Reviewed by: Jessica L. Lehman

Introduction

Title: In Freedom’s Cause: The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce

Executive Producer: Bill Heid

Publisher: Heirloom Audio

Publication Date: 2014

Format: Audio CD

Length: 150 Minutes

OVERVIEW

“God will not always shield us from death, but He promises He will always be with us,” Ned’s mother tells him. In a tale of freedom, revenge, courage, and betrayal, death comes nearer and more often than the characters would like…but God comes even closer.

Teenager Ned lives in 13th century Scotland when Scotland is battling to break free from England’s rule. Ned learns how to wield a sword, joins famed hero William Wallace in the fight, meets a “bonny girl,” and grows into a leader. However, much of the focus and the action centers on the historical figures Wallace and King Robert the Bruce instead of on the young fictional character.

Based on the book In Freedom’s Cause by G. A. Henty, this production stays true to the book’s major plot points but changes the main character’s name from Archie to Ned, leaves out the incident with the hound, and reduces Ned’s escape from Berwick to an uneventful two sentences.

Well researched and accompanied by stirring music, In Freedom’s Cause has the power to convince listeners to give up fantasy and to surround themselves with real history, real heroes, and real faith.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Older children to adults

Christian Impact

William Wallace prays, quotes scripture, and reads the Psalter (a book with the Psalms) regularly. He tells Ned that his Psalter and faith in God are the most important weapons. Wallace’s loyalty to God and country in the face of hardship, betrayal, and death causes listeners to evaluate their own faith and patriotism. Ned struggles with revenge and forgiveness.

Other Notes

Keeping with accurate religious history, the characters mention the pope and talk briefly with Catholic priests. There are many battle scenes. Listeners hear Wallace’s anguished cries but not graphic details about his torture and death.

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