out her hand, which Harry, instead of bending over and kissing, as she had expected, shook heartily. For an instant only a look of intense surprise passed across her face; then she said courteously: ‘We are glad to see you. (...)’
“‘These are my sons Ernest and Jules, who will, I am sure, do all in their power to make you comfortable,’ the marquis said. The last words were spoken sharply and significantly, and their tone was not lost upon the two boys; they had a moment before been struggling to prevent themselves bursting into a laugh at Harry's reception of their mother's greeting[.]”
December 7, 2020
The best Henty I've ever read (even better than 'The Young Carthaginian)!!!! I've read other historical fiction books set during the time of the French Revolution, but this one didn't just skirt around the events, it was part of them. The bravery of the English boy Henry who does all he can to save the children of a French Marquis is heart-warming and ennobling.
June 15, 2024
This was my first Henty and it was simply fantastic. I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole book. The Reign of Terror was truly horrific, we all know, but this made me feel it in my bones. I wouldn’t call this book graphic but it’s very real. It doesn’t shy away from the reality of Madame la Guillotine. This is not for very young children but it is a good book for those ready to learn about this part of history.
January 24, 2017
Listening to the audiobook for CC2 wk11 and 12...krb 1/23/17
June 20, 2020
*audiobook*
I've read a couple Henty books. I like to say that they are the real deal; most history books are pure novel with maybe a paragraph of history. Henty's books are pure history with maybe a paragraph of novel.
Yeah, some would consider them /dry/. But dry would equate boring and lifeless.
This book was set during the French Revolution. Young Harry goes to live with a French family. He's average enough, in that he's not inferior but also not superior in any way, so he is not sure what to do with his life.
But life gives him a path when the family he lives with is threatened by the revolution and the parents imprisoned. He takes it upon himself to protect the family's daughters, and so begins a journey of bravery and maturity.
The narrator was amazing! The plot wrapped up splendidly. There are sad parts, and then there are parts that are just so sweet and lovely that you want to know the characters for your own friends.
Henty did well showing the sadness of the days, of how many injustices were reacted against viciously in a manner that harmed more than helped. Makes me think of our own current times.
I've read a couple Henty books. I like to say that they are the real deal; most history books are pure novel with maybe a paragraph of history. Henty's books are pure history with maybe a paragraph of novel.
Yeah, some would consider them /dry/. But dry would equate boring and lifeless.
This book was set during the French Revolution. Young Harry goes to live with a French family. He's average enough, in that he's not inferior but also not superior in any way, so he is not sure what to do with his life.
But life gives him a path when the family he lives with is threatened by the revolution and the parents imprisoned. He takes it upon himself to protect the family's daughters, and so begins a journey of bravery and maturity.
The narrator was amazing! The plot wrapped up splendidly. There are sad parts, and then there are parts that are just so sweet and lovely that you want to know the characters for your own friends.
Henty did well showing the sadness of the days, of how many injustices were reacted against viciously in a manner that harmed more than helped. Makes me think of our own current times.
August 17, 2022
Story placed at the time of the French revolution when the aristocracy was violently brought down but the people of France. It starts with the departure of the young Harry Sandwith, an English teenage boy who was being sent by his father, as part of his education, to go and experience life outside his country, he was sent to live with a noble French family for both, learning and working as a companionship to the young messieurs of the house.
Throughout the course of three years, he learned the French language and their traditions, while at the same time, teaching the young ones of the English ways. He got quite attached to the Marquis family and they learned to respect him and treat him as equal, putting their aristocrat snobbery to the side.
Then hell broke loose, the family had to flee, Harry stepping up to help and protect those who he loved and respected went through a series of life’s toughest tests to survive the revolution and save those he considered family. At such young age, Harry demonstrated more skills, courage, and valor then many older men should have.
This story has everything, from making bonds with new friends, wolf hunting, fist fights, dangerous escapes, some romance, and unfortunately the striking massacres that did occurred during this time. An excellent read! I loved it.
Throughout the course of three years, he learned the French language and their traditions, while at the same time, teaching the young ones of the English ways. He got quite attached to the Marquis family and they learned to respect him and treat him as equal, putting their aristocrat snobbery to the side.
Then hell broke loose, the family had to flee, Harry stepping up to help and protect those who he loved and respected went through a series of life’s toughest tests to survive the revolution and save those he considered family. At such young age, Harry demonstrated more skills, courage, and valor then many older men should have.
This story has everything, from making bonds with new friends, wolf hunting, fist fights, dangerous escapes, some romance, and unfortunately the striking massacres that did occurred during this time. An excellent read! I loved it.
October 2, 2020
(Maybe more of a 3.5)
I have been really enjoying history, lately. Perhaps it’s my age showing. Perhaps it’s my way of dealing with the overwhelming amount of “history” that’s happening to us right now. It makes me feel like I have more perspective and I also feel like I relate to the people on the pages of history more now than I have before. Since all the novels assigned to my son for the school year are related to his history class—Modern World History—I get to do a middle grades tour de-last-couple-centuries, and I anticipate enjoying it all. The first book was Calico Captive.
The second book was In the Reign of Terror, by G. A. Henty. The kids are in the midst of reading it, and I just keep blabbing to them about Henty and about Les Misérables. Why? Well, as far as Henty goes, I had never heard of the guy, but I suppose I really should have. His popularity was a little before my time—like the 1890s—but many of his books still stay on middle grades reading lists. And when I say “many of his books,” I mean some of his 122 historical-slash-adventure fiction novels. Woah, nelly! Did you say 122? I did. I keep thinking of them as the Hardy Boys of historical fiction, though each book was a different historical event or time, from the Civil War to ancient Egypt, from freedom-fighting Scotland to—right here at In the Reign of Terror—the French Revolution. Which leads me to the second half of my “why?” Why Les Misérables? Because if pressed to reveal what I knew about the French Revolution before this month, I would have mumbled something like, “Onmyown, lookdownlookdown, onedaymore.” Despite the efforts of history teachers of my past, the most that ever stuck was Les Mis the book, Les Mis the musical, and Les Mis the movies, which means that the Revolution mostly meant romance blossoming out of the danger and sorrow, the downtrodden rising up and sacrificing for freedom!, revenge and forgiveness and basically new beginnings. It was surprising to me, then, to begin reading Reign of Terror.
Reign of Terror is one of Henty’s more enduring titles. I imagine the general make-up is similar to his others. A 1700s English teen, Harry Sandwith, is sent to France to live with a family of French nobility for the edification of the young monsieurs. The Revolution worsens until the house is in disarray, scattered between prison, the countryside (trying to flee the country) and in hiding in the city. Young Harry must do what he can, even risk his own life, to protect the daughters of the house, even if they are the only ones to survive the violence. This perspective—from the standpoint of a friend of nobles and from the angle of mere children—the Revolution doesn’t look quite so shiny anymore. You still see a gaping chasm between the haves and the have-nots, but you also see the executions of the enemies of the people as murders of, in many cases, innocents (including women, children, and clergymen). Jeanne and Virginie are just girls: girls who have now lost everything including their parents and most of their family and who still possess the will to live and to love.
I don’t know about you, but I like when my perspective of history is stood on its head a little bit. Seeing things from different sides lets me know that there is complexity in the issues of today, as well, not to mention that history is so big: it’s impossible to see it all clearly and to evaluate it from some sort of neutral worldview. I assume that I’m wrong about something, about many things, and to have assumed that the people overthrew the monarchy in a blaze of glory without burning some bridges was naïve (although mostly just not something I had thought much about). Considering there are some parallels between the French Revolution and what is happening in our country today (not too much, but some), I found this reading of the Revolution interesting and edifying.
Yes, but what about the book? I can understand why Henty was popular with the lads of his day. The writing is okay, though it is outdated and was difficult for some of my students to read. My vocabulary sheets were like a page long for some chapters. But Henty’s characters are worth knowing and they have all sorts of adventures. On top of that, I’m sure adults were always thrilled to know that a reader of Henty would walk away with capital-K knowledge about an event, a time period, the food, the clothes, the customs, the weaponry, the conveyances, the inside of a lugger… The real point being that among all that learning is tucked fist fights, knife fights, daring escapes, executions, more daring escapes, and even a little romance. And, to top it all off, Harry grows from a boy into a real decent man.
I’m not going to recommend Henty too strongly, because, as I said, it is outdated and of okay writing. But I am tempted to read more of his books, myself. If I was a kid coming across these, I think I would feel the same. It’s like a spoonful of sugar with your medicine and satisfyingly formulaic plotting and characterization all at the same time.
NOTE: I did forget to mention that the cover I have, not an original, is an absolute travesty. It's horrible. I am tempted to cover it with some brown paper. Harry easily looks to be in his 50s, and that's just the beginning of it. You'll know it when you see it. Oh, so bad. The original illustrations inside are fine.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
I have been really enjoying history, lately. Perhaps it’s my age showing. Perhaps it’s my way of dealing with the overwhelming amount of “history” that’s happening to us right now. It makes me feel like I have more perspective and I also feel like I relate to the people on the pages of history more now than I have before. Since all the novels assigned to my son for the school year are related to his history class—Modern World History—I get to do a middle grades tour de-last-couple-centuries, and I anticipate enjoying it all. The first book was Calico Captive.
The second book was In the Reign of Terror, by G. A. Henty. The kids are in the midst of reading it, and I just keep blabbing to them about Henty and about Les Misérables. Why? Well, as far as Henty goes, I had never heard of the guy, but I suppose I really should have. His popularity was a little before my time—like the 1890s—but many of his books still stay on middle grades reading lists. And when I say “many of his books,” I mean some of his 122 historical-slash-adventure fiction novels. Woah, nelly! Did you say 122? I did. I keep thinking of them as the Hardy Boys of historical fiction, though each book was a different historical event or time, from the Civil War to ancient Egypt, from freedom-fighting Scotland to—right here at In the Reign of Terror—the French Revolution. Which leads me to the second half of my “why?” Why Les Misérables? Because if pressed to reveal what I knew about the French Revolution before this month, I would have mumbled something like, “Onmyown, lookdownlookdown, onedaymore.” Despite the efforts of history teachers of my past, the most that ever stuck was Les Mis the book, Les Mis the musical, and Les Mis the movies, which means that the Revolution mostly meant romance blossoming out of the danger and sorrow, the downtrodden rising up and sacrificing for freedom!, revenge and forgiveness and basically new beginnings. It was surprising to me, then, to begin reading Reign of Terror.
Reign of Terror is one of Henty’s more enduring titles. I imagine the general make-up is similar to his others. A 1700s English teen, Harry Sandwith, is sent to France to live with a family of French nobility for the edification of the young monsieurs. The Revolution worsens until the house is in disarray, scattered between prison, the countryside (trying to flee the country) and in hiding in the city. Young Harry must do what he can, even risk his own life, to protect the daughters of the house, even if they are the only ones to survive the violence. This perspective—from the standpoint of a friend of nobles and from the angle of mere children—the Revolution doesn’t look quite so shiny anymore. You still see a gaping chasm between the haves and the have-nots, but you also see the executions of the enemies of the people as murders of, in many cases, innocents (including women, children, and clergymen). Jeanne and Virginie are just girls: girls who have now lost everything including their parents and most of their family and who still possess the will to live and to love.
I don’t know about you, but I like when my perspective of history is stood on its head a little bit. Seeing things from different sides lets me know that there is complexity in the issues of today, as well, not to mention that history is so big: it’s impossible to see it all clearly and to evaluate it from some sort of neutral worldview. I assume that I’m wrong about something, about many things, and to have assumed that the people overthrew the monarchy in a blaze of glory without burning some bridges was naïve (although mostly just not something I had thought much about). Considering there are some parallels between the French Revolution and what is happening in our country today (not too much, but some), I found this reading of the Revolution interesting and edifying.
Yes, but what about the book? I can understand why Henty was popular with the lads of his day. The writing is okay, though it is outdated and was difficult for some of my students to read. My vocabulary sheets were like a page long for some chapters. But Henty’s characters are worth knowing and they have all sorts of adventures. On top of that, I’m sure adults were always thrilled to know that a reader of Henty would walk away with capital-K knowledge about an event, a time period, the food, the clothes, the customs, the weaponry, the conveyances, the inside of a lugger… The real point being that among all that learning is tucked fist fights, knife fights, daring escapes, executions, more daring escapes, and even a little romance. And, to top it all off, Harry grows from a boy into a real decent man.
I’m not going to recommend Henty too strongly, because, as I said, it is outdated and of okay writing. But I am tempted to read more of his books, myself. If I was a kid coming across these, I think I would feel the same. It’s like a spoonful of sugar with your medicine and satisfyingly formulaic plotting and characterization all at the same time.
NOTE: I did forget to mention that the cover I have, not an original, is an absolute travesty. It's horrible. I am tempted to cover it with some brown paper. Harry easily looks to be in his 50s, and that's just the beginning of it. You'll know it when you see it. Oh, so bad. The original illustrations inside are fine.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
July 15, 2022
I read this book with my elementary through high school-aged kids and I LOVED it. My children younger than 8 didn't understand all of it, but my older ones loved this book as much as I did. Not only was the plot fabulous and the historical research spot on, but we were entertained all while learning so so much about the reign of terror during the French Revolution. I kept looking things up online to see if what we were reading was fact or fiction; it was all fact!
Here are some themes this book had that I appreciated:
Honor
Respect
Love of God
Prayer
Love of family
Working hard
Adventure
Clean language
High morals
Here are some themes this book had that I appreciated:
Honor
Respect
Love of God
Prayer
Love of family
Working hard
Adventure
Clean language
High morals
March 19, 2022
We enjoyed listening to this as we traveled. (We'd listened to it years ago, but enjoyed it again the second time around.) Jim Weiss does a great job changing his voice for different characters, and he reads with good expression. The story itself is typical of G. A. Henty with a hero of good character. His character also develops and grows throughout the book, which I appreciated as well. Taking place during the "reign of terror" of the French Revolution, there were definitely some sad aspects to the book, but I think that also helped the story to be more authentic. (Some use of wine and alcohol, although on some occasions it was medicinal.) Because of the nature of the French Revolution, I probably wouldn't recommend this for grade school children. Overall, a good book, to aid in understanding those times.
August 10, 2021
A truly horrifying look at the French Revolution. I wish this were fiction!
April 4, 2024
Sad, but good story!!!
October 11, 2013
It is around 1792 or 1793, and seventeen-year-old Harry Sandwith lives in Chelsea, England, having been a student at Westminster School for several years. His father is a doctor, and Harry has three younger brothers and four sisters. Dr. Sandwith receives a letter from a young French nobleman formerly attached to the French embassy in London whom he had previously treated asking if the doctor knows of a young man who could be sent to work for his brother, the Marquis de St. Caux, in France as a companion for his two sons, Ernest and Jules. The Marquis and his wife also have three daughters, Marie, Jeanne, and Virginie. Mr. Sandwith determines to send Harry. Unfortunately, the political situation in France soon becomes very unstable.
Shortly after Harry arrives, he saves the two younger St. Caux girls from a mad dog, and Jeanne falls in love with him. It is after that when the troubles begin. The Jacobins seize control of the French Revolution and determine to kill all former nobles along with everyone associated with them. What will happen to the Marquis and his family? What will happen to Harry? Will he ever make it home? We have never been disappointed in a book by George Alfred Henty. He gives an excellent portrayal of the background of the French Revolution which, unlike the American Revolution which was based on Biblical principles and resulted in freedom, was taken over by godless atheists who turned it into a massacring bloodbath. The reader gets to meet such important historical characters as Georges Danton, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre. The book is characterized by both great suspense and the high moral conduct of the hero. In reading aloud, I did edit out a few references to drinking wine and brandy.
Shortly after Harry arrives, he saves the two younger St. Caux girls from a mad dog, and Jeanne falls in love with him. It is after that when the troubles begin. The Jacobins seize control of the French Revolution and determine to kill all former nobles along with everyone associated with them. What will happen to the Marquis and his family? What will happen to Harry? Will he ever make it home? We have never been disappointed in a book by George Alfred Henty. He gives an excellent portrayal of the background of the French Revolution which, unlike the American Revolution which was based on Biblical principles and resulted in freedom, was taken over by godless atheists who turned it into a massacring bloodbath. The reader gets to meet such important historical characters as Georges Danton, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre. The book is characterized by both great suspense and the high moral conduct of the hero. In reading aloud, I did edit out a few references to drinking wine and brandy.
June 20, 2022
We listened to this book while traveling in the car and I enjoyed it very much! I was tempted to give this a five-star rating, but that would mean it was perfect. Henty follows his familiar format - a boy who matures into a man as he faces adversity and danger. I love Henty's books because he emphasizes the highest moral qualities in his main characters (e.g. bravery, honesty, loyalty, creativity, etc.) I especially liked this book because the story was so well developed. As with all of Henty's books there is a lot of history to be learned in the reading. The reign of terror was a very dark time in human history and I am glad to have a better understanding of it.
June 25, 2020
At first, the book was interesting and gave a good feel of the thought of the nobility before the revolution began. As it continued, however, the paradigm of 'average British boy is better, wiser, and more skillful than all the non British children and adults' emerges more and more as the terror of the revolution continues.
I will continue looking for YA historical fiction of the French Revolution.
I will continue looking for YA historical fiction of the French Revolution.
December 30, 2009
I'd probably give this 4.5, if I could. It's a riveting and frightening story, with lots of suspense, feeling, and history. My only complaint is the brevity of the writing--it seems overly terse in parts and I often longed for a little more detail and description. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this book!
May 25, 2013
This was my first Henty book, and I really enjoyed it. This guy really is a master of historical fiction! I wasn't impressed by the beginning, but the more I got into the book, the more I liked it. There was never a dull moment (except for the beginning, when the story was beginning, of course). I liked the little touch of romance near the end - it was very sweet. :)
April 20, 2024
So many scenes from this book are etched in my memory, especially the dog attack scene. I now know what to do if a dog attacks me. I absolutely loved the way Henty described the differences between the English and French, what a hoot! Also, I feel like I lived through the reign of terror as an aristocrat so good was the story-telling.
November 21, 2014
Great as an audiobook. Moves along at a great clip. Holy smokes, didn't realize that this was first published in 1888 until I went to add this review. The book ages incredibly well, I really couldn't tell when listening that it was 126 years old!!
September 4, 2024
exciting story of the french revolution. i first found this story as a kid in a classics illustrated comic. loved the story then and having gotten ahold of the actual novel, love it even more.
February 15, 2022
Fun (if the word can be used for the topic) and thrilling historical fiction about a young British man who stays in France during the French Revolution. Very Anglophilic in the character of the protagonist, and decidedly against what the Revolution soon became (as the title suggests), both of which I enjoyed and appreciated. Great drama and romance reminiscent 19th-c Dumas novels.
I listened to the audiobook read well by Jim Hodges, right after going through Ian Davidson's moderate take on the times (The French Revolution: From Enlightenment to Tyranny). Henty's presentation of the same events concretized them in a very memorable way, and it added a much more personal perspective on the evils of the Revolution and its "equality."
I listened to the audiobook read well by Jim Hodges, right after going through Ian Davidson's moderate take on the times (The French Revolution: From Enlightenment to Tyranny). Henty's presentation of the same events concretized them in a very memorable way, and it added a much more personal perspective on the evils of the Revolution and its "equality."
May 22, 2018
It took me so long to read this - not because of the quality of the book - but because I was reading an electronic version and only had limited times that I could read it.
I enjoyed the vast majority of this work by Henty - the description of the nobles, the families, and the people impacted by the French Revolution - a journey to the sea side as our hero tries to return to England - and even the interaction with real historical figures.
The only thing I felt that was lacking was the ending to the book. It seemed to just stop. I guess I was invested in the characters and wanted to learn more.
I enjoyed the vast majority of this work by Henty - the description of the nobles, the families, and the people impacted by the French Revolution - a journey to the sea side as our hero tries to return to England - and even the interaction with real historical figures.
The only thing I felt that was lacking was the ending to the book. It seemed to just stop. I guess I was invested in the characters and wanted to learn more.
June 21, 2022
Good adventure yarn with a young Westminster Schoolboy coming of age to rescue artistos from the French Revolution. I read on wiki that the novel has been deemed controversial for its depiction of the revolution - what rot. For a novel of 1888 it is pretty balanced account of the murderous fanatics of that particular mob. You wouldn't expect the female characters to be as strong as the males in this boys own offering though some show pluck here, notably Harry's love interest Jeanne. The dialogue is a bit stiff. Don't expect great descriptions of landscape or character analysis either but, for what it is, it ain't half bad.
April 16, 2020
This book started slow, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it! I chose it to read aloud as my daughter studied the French Revolution and it was a perfect pairing. It made the French Revolution come alive for both of us, connecting our emotions with "real" people living through such a bloody period of France's history!
It's a difficult book and I think my average-level 6th grade reader would have struggled to read it on her own. But together we bonded with characters and were invested in their well-being.
It's a difficult book and I think my average-level 6th grade reader would have struggled to read it on her own. But together we bonded with characters and were invested in their well-being.
July 22, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook read by Jim Weiss, who does an outstanding job reading. You feel like you're listening to a radio drama, not an audiobook. I really liked this book until the final adventure. Everything up to that point had been plausible, in my opinion, although unlikely. If Henty would have finished the book prior to the last plot twist (and he easily could have), it would have easily been 4, maybe 5 stars. However, the last adventure and rescue was unbelievably far-fetched. 3.5 stars, everything considered.
March 12, 2018
This is one of my all time favorite G.A. Henty books, and would be a great introduction to his works. While historically accurate, it is not entirely focused on battles and armies, as many of his other stories are, but focuses rather on the adventures of an English lad as he strives to save a French family from the Guillotine. It is a thrilling and adventurous tale, with many twists and turns, and I've read it more times over than any other of his books.
August 3, 2022
A good story with a protagonist that fits well as a surrogate for an outsider finding themselves in a horrifying moment in history. I think this book, while being an adventure/drama that focuses on the main cast, does a good job at portraying how certain catastrophes were allowed to play out in the worst way possible due to negligence and bad leadership.
October 11, 2018
G.A. Henty constructs another wonderful book. The thought, the romance, the danger all roll together in a spellbinding, page turning book about aristocrats in the reign of terror and their friend from England.
August 6, 2025
A good adventure with action and good characters, set in the French Revolution. Intended for a youth audience, it makes history more accessible with a good story line. There are murders and cruelty because of the time in history, but not inappropriate for teens who know what they are picking up.
May 17, 2017
I have not been disappointed with an Heirloom Audio Production yet!
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