By Sheer Pluck - A Tale of the Ashanti War by George Alfred Henty AUDIOBOOK

Set against the backdrop of the Ashanti War in West Africa, "By Sheer Pluck" by George Alfred Henty narrates an expansive Victorian adventure crafted with the detail and historical consciousness that has distinguished Henty’s contributions to juvenile literature. The novel traces the fortunes of young Frank Hargate, whose early absorption in natural history and field sports is depicted with a keen pastoral touch, echoing the author’s recurring themes of discipline, self-reliance, and a quiet, steadfast courage.

The opening scenes, characterized by a spirited school cricket match and domestic moments in the modest Hargate home, convey the rhythms of English provincial life, but also serve to frame Frank’s formative years—a youth marked by loss, gentle camaraderie, and an almost solitary seriousness. Henty’s prose, though straightforward, frequently indulges in rich observational detail, especially in his depictions of nature and boyhood pastimes. The narrative unfolds with a deliberate pace, revealing a world where youthful curiosity and familial duty steer the protagonist toward his eventual calling.

There is throughout an unmistakable atmosphere of late nineteenth-century optimism and imperial purpose, yet Henty’s storytelling is most evocative in the daily realities and aspirations of his young hero. Listeners will find a novel animated by themes of perseverance, social responsibility, and the ways in which quiet virtues are honed amidst both hardship and privilege. With its period setting and careful character study, "By Sheer Pluck" appeals not only to those with an interest in military and colonial history but also to admirers of coming-of-age tales. Henty’s measured style and attentiveness to the nuances of early life assure this audiobook’s place among the enduring classics of adventure fiction.

Audiobook time & format : 9h25m0s, OPUS, 441 Mo
Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV
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