The Brewer's Tale

By: Karen Brooks

Narrated by: Hannah Norris

Length: 23 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

It had been Mother's secret and mine, one passed down through the de Winter women for generations. I would ensure it was kept that way, until I was ready to pass it on.When Anneke Sheldrake is forced to find a way to support her family after her father is lost at sea, she turns to the business by which her mother’s family once prospered: brewing ale.

Armed with her Dutch mother’s recipes and a belief that anything would be better than the life her vindictive cousin has offered her, she makes a deal with her father’s aristocratic employer: Anneke has six months to succeed or not only will she lose the house but her family as well.

Through her enterprise and determination, she inadvertently earns herself a deadly enemy. Threatened and held in contempt by those she once called friends, Anneke nonetheless thrives. But on the tail of success, tragedy follows and those closest to her pay the greatest price for her daring.Ashamed, grieving, and bearing a terrible secret, Anneke flees to London, determined to forge her own destiny. Will she be able to escape her past, and those whose only desire is to see her fail?

A compelling insight into the brewer’s craft, the strength of women, and the myriad forms love can take.

©2014 Karen Brooks (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"A page-turner rich in historical detail and generous in emotional justice ... A fascinating read." ( Books + Publishing)

"This is the best book I have read in a long time, if not ever. Karen Brooks is committed to delivering an authentic, historical read that is still engaging ... It was a book where I didn't want to get off the train, I didn't want to sleep, I didn't want lunch break to end, I didn't want to go out because I just HAD to keep reading." ( Goodreads)

Too traumatic to be entertaining

This novel seems well researched & historically accurate but considering it is a work of fiction to captivate & entertain - and not an academic account - it’s too traumatic as the main character goes from one cataclysmic injustice/encounter or event to the next. It’s a 23+ hour listen - with 8 hours to go - I’ve turned it off and won’t finish it - unable to listen to this poor woman’s next traumatic drama. Female doing the male voices are a bit lame.

Good story

I love historical fiction and this is a great find. There are not many books told about a woman's life, and even fewer from the viewpoint of a non-noble woman. The story keeps you listening with its twists and turns.

Great tale but anxiety causing.

it is a great story and I love how long it is. the narrator was fine. it is an anxiety inducing story due to the precariousness and powerlessness of the lives of everyone but mostly of women and children. it really does show the oppressiveness and the vile lawlessness of the church. While this story distills their evil in one place it speaks to the treachery and greed, that the church continues to display to this day. while it is not all light entertainment I do feel there is value in revisiting how women have been oppressed over time to renew my vigorous opposition to such treatment.

Good story

This tale, although long, kept my interest throughout. It deserved better narration as the intonation was clueless, and some of the pronunciation was hilarious.
However, the content was an interesting and knowledgeable portrayal of the times, and it was worth listening to.

Listenable

Good enough story but not the best reader. It took me many hours to get used to the rushed way that the reader reads. I wish she would have read just a bit slower.

Enjoyed every moment

Well done to everyone involved in this book; it is fabulous. The narrator did an excellent job from start to end. Thank you!!

Great listen.

I truly enjoyed this medieval tale of a woman brewer. While long, it was a fascinating read. I learned much about the period & brewing trade esp what was open for women st that time ( there is even more great info at the end in the authors historical notes- I enjoyed these as much as the book ) I highly recommend this to my historical novel loving friends who love period derail and a good tale. I look fwd to more books from this author! I say keep up the great work!

Very Good Story

The book was very good and interesting. I can’t imagine being a female during that time period having. Too many obstacles to overcome and hurdles to jump being 2nd class citizens to men. Ugh!

Some portions were bit lengthy and probably didn’t add much to the story line.

History with a lot of fluff

A fun historical romance. A little bit too much fluff for me but interesting in many ways.

Kept me entranced

What made the experience of listening to The Brewer's Tale the most enjoyable?

I listened to this on the way to and from work for weeks. The different tones for different people were amazing and kept me entertained.

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

I want to listen to more of Hannah Norris books.