Four Fires

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 29 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The four fires in this story are passion, religion, warfare, and fire itself. While there are many more fires that drive the human spirit, love being perhaps the brightest flame of all, it is these four that have moulded us most as Australian people. The four fires give us our sense of place and, for better or for worse, shape our national character.

©2013 Christine Courtenay; 2010 Bryce Courtenay (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"Humphrey Bower, speaking as Mole, delivers every possible nuance and emotion of his character’s story, and shows a startling aptitude for other dialects as well. Close family friends and enemies include surviving Polish Jews, an East Indian healer, an Irish Catholic priest, Japanese prison camp soldiers, and many others. All of them, young and old, male and female, spring to vivid life in Bower’s versatile voice. Narrative passages and dialogue elicit tears and laughter by turns, without a minute of boredom in the 30-hour production." ( AudioFile magazine)

Another great story by Bryce Courtenay

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. It is a story of the triumph of family and friendship, it doesn't get much better

What was one of the most memorable moments of Four Fires?

Sarah's pregnancy and struggle to get into medical school after being abandoned by the child's father.

Which scene was your favorite?

The gathering of the family and the local catholic priest before Nancy's death. She had to have things her way, up until the end. After all of the fuss between her and the priest, over all of the choices she had made during her life, it was good to see them come together toward the end.

If you could rename Four Fires, what would you call it?

Wouldn't change a thing.

Any additional comments?

Loved the book. The narration by Mr. Bower is always excellent, he has magic in his voice that brings the characters to life.

Another great story from Bryce Cortenay

Would you consider the audio edition of Four Fires to be better than the print version?

Yes, it brought the characters to life.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story seemed to take for every, a shorter version may have been better, but it may also have changed the complete book.

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

It is hard to select, it has been some time since I listened to the story, amd may books have passed.

If you could take any character from Four Fires out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I am not able to nominate at this time.

Any additional comments?

No

Just another Bryce Courtenay / Humphrey Bower Book

You don't get any better than Bryce Courtenay / Humphrey Bower. I don't know who is most important of the two. As I listen to my 900 Audible books, I am more and more convinced that the narrator can make a good listen or completely ruin a book that should have also been just as great.

Humphrey Bower is the best narrator I've heard, period!

You can't go wrong with this combination if you're looking for entertainment.

Always a good story

A few years ago I went to Borne and visited Sandals. it was so moving that we stayed for hours. This book brought back those sobering memories. Thank you Bryce Courtenay

Another fabulous and touching story

Bryce is a truly amazing author. This book, like his many others, is about people. A group of people you come to know and love. Humphrey Bower is simply the best narrator I have encountered in the over 400 audio books I have listened to, he has an amazing range. Better even than Scott Brick who is another great narrator. A wonderful book, I’m sorry it is not part of a trilogy as the Potato Factory was. I will miss the characters in this book. It also provides amazing details about various wars and campaigns that involved Australia. Recommended without any reservations.

captivating, made me laugh a lot, and cry

What did you love best about Four Fires?

A new world of humor and the total story of a strugeling family

What other book might you compare Four Fires to and why?

The good earth? I's a story for the movies. Of course the book would be better.

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

Nope! I'll certainly check into more books next credit I get.

Who was the most memorable character of Four Fires and why?

They were all fasinating.

Any additional comments?

I was excited to have picked a great book, and it lasted me three whole blissfull days.

Treat yourself and get this book

Loved this from start to finish. Story was engaging, characters were believable, and I couldn't stop listening.

Outstanding!

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Well Done. The performance added depth to the characters.

Any additional comments?

Epic good read. Memorable Characters who drew forth great emotion. I found myself laughing out loud, enraged and near tears at different points in the novel. Not many authors can draw me into such emotional responses. Very well written!

another great story!

Another hesrt warming and heart wrenching at tbe same time story that you just can't put down.

Great performance

Would you consider the audio edition of Four Fires to be better than the print version?

The performance was excellent. I think if I had been reading it, I may have wanted some editing!

What other book might you compare Four Fires to and why?

yes

Which scene was your favorite?

yes, by introducing so many interesting topic

If you could rename Four Fires, what would you call it?

nothing

Any additional comments?

Like four books in one