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  • Men of Men

  • The Ballantyne Series, Book 2
  • By: Wilbur Smith
  • Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
  • Length: 21 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (297 ratings)

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Men of Men

By: Wilbur Smith
Narrated by: Elliot Chapman
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Summary

Following on from the events begun in A Falcon Flies, Men of Men continues Wilbur Smith's epic story of the Ballantynes.

It is the age of empire, of blood and conquest, of boundless excitement and possibility. Striding in the footsteps of the pioneers is Zouga Ballantyne. His dream begins in the danger and drudgery of the diamond pits and ends up on the rich grasslands of Matabeleland - but not before a king and a proud warrior nation have paid the price of history....

Men of Men is followed by The Angels Weep and The Leopard Hunts in the Darkness.

©1981 Wilbur Smith (P)2018 Audible, Ltd
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What listeners say about Men of Men

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Got a little lost

Although I have listened to many of WS books, I found this one a little hard to follow in places. Disappointing.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Super Historical Book

Yet another a great historical story based around Cecil John Rhodes's ambitious plan to conquer, take over and prosper from the Matabele Tribe in what is now Zimbabwe following his take over of the Diamond mine in Kimberley Southern Africa and establish the British South Africa Company.
Well narrated, reserched thoroughly and based on Historical facts this is a great read, although some might find ut too long. As an ex Rhodesian who lived there for 26 yrs loved it as it as it reminded me of the fascinating History of my country. I hope I find the follow up.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A really good read

Enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Having lived in zimbabwe easy to relate to


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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Is there a better ‘boys’ own’ story teller?

Working my whilst back through the Ballantyne series, after first reading whilst in Africa over 30 years ago. Think I am enjoying them even more. I can now appreciate the craft as well as the content. Great listen. But please put chapters/stops in the audio nightmare when you listen at bed time drift off to sleep.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Men of men

Excellent follow on from part one
Narrator was just held your interest all the way through

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Pure Wilbur

Another cracker from the master. You can feel the heat of Africa and find yourself recalling the unusual names and the struggles of a nation and king under threat. Loved it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling, moving, tragic!

The first section, to do with the diamond mine, was a bit slow. However, if you persevere, you will get completely hooked!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

No obvious chapter breaks

Overall another typically detailed and intriguing Wilbur Smith. Though the writing is quite different from the courtney series, the change in narrator suits it. But there was little to no obvious break between time frames and character change. Reducing some of the effect of the story, as within the change of a sentence you were taken to another location, several months ahead, or moved directly from a heartfelt tragedy to sudden perceived contentness with out any clear transition.
Left an element of confusion while keeping up with the storyline.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating story.

This book has held me enthralled both with the actual story line, and all the true facts of both people and places.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hard to put down

I did not think I would like this as much as I did. The story flows effortlessly and the characters solid if a little one dimensional. It’s good also that the story in anchored by real people and events. Not all whites are bad nor blacks good, but on balance the historical fact of white people pillaging and dispossessing the blacks of their land cannot be ignored.

The only negative, it’s a minor one, is his obsession with physical description of the characters , especially those with beauty and strength.

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