Brother Fish

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 31 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Power of One comes an inspiring human drama and war story of three lives brought together and changed forever by the extraordinary events of recent history. Inspired by real events, Bryce Courtenay's new novel tells the story of three people from vastly differing backgrounds. All they have in common is a tough beginning in life. Jack McKenzie is a harmonica player, soldier, dreamer, and small-time professional fisherman from a tiny island in Bass Strait. Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan is a strong-willed woman hiding from an ambiguous past in Shanghai. Larger than life, Private Jimmy Oldcorn was once a street kid and leader of a New York gang. Together, they reap a vast and not always legitimate fortune from the sea. Narrated by celebrated, award-winning actor Humphrey Bower.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty. Ltd

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Literary Fiction

Totally worth the credit!

I'm pretty stingy with my 5 stars, but this book earned every one of them. This is my second book by this author, and I'll be looking for more. And as for the reader, Humphrey Bower is my new hero. I cannot believe that he was reading both Jacko and Jimmy. Talk about range! Oh, and don't forget the proper English of the Countess. Pairing this reader with this author was an inspired choice. This, and "The Power of One" which was my other read from this author, is my idea of really good storytelling.

Another Wonderful Author

What made the experience of listening to Brother Fish the most enjoyable?

The story was spellbinding for the most part, but in the few places it lagged, the narration more than made up for it. Humphrey Bower is now at the top of my favorite narrators.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the individual stories of the main characters and how they intertwined. Jimmy and Jacko were so wonderfully painted. The countess was a bit over the top, but not so much that i stopped listening.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can't imagine just reading this book after having been entertained by Australian, Korean, Chinese, Russian and Americans, interspersed with some pretty good singing.

Who was the most memorable character of Brother Fish and why?

I loved Jimmy.

Any additional comments?

Add me to the list of reviewers who said "I wouldn't usually listen to this type of book", but are now hooked on Bryce Courtenay. I love long books and this more than filled that wish. Add to that a great story and amazing narration and what's not to like?

The perfect pairing of author and reader

Courtenay is brilliant and Bower is an incredibly talented narrator! I have listened to several works by both and have loved everything they do! My favorite, however has been the Tommo and Hawk trilogy.

Forgot it was fiction!

This was one of the best performances and engaging stories I have listened to in a long time. The narrator did an incredible job bringing the characters to life. I found myself wanting to meet the family! Loved this book!

Another Courtenay classic!

I'm still waiting to find that Courtenay book that proves anything less than absolutely captivating. The premiere fiction (/historical fiction) author of my time to the point where I find myself staying in my parked car for 30 minutes just to get to the end of the Countess' backstory. I appreciated listening to the lengthy "acknowledgments" section of the book because I couldn't help but wonder how Courtenay could continue to weave soo much into soo many books. If you like this, check out "four fires." It has similar characters and is equally engaging.

Another Courtenay book to savor.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Brother Fish?

I like tying up all the loose ends.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Humphrey Bower is consistently good.

Any additional comments?

Sometimes the jumping around in time got disconcerting.

Supremely Entertaining!

For me this is right up there with Bryce Courtenay's better known work and international best seller, "The Power of One". Supremely entertaining and well performed, the intertwining stories that perform the character development are as intriguing as the main plot, with no boring build ups to get bogged down in. The story has a a wide and varied range of elements and settings, taking you around the world, from fox holes in a war torn North Korea, an African American orphanage in the great depression, the gritty Triad underbelly of Hong Kong, to an Australian fishing village, the open ocean, and half the world in between. This book has something for everyone, managing to have depth and social commentary while being humorous and immensely entertaining. Definitely one of his best works and the first book on audible out of hundreds of listens where I felt it was necessary to write a review, in the hope that you will listen to this book and be uplifted and delighted by the time well spent.

Never Average

Bryce Courtenay has yet again brought together issues and concerns for many millions of people and set them into a story.

From the Russian refugees in Shanghai after the Revolution to the disgraceful White Australia Policy thankfully abolished under the Whitlam Government, this story continues to explore racism in all it's ugliness, and the impact on every individual " ONE ".

It honours Mums everywhere., as it does family.

The story champions the recognition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.. And so much more.

It is a story of friendship.

It brings to light an almost forgotten War in Korea in the 1950's and recounts how the countries who sent their youth to Korea did it again in Vietnam without learning from it, or caring about their citizens who gave life and sanity for vain political ends.

It truly is about the power of hope and friendship, turning adversery into great sucess and yes, taking risks. The power of the human voice, music and individual acts of compassion are honoured,.

Humphrey Bower is not at his best. A decent removal of repititions in the the body of the novel would tighten the narrative greatly.

Both in hard copy and audio my favouite Courtney is The Potato Factory, followed by Mathew Flinders' Cat. I loved his Four Fires.

This author has his heart brilliant, there for all to see.

Outstanding

Brilliant story, very touching.
Performance was wonderfull. Enjoyable from start to end. I recommend this for pleasure, delight and education.

Another home run for Courtenay!

Would you listen to Brother Fish again? Why?

Yes! Not only was the story wonderfully compelling, but the narration was EXCELLENT!

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Humphrey Bower was by far the best narrator I have ever heard. He brought to life the many diverse characters, each with challenging and unique accents with such aplomb. I was completely enthralled.