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

Another homerun for Courtney

Another great effort by a talented author. I have now read at least half a dozen of Courtney's books and he never fails to craft and engrossing tale. Jessica is story at once courageous and heartbreaking. A great listen and Humphrey Bauer is flawless as always. Five stars

In the beginning I almost return the book

i have mixed feelings about this one after falling in love with "Tandia" and "The Power of One. "
I did not like the beginning and don't even remember why or why i kept listening but soon i found I could not put it down. What a story teller! Bryce has such a way of weaving in the magic of the native traditions and the injustices by the bloody white supremacists. i am not proud of that part of my English heritage. The story is heart breaking from beginning to end but I'm so glad i didn't stop reading. Get the tissues out!

Good book, but disappointing ending

I was captivated throughout the the entire book. However, for me, the ending fell flat. To me, it wasn't a surprise that Jack was the father of Jessica's child. It was sad, however, that it ended with such a fizzle.

Jessica was a so much larger than life character and the ending did not do her justice. I so wanted part of the story line to include her mother and sister not getting away with taking Jessica's child from her. A better way would have been to have the child fall in love with the turkey lady from whom he was supposed to stay away,... Maybe that he looked to her for guidance and she could have influence on him that her mother and sister could not thwart.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book emmencely and will look for this author again!

Great story

This book is long but the story kept me turning the pages and awake for some long nights because I kept wanting to hear more. A true story of a young girl that didn’t get a break unless she gave herself one. Also learned about the hard life in the outback of Australia & the plight of the original inhabitants, the aborigines.

Moved me to write in praise of this novel

Listened to a few Bryce Courtney over the years and sometime into “Jessica” I thought I may not continue. The characters- Hester’s nastiness and manipulation and Joes inability to confront her, got to me.
I listened on, intrigued, captivated by the clever storyline and Humphrey’s awesome narration . Glad I did. I was impressed by Mr Courtney’s compassionate and well researched accounts of Aboriginal experiences, mistreatment and abuse.
I admit I was moved to tears 👌

Another well woven story from Courtenay

This is my fifth Courtenay novel back in early colonial Australia. The author weaves a nice story around the trials of the life of a young Australia girls in the outback, he draws up interesting characters and makes everything believable including the setting. Living now in modern Australia the history surrounding this young girls life seems entirely authentic (except maybe the dancing snakes). I have not yet failed to thoroughly enjoy a Courtenay novel. The narration is also strong with the narrator adapting his accent to the different characters which adds rather than subtracts from the listen.

An inspiring story

This is a very inspiring story. Jessica was a little woman with a big heart. Although her evil mother and sister had stolen the most previous in her life, she kept her journey by helping the others and won their friendship, admiration and respect.

I couldn't stop listening to this great story delivered by an outstanding narrator. I stayed up late and my ears hurt by listening for continuous long time.

The Best I have heard in years.

What did you love best about Jessica?

Everything. What a story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jessica of course! What an amazing woman.

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

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

Just that I loved it.

LOVED THIS BOOK!!

This is a rare gem. This story is heart breakingly beautiful. The characters are alive- the narrator does an excellent job identifying their personalities. This is not usually my cup of tea- but I couldn't put this book down- it was engrossing and enchanting.

The pearl of Australia

Some people argue that the Power of One is the best book written in the 20th century, and I thought that too.

When I began reading Jessica I thought it hardly would be as good as The Power of One but I was wrong. Jessica is by far the best book written in the 20th century in my opinion. Jessica is a model of a strong woman and an amazing person. If you have not read it yet do it!