The Young Llanero - A Story of War and Wild Life in Venezuela by William Henry Giles Kingston AUDIOBOOK

William Henry Giles Kingston’s "The Young Llanero: A Story of War and Wild Life in Venezuela" draws upon adventure, exile, and the tumultuous atmosphere of early nineteenth-century South America. The story chronicles the boyhood and coming-of-age of the narrator, whose family history is marked by political upheaval—his father, an Irish exile, forced to flee the aftermath of the 1798 rebellion to seek sanctuary in the remote Venezuelan plains. Kingston’s prose paints a compelling portrait of the grand and untamed landscapes, from the snow-capped Andes and dense tropical forests to the immense llanos teeming with wildlife: jaguars, condors, alligators, and more.

Through the protagonist's experiences, the audiobook conveys themes of belonging and identity, interweaving the protagonist’s youthful adventures in England with his deepening connection to his South American home. The novel is rich in atmospheric detail, evoking the perilous beauty of the Orinoco headwaters and the unpredictable perils faced during journeys by river and sea. The vividness of Kingston’s descriptions, coupled with the suspense of being pursued by Spanish forces and threatened by indigenous groups, shapes a narrative where personal loyalties and the quest for national independence collide.

The historical backdrop of independence wars provides gravity and urgency, while Kingston's customary style—clear, robust, and attentive to the nuances of young manhood—renders the narrative both accessible and stirring. The depiction of family bonds, the shadow of exile, and the tension between inherited loyalties and new allegiances, all contribute to the sweeping yet intimate scope of the tale.

This audiobook appeals to listeners drawn to evocative landscapes, stirring histories, and the intimate struggles of youth set against the pageant of revolution and wilderness.

Audiobook time & format : 8h50m11s, OPUS, 414 Mo
Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV
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