The Hero

By: Lee Child

Narrated by: Jeff Harding

THE ENDURING MYTH THAT MAKES US HUMAN

What makes a hero? Who better to answer that question than Lee Child…

In his first work of nonfiction, the creator of the multimillion-selling Jack Reacher series explores the endurance of heroes from Achilles to Bond, showing us how this age-old myth is a fundamental part of what makes us human. He demonstrates how hero stories continue to shape our world – arguing that we need them now more than ever.

From the Stone Age to the Greek Tragedies, from Shakespeare to Robin Hood, we have always had our heroes. The hero is at the centre of formative myths in every culture and persists to this day in world-conquering books, films and TV shows. But why do these characters continue to inspire us, and why are they so central to storytelling?

Scalpel-sharp on the roots of storytelling and enlightening on the history and science of myth, The Hero is essential reading for anyone trying to write or understand fiction. Child teaches us how these stories still shape our minds and behaviour in an increasingly confusing modern world, and with his trademark concision and wit, demonstrates that however civilised we get, we’ll always need heroes.

©2019 Lee Child (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?" (Karin Slaughter)

‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page." (The Times)

‘It's said that a Jack Reacher novel is bought every four seconds somewhere in the world. He is to crime fiction what Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' was to the western. Lee Child's genius has been to create a tough guy hero that men will envy and women will adore." (Daily Express)

The development of Jack Rracher.

Mr. Child presents an excellent historically accurate synopsis in the concept and development of the Hero He ties his vast knowledge to his character Jack Reacher in logical sequence making his fiction much more relevant and enjoyable.
Thankyou (and your 1,998th grandmother), she’d be proud of you!

not what you are expecting

A treatise on the evolution of the word, I enjoyed it. if you are expecting a touch of Reacher you will be disappointed.

Amazing deductions.

This book gives you a lot to think about. Very speculative of course, but you could have it correct Mr Child. I enjoyed it. I like hearing the different views about all things. I also enjoy your Jack Reacher books.

interesting and easy read

this was not what I was expecting. Still, it was very enjoyable and informative.

Very interesting - deeply thought out.

I bought this of author and did not know what to expext. Great read. Throughly enjoyable and informative.

History

the history of being a hero was interesting. I liked it. very interesting that's for sure

listen again and again

I have listened to this at least five times and will do so again. it's "Childly" interesting and humorous and educational.

Awesome

I love the etymology of language, this was fantastic!

I guess I have to write fifteen words to submit this, so I hope this works.

etymology

believable even if not true. it moved through millenia easily. and the ending was surprising.

A unique analysis of storytelling—and the hero

In this long-form essay, narrator Jeff Harding does a great job reading Lee Child's / James Grant's book, The Hero. Child / Grant presents a unique analysis on the subject of storytelling via the concept of "the hero"—and it's many iterations through time and space. An interweaving of etymology, human evolution, and the role of narratives. Entertaining and educational. Recommended.