The Gamekeeper

by Barry Hines

Narrated by Luke R. Francis

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Pub Date Aug 24 2023 | Archive Date Aug 23 2023

Saga Egmont Audio

General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction

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Description

Through the changing seasons, amidst a sprawling ducal country estate, ex-steelworker George Purse's role as a gamekeeper goes beyond mere employment. With determination, he safeguards the birds, nurturing them with care, even as they become targets for the wealthy elite.

As the Glorious Twelfth approaches, George must orchestrate flawless hunts for the Duke and his esteemed guests, ensuring their satisfaction while fending off the persistent poachers who threaten the delicate balance of the land.

A masterpiece of nature writing as well as a radical statement on work and class, "The Gamekeeper" stands as a haunting classic of twentieth-century fiction.

Through the changing seasons, amidst a sprawling ducal country estate, ex-steelworker George Purse's role as a gamekeeper goes beyond mere employment. With determination, he safeguards the birds...

A Note From the Publisher

Barry Hines (1939-2016), born into a mining family in South Yorkshire, had a diverse career from coal mining to teaching before becoming a renowned writer. His most famous work, "A Kestrel for a Knave," has never been out of print in the UK and was brought to life by Ken Loach in the film adaptation "Kes".

Barry Hines (1939-2016), born into a mining family in South Yorkshire, had a diverse career from coal mining to teaching before becoming a renowned writer. His most famous work, "A Kestrel for a...

Available Editions

EDITION	Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN	9788728580677
PRICE	£10.99 (GBP)
DURATION	8 Hours, 7 Minutes

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Additional Information

Average rating from 7 members

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Featured Reviews

Kip K, Reviewer

An ode and manual to a quiet life that now reads as a coda to a lifestyle that barely seems possible in current times. The Gamekeeper covers a year in the life of a gamekeeper (shocking) who raises pheasants and grouse to be hunt on a duchy in rural England. A retired steelworker, our protagonist now spends his day caring for his birds and fending off poachers, both human and animal. Touching on themes of class, friendship, and solitude, the novel will get its teeth in you and its hard not to yearn for this life among the birds and trees.

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Zoe M, Reviewer

A, warts and all, story of the life of a gamekeeper in the rural North of England. When the steel works are mines were the main occupations of the area. Told over a year, the gamekeeper is in charge of breeding pheasants for the hunt. In a time when small hunt animals were currency for favours.

I just loved this book. It's a bit grim living off the land, but that's how it was before supermarkets. A great insight into life back then. It was very entertaining.