Jessica

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Jessica is based on the inspiring true story of a young girl's fight for justice against tremendous odds. A tomboy, Jessica is the pride of her father as they work together on the struggling family farm. One quiet day, the peace of the bush is devastated by a terrible murder. Only Jessica is able to save the killer from the lynch mob - but will justice prevail in the courts?

Nine months later, a baby is born...with Jessica determined to guard the secret of the father's identity. The rivalry of Jessica and her beautiful sister for the love of the same man will echo throughout their lives, until finally the truth must be told.

Set in the harsh Australian bush against the outbreak of World War I, this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Ltd

I hated to hear it end

I love this author and his narrator. Bryce, I once read, wrote his books with narration in mind, he believed that all should be able to read and or listen to a book. If there is a National Treasure for writers in Australia I hope it is Bryce Courtenay.
JESSICA is full of beloved and despicable characters, we get to know them as they are so well written. If asked what this book is about, I’d say its about a slip of a girl who could move mountains against all odd.
I highly recommend this and all books by Bryce Courtenay.
Humphrey Bower does an amazing job, he does all Courtenay’s books, he never disappoints.

What a story teller!

I had forgotten what a great story teller he is. I couldn't stop listening . The bad guys were wicked and human. The good guy were great and quite broken.

brilliant

Such a lovely story. I felt I knew Jessica. obviously researched well.must listen book
if you love all things Australia

What a storyteller!

I have discovered Bryce Courtenay and I am obsessed This is my third after a friend told me about "Power of one "
I am most thoroughly entertained.
In the process, I am also educated and my horizon expanded, but this occurs incidentally.
Mostly, a wonderful story masterfully presented
And most difficult to put down. Thank goodness for its length. I wanted it to go on and on

Bryce Courtney never disappoints

An amazing story with many twists and turns. You never can guess what will happen next.

Jessica ~Australian cowgirl & Heroine

Where does Jessica rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

the best audio book ever!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jessica because the writer allows you go get inside her skin.

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

yes many and this ranks up there. His performance as the aboriginal voices was so perfect!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think when Jessica meets Mary the aborigine woman.

Any additional comments?

don't waste time with other books. This one is fabulous and will make you want more!
Its my third by Bryce Courtney and third read by Humphrey Bower. I wish all books were read by him!! Can't say enough praise for the writing story and voice.

Beautiful book & Worth every minute

Loved this book, there are no words to describe the journey of Jessica and how each chapter grew richer and I wanted to listen to every word and dreaded the end of the book. I laughed, cried, mourned and deeply felt the story in my heart. Humphrey and Bryce are masters and a winning combination! You won't regret it!

10 * STAR LISTEN - the best novel Audible carries

This fictionalization of a true story takes place in the early 1900s in the Australian desert. People worked very hard to try and make a living, women were expected to get married and be second to their husbands horse in importance not ride the range and fix fences with their father. Australian natives were called 'abos" and had no rights at all.

The story arc is dramatic and as it unfolds we learn all about Jessica-a rugged and mouthy 14 year old at the start of the story and in her mid 30s at the end. She has to fight for everything and though she looses many of her battles she remains the woman she was at 14 (an age when young girls were expected to get married at this time).

Jessica collects several unusual friends even as she loses her father and her mother and sister plot against her.

I can easily believed the story is fictionalized truth-what happened to Jessica Bergman during her strife filled life is too dreadful to be fully fiction and people were treated the way Courtnays book explores. Black natives did have their children removed from their homes from 1915 until 1969 (Wiki source). Women were expected to do as their fathers or husbands demanded-most had many children so there would be workers for the land and in the family with just girls, a Jessica type girl wasn't uncommon-someone had to help the father work the land.

I've read most of the reviews and feel a bit sorry for those who didn't finish the listen because it was depressing or upsetting. It is reality of a time thats gone now but the story remains heartfelt and deeply endearing. I don't think I'll ever forget it.

Keep the tissues handy!

This is one of the most amazing books I’ve read/listened to I quite some time! The fact that it’s inspired by true life makes it even more amazing!
I was getting a bit disappointed towards the end because I thought it was anticlimactic but boy was I wrong!
The life of this young woman, full of heartache and loneliness but oh my the grit and tenacity of this woman! She let nothing keep her down! There is a lesson to be learned here about pushing through no matter what life throws at you!
Great read!!!

A Truly Excellent Story

Masterly written and performed, you will not go wrong choosing this book to listen to. Enjoy.