Crusade of Tears

A Novel of the Children's Crusade (The Journey of Souls Series)

By: C. D. Baker

Narrated by: Colin Fluxman

Crusade of Tears is an astonishing tale of courage, perseverance, and faith surrounding the tragedy of the Children's Crusade of 1212 in which thousands of German children crossed the Alps in a heart-wrenching attempt to rescue Jerusalem from Islam. Baker paints a masterful portrait of the times, one that blends meticulously researched historical accounts with a compelling plot and an unforgettable assortment of characters. This life-changing story of the redemptive power of suffering speaks to young and old from across the centuries and far into the future.

The first of three volumes that make up the Journey of Souls Series, it is suitable for listeners 12 to adult.

©2004 C. D. Baker (P)2014 C. D. Baker

Tough Journey, but worth it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Crusade of Tears to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

I really loved the characters. I doubt that I'll ever forget them.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Wil defeated the Dark Lord with a simple wildflower was very powerful. But there were many others so this is a hard question.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I cried when Maria was...well, I better not actually say because it'd spoil it!

Any additional comments?

This was not an easy book but I'm really glad I stayed with it. The narration was absolutely perfect, and I liked the story very much though it did get me down in parts. However, I was so connected to the characters that I never wanted to leave them! I really recommend this book, though it isn't for the faint of heart.

An elegant, memorable epic.

If you could sum up Crusade of Tears in three words, what would they be?

Profound, inspiring, memorable

What other book might you compare Crusade of Tears to and why?

This is a hard one. I guess 'Lord of the Rings,' though admittedly Baker is not Tolkien. But the theme of journey is very similar, as is the rich use of allusion, metaphor and didactic exposition.

Have you listened to any of Colin Fluxman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But Mr.Fluxman offers an outstanding narration.

If you could take any character from Crusade of Tears out to dinner, who would it be and why?

This one's easy. Father Pieter would be my choice. I can honestly say that I'll never forget this shrewd, mischievous, wise old man. He has a sense of humor, is refreshingly authentic, and intelligent. His spirituality is inviting; he never preaches but is tuned to the mystical realities.

Any additional comments?

I found this book to be a profound exploration of the troubling mystery of suffering under the eyes of a loving God. The author did a masterful job of weaving allusion, metaphor, and old fashioned story telling to create characters I will never forget. Given the style and the theme, I do understand how this book may not be for everyone. But I very much enjoyed the complexity of the plot and the elegant description of time and place. The overwhelming effect of this epic was astonishing at deep levels.

Sorry... couldn't finish it

Would you try another book from C. D. Baker and/or Colin Fluxman?

No, I would not try another book from the author. I only managed to listen to the first 16 chapters (of 30), due to good narration. I enjoy historical fiction, the longer the better, when the story is good! This book has some good moments, but they are unfortunately too few and far between.

Has Crusade of Tears turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not really. I still enjoy historical fiction.

What does Colin Fluxman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

If I were to read the book myself, I would have given up on the story a lot earlier. Colin Fluxman's good narration gave the story and the characters some life and credibility.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Crusade of Tears?

I think the whole book could be shortened down..

Any additional comments?

I never finished the audiobook. Maybe the last 7 hours and 50 minutes of listen is more catching..?. I will never know.