The Four Feathers

By: A. E. W. Mason

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Just before his regiment sails off to war in the Sudan, British officer Harry Feversham quits the military. He is immediately given four white feathers as symbols of cowardice, one by each of his three best friends and one by his fiancée.

To disprove this grave dishonor, Harry dons an Arabian disguise and leaves for the Sudan, where he anonymously comes to the aid of his three friends, saving each of their lives. Having proven his bravery, Harry returns to England, hoping to regain the love and respect of his fiancée.

This suspenseful tale movingly depicts a distinctive code of honor that was deeply valued and strongly promoted by the British during the height of their imperial power.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Surprising good and real

Okay the language is a little flowery for my liking. Ralph Cosham accent is interesting and adequate. The story could move faster, but I am glad it didn't as it is a book about feelings, ideas, the desert, atonement and honour. These things don't come in 'Boys Own Adventures' and action packed novels and definitely without time to fester. If you die-sect this book you might see the 'Heroes Journey' or basic success through determination but it is more than that. Much of the story is through conversations and the characters thoughts. Much of the story moves not around the central character, Harry but through his love interest and close friends.The book is so much better than any of the movies. Worth the listen to over a summer holiday in your favourite armchair.

Wonderful Story

I bought this book as part of a sale. I couldn't have made a better buy.

So good!

Beautiful novel - I had heard this was so much better than the movie, but it far exceeded my expectations. Elegant, but accessible literature. The characters are by far more of the focus than the war. Especially good as an audiobook, which is helped by the great reader.

Originally published 1902

So, keep in mind antiquated forms of writing used, which I enjoy. Also interesting, the codes of honor taken seriously.
I think this is a worthy listen.

Great story but lousy reader

I love this novel. I read it when I was in high school. I was thrilled to find it on Audible. Unfortunately I am not a fan of Ralph Cosham, the reader. I get so turned off by the stilted accent of the reader that I give up a couple of hours in.

Enjoyable

One of the great classics. Gives the reader a sense of living in 19th century. Very entertaining.

A Tale of Honor and Sacrifice

What a great story! Written in 1902, it is beautifully written and may seem old-fashioned today. But it depicts the strong sense of honor and dignity that existed in a bygone era. It tells of one man's commitment to the honor of his name and his family's, and a woman's willingness to make a huge sacrifice because she shared that commitment to honor. The characters are well-drawn and sympathetic. Even the villians in the story have some redeeming qualities. The narrator is spare and not overly dramatic, but he fits the story and the matter-of-factness that surrounds Harry Feversham's 6 year campaign to redeem his honor.

Jolly good !

After six makes as a movie...some good more not so good .....it was a pleasure to read this book.. well worth the read and no doubt another few reads.

Deep Realistic Story Masterfully Read

This story is a Victorian Era classic and was published just a year after the passing of that monarch. The story is very realistic, very deep, and keeps you on the edge of suspense. The reader is perfect for the story, not only because of his British accent but his professional reading and differentiation of voices that make your forget that it is one man reading. The story will not disappoint you.

Impossibly romantic!

if you love British period romances involving clubbable upper-class gentlemen; spirited yet fiercely-loyal most beautiful girls in town; gruff fathers and their sensitive and modest sons; gentlemen who cannot rest until their honor is restored, not just in the eyes of society, but in their own hearts; and so many more Britishy things that you'll actually learn a little niche war history if you're not careful; then you need to listen to this!

Plus, it's Ralph Cosham. He makes it, if possible, even more romantic and Britishy.