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

No light reading!

I have read or I should say listened to most of Bryce Courtenay's novels - the last three in sequence of reading were "Four Fires", "Whitethorn" and most recently "Jessica". Courtenay's books are powerful, stimulating and at times quite funny. In "Whitethorn" and to a lesser extent, "Four Fires", good triumphs over evil. Not so in Jessica; evil prevails. "Jessica" rates up there with Thomas Hardy's "Tess of the d'urbervilles", but Hardy's heroine never encounters the depth of human depravity and corruption so endured by Jessica. Courtenay attacks racism head on, sometimes with ridicule, sometimes with humor and always vividly exposing the cruelity and inhumanity of the state departments, in this case, Education and Aboriginal Affairs. The Church also does not escape the biting criticism of the author's pen.
At the risk of being too negative, I point out that there is a strong bond created between Jessica and the aborginal, Mary, a bond that endures a lifetime. The two lawyers, one who is a drunkard and the other a young idealistic communist, are both endearing, intelligent and principled.
One other reviewer who did not have much good to say about "Jessica" claimed that the ending was "silly". I don't think so. Life happens sometimes that way.
One final note: what else can be said about Humphrey Bower. He is utterly amazing, so many characters brought to life by Mr. Bower.

Engaging story

Bryce Courtenay's novels are the benchmark of a great listen. Coupled with Humphrey Bower's narration - his stories are hard to beat!
I love how all his stories seem to intertwine with his other books!
Entertaining! Wonderful characters! Absorbing!
You won't be disappointed!

Perfect for women's history month!!

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

NA

What other book might you compare Jessica to and why?

She comes undone

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

He makes you feel the character

Who was the most memorable character of Jessica and why?

Her strength thru adversity

Any additional comments?

I don't cry when reading...this one brought on the tears of frustration...even more so knowing it was a true story

Loved it!

This was an enjoyable read to me. The narrator did a great job of switching back and forth between characters.

Great Aussie Tale

A little simplistic but in true Courtenay fashion a great little tale that will entertain

Brilliant.

A well told, spell binding story. Kept me riveted to the very last word. Beautifully narrated bringing the characters to life.

Bryce Courtenay continues to impress

It’s been a very long time since I last read or listened to a book by Bryce. I always found his books to be truly amazing and Jessica lives up to the accolades. Likewise, The Narrator does an amazing job with the different characters I’m bringing the story to life.

Enthralling read...

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

The best, so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jessica?

There were several, but her giving birth in a river was the most fascinating.

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

No.

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

When her father came to visit at Christmas and took her back into his good graces only to die the next day.

Any additional comments?

There were times when I could not bear to stop listening. It was one of those books that you feel such sadness when it ends.

Just spectacular.

A most beautiful story of a girl who finds the good in a broken world.

Inspiratonal!

Any additional comments?

A story of deep sadness, the love of friendships, the bravery of a girl who was not afraid to stand up to the world for what was right and decent. This world could use more like her indeed.

Everytime I finish a Courtenay novel, I swear to a new favorite book in my top 5 list. Until the next on, this one is definately in that list.

Humphrey Bower as always, brings the charactors to life and thru my ears into my heart.