How Sleep the Brave: A Novel of 17th Century Scotland

by J.H. Hunter

PB, States on cpyrt page first paperback printing,1969.# 9890p. Size 7.8 by 5.1 by 1 inchTitle How Sleep the Brave.Author J.H. Hunter. 256 pages. publisher Zondervan Press.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

235 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Rebecca]

This is a great story set during the persecutions of the Scottish Covenanters. Daily life and survival is depicted and sermons are related. As people are tortured and killed, the Black Avenger arises, and comes to the rescue of some of them. A master of disguises, nobody knows who he is, even his sweetheart... for a while. He never engages in acts of cruelty or revenge, but tries only to rescue and protect, although that necessarily involves hurt to the wicked at times. This book of church history is full of danger, adventure, and at all times, no matter the cost, a beautiful trust in God.

I highly recommend this one for children, adults, and families.

[John Mcdonald]

I remember reading this book back in the early '60s in my mid-teen years, in fact, it was in our church library at that time and I remember reading it at least twice, so loved it. It was one of the very few novels I had read, but with its historical background and story, I was captivated by it. However over the years with my theological pursuits, it ended up way back in my mind. I love movies and especially liked the movies produced by Burns Family Studios which I have. It was after rewatching Behind the Mask that I tried to remember the name of that favorite book of my teens. Finally, it came to me and was able to get it again through my local Library arriving today, and I am so looking forward to rereading.

This would make an awesome movie if someone would take it up and remain faithful to the story.

[Barb Hilderbrand]

I first heard this book read years and years ago on “Continued Story Reading” — a daily program heard those days over WMBI in Chicago. The reader was Miron Canaday, and he was a master storyteller. He could manage the Scottish brogue like a true Scot, switching from male to female voice without hesitation. The tale held our attention until the very end. This book is a bit of historical fiction—a worthy read for any Protestant family looking for the unvarnished truth of the price some have paid for the sake of the true Gospel. (I wouldn’t recommend it for Catholics, unless they don’t mind being the bad guys.) Scripture is woven throughout this story. Thrilling, chilling, with a great ending.

[Logan]

This was a pretty uneven book. Sometimes it would be extremely thick Scottish brogue and other times it would be plain English. The cliched dialogue and action was fun but not particularly brilliant. What made the story really great though is it is basically a Covenanter Batman or Scarlet Pimpernel, so he goes around saving people for Christ's Crown and Covenant. It was fun despite its shortcomings.

[Faith Burnside]

A very interesting book. Entertainingly written, some very funny bits of dialogue. A bit heavy handed at times.
Very anti-catholic for obvious reasons, but people should beware none the less.
Pretty easy read once you get into the rhythm of the Scottish dialect.

[Jenn]

There is rarely a book these days that is hard to put down but this one was very hard to put down. I enjoyed the very practical application of Bible passages as they applied to suffering.

[Melina]

A very interesting and compelling story. What I liked was the application of bible verses in every day life. People would quote verses very often.

[Alaina]

Objectively this is not a good book. It is biased to the point of propaganda and historically inaccurate. I enjoyed it more from the feeling of nostalgia I had rereading this book I loved in high school.

[Helena George]

The page-turning escapades of the Black Avenger, all written with a love for church history. I could practically /hear/ the Scottish accents in the writing. Super cute little book!

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph]

I LOVED this book when I was younger. the hero is like Zorro or Batman, but with an ability of mimicry/ impersonation, and the people he is fighting for are a religious minority (the Covenanters in Scotland). The Scottish/ British history is fascinating, and the story is exciting. there's a little built in prejudice, typical of the time period it was written, but still a great book. I have read it so many times!

[Deborah]

I read this as a young woman and was just reminded of it....I loved this book.