We love the Heirloom Audio Productions
audio theater here. I have all but two. For now. This time, we
were whisked away to France during the French Revolution. In the Reign of Terror actually begins in America, with Mr. George in
Arlington Cemetary. As usual, our boisterous story teller has found
a willing listener to one of his many amazing tales. Young American
Harry is about to be treated to the telling of young British Harry
and his time abroad. We head to France along with Harry as he is
sent to spend some time with a Marquee and his family.
Harry knows there is a troubling time
ahead, as Paris is in turmoil, but his father is confidant that
things will soon settle down. Through several harrowing minor
adventures, Harry earns a place in the hearts of the Marquee's family
members. But the real adventure hasn't even yet begun.
As I researched this G.A. Henty title,
I was a little concerned about the amount of death that would be
taking place in this story. My middle little punk is so
tenderhearted and the French Revolution was a very dark time. The
death is terrible and even some major characters lose their lives,
but through it all, they are more likely a second hand mention, and
we are not privy to the actual acts. That isn't to say there are no
disturbing passages. No one skirts around the horrible ways many of
the deaths happen, it just isn't highlighted. It is just mentioned
in as sensitive a manner as possible. We've listened to In the Reign
of Terror several times in the past few weeks. I've had to answer
some questions with sad answers. Unfortunately, 1790s France isn't
the only time in history with sad answers.
One thing I really liked was the
juxtaposition of the French Revolution and America's Revolution (or
War of Independence). Henty repeatedly contrasts the two events.
While they took place closely together in time, the differences were
startling. God was generally foremost in the hearts and thoughts of
the colonists, while Europe was experiencing the Age of
Enlightenment, in which man did not need a god to attain perfection. While researching
more about the Enlightenment period, I saw the two revolutions lumped
together, rather than different. I liked hearing and reading Henty's
opinions on the relationships and differences. One thing I think was
most important is that *in general* the American war was fought as
soldiers against soldiers, while the French war was largely a people
(the common people) pitted against a people (the wealthy nobility and
the clergy). Age, guilty involvement, treatment of the poor in
general were not taken into consideration.
Admittedly, most of my knowledge of the
French Revolution and Reign of Terror actually comes from viewing The
Scarlet Pimpernel (1982). Let's just say, funny as it is, it may
have left some gaps in my knowledge. While I still don't know
everything about this period, Henty and Heirloom Audio Productions
has helped me round out that knowledge.
As always, the actors are stellar, the
screen play is phoenomenal, and the sound track and audio effects
stir something in our very hearts. Brian Blessed, as G.A. Henty (Mr.
George) is so memorable and imposing. I confess, his story telling
is one of my favorite parts of every one of Heirloom Audio's
productions. When I read Heirloom Audio's Facebook updates, I read
them in his booming voice. They might (or might not) have a tiny
little 20 year old woman on their social media, but she sure sounds
like Brian Blessed to me!
Some things about Heirloom Audio Productions have changed since I last wrote a review for them. The
helpful study guide is no longer included as a download bonus when
you purchase the CDs or MP3s. Those are now part of the Live the
Adventure Club. The club is a subscription to the online service and
the bonuses are included in that. With club membership, you receive
several bonuses which include the study guide, lots of unique resources, a forum, and soundtracks and ebooks for the Heirloom Audio adventures you own. Club membership
also includes THREE physical CDs sent out yearly. YIPPEE! More for
listening on those long car rides.
Anyway, about that study guide. My one
problem with the guide is that the beautiful pages are not printer
friendly. I will say this every time I review it until there is a
black ink on white paper only option. The guide is broken down into
questions for each track of the audio. Each set of questions is
divided into three types: Listening Well – a sort of comprehension
section, Thinking Farther – which requires the student to consider
motives of the characters and use other critical thinking skills, and
The Defining Words – or vocabulary. I really like the Thinking Further section, though it's the hardest part for my punks. It asks questions like "The Bible forbids rulers and judges from taking bribes (cites verses)... Do you think it is wrong to bribe an official in order to get real justice? Explain your answer."
One thing we like about the study
guides, which really make a nice unit, is that there is generally a
recipe in them. The study guide for In the Reign of Terror has a
brioche recipe. I want to make it! But it's summer. I will
probably have to take the toaster oven out on the porch so I can bake
some bread soon. Otherwise, it's going to have to wait a month or
two.
The guide also includes short
biographies of G.A. Henty, Robespierre, and Marie Antoinette, and
further information about the Age of Enlightenment and the French
Revolution. Expand Your Learning segments and photographs are inset
on several pages throughout it. Further study suggestions are
listed, including the book the script writers were asked to read.
Bible studies follow, with the topics “When God Means Evil for
Good,” “Resisting Tyranny,” and “True Manliness.”
Heirloom Audio Productions' CDs are well loved in our homeschool. Check out the Live the Adventure Club and receive Captain Bayley's Heir. Get to know some of the Heirloom Audio folks and chat with other parents. You'll find unique resources and plenty of fun activities for your punks, too.Find Heirloom Audio on social media.
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Instagram: @HeirloomAudioOfficial
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