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Jessica  By  cover art

Jessica

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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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

What listeners say about Jessica

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  • Overall
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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

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

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

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Aussie Tale

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant.

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just spectacular.

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Moving

I discovered Bryce Courtenay because of the length of his books and after 6 of them have yet to listen to one that was not awesome. The narrator Humphery Bower has the greatest voice for story telling, a different voice for every character and he can sing too. This story truly moved me, if you are overly emotional (which I usually am not) you might want to keep some tissues handy ... I made sure to call my mom after finishing to tell her how very much I appreciate her & the love she has always shown ALL of her children. "Jessica" is one of those stories that will stay with you for a lifetime

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

story telling par excellance

Well, I am sorry that Jessica never ever got a break, but Bryce Courtney is hard to let go of. He is a great story teller, even though parts of his stories are tempting to fast forward. Guess I'm addicted.

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2 people found this helpful