Nice book, but the experience was ruined since I had already listened to "Fishing for Stars". Shame on Audible for releasing this one after the sequel.

The main character Nick was completely unlikeable near the end of the novel. I kept hoping he'd get his legs blown off in the war.

Compelling to the End

You cant compare Bryce's work, why would you, he's a master story teller

Humphrey Bower would have to be the best narrator I have ever listened to, his ability to style the difference voices throughout his performance, really does add value to this book

Madam Butterfly

I diid not know that it was the first book of 2. I actually read Finishing for the Stars first!

The condensed version would be better! An interesting story, the narrator was terrific, but it got bogged down in so much detail that I did not care about.

Excellant Aussie Histiory

incomparable

Humphrey is supberb at all accents he tries

the javanese village atmosphere

Read with quality and understanding

I would one more book from Bryce Courtenay and / or Humphrey Bower.

I believe that the book was far too long and would have benefited from a sharper eye during the edit process. The flow of the book was satisfactory, details were well done, simply just too long.

Thought Mr. Bower's performance was exemplary.

The book had redeeming qualities. It provided insight into a different perspective of the war from a nation involved in the conflict, from people that the reader could connect with, and experiences that were historically correct.

Difficult for me to recommend because of the aforementioned length of the book. If the reader is a 'skimmer' than I would recommend it.

Enjoyable easy listening

The story was every different to most books I have read. I have enjoyed most of Bryce Courtney books. This is one of his best

It was nice to read a good Australian story. I wish I could find more

I have previously listened to The Power of One and Tandia by the same author and narrator. Thoroughly enjoyed The Power of One. Enjoyed Tandia a little less. I'm deducting a star from my rating of The Persimmon Tree because I was so disappointed by the ending. I thought at first that part of the book did not get downloaded and I missed a big chunk of the end. Will still try another Courtenay book but probably not Fishing for Stars (the sequel to The Persimmon Tree).

There was so much detail throughout the book until the end. I wanted a substantial ending!

I cannot speak for all the accents, but his English with a Japanese accent is amazing.

Initially I would have said yes because I wanted the stories of Nick and Ana to continue. But after reading reviews of Fishing for Stars, I'm content to leave them as I envision them now.

I've read every one of BC's novels and have loved them all.

It would be difficult to listen to a better narrator. Bower is fantastic!

Unfortunately, I did not read the print version. The audio version was a perfect way to occupy two weeks of my commute.

Courtenay's account of the experience on the beach was depicted with skill. He made his audience feel the experience.

I look forward to my next adventure with Courtenay.