Solomon's Song

The Australian Trilogy, Book 3

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the story of two families, branches of the Solomons, transported to an alien land. Both branches eventually grow rich and powerful. But through three generations, the families never, for one moment, relinquish their hatred for each other. This novel is also the story of Australia, from its beginnings to its coming of age as a nation.

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

Critic reviews

"Narrator Humphrey Bower doesn't miss a nuance. His villains have a sharp, nasal nastiness, and his love scenes tickle the hairs at the nape of the neck. Bower's performance is spot-on." (Audiofile)

Masterfully written

Where does Solomon's Song rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the 3rd in the series and it does not disappoint.... Very near the top in my overall favorite list!

What did you like best about this story?

I love how the characters stories were interwoven, sometimes a bit fancifully, but then again, it is fiction. This third in the series contained a bit more war and bloodshed than the first two so it was not quite as entertaining as I found the others. Having said that, I still did not want it to end any more than I did the first 2!! Very entertaining and so easy to be attached to the characters.

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

I love the Aussie and New Zealand accents... they both lend an air of authenticity.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh gosh yes, just not possible

Excellent story...horrible ending

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

I thought the story of WW1 was wonderful. The ending is very disappointing. Unbelievable and way too rushed. Such a bad way to end a three book series.

A satisfying conclusion in this trilogy.

Where does Solomon's Song rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Bryce Courtenay is my favorite author and Humphrey Bowers is a terrific reader. The Potato Factory was the first book in this trilogy and probably the best. However, "Toma and Hawk" and "Solomon's Song" were very enjoyable as well. I don't think the reader would enjoy Solomon's Song as much without having read the previous two books. The beauty of Courtenay's books is that when you finish one, you immedicately want to followup on another of his books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Solomon's Song?

The discussion Hawk has with his granddaughter about the perils of power and its ability to corrupt---even in the case of her precious trade union. Nuggets of life's wisdom are studded through Courtenay's writings.

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

I have listened to over 10 Humphrey Bowers readings and he is always excellent. He IS the voice of Courtnay's characters. His ability to portray Australian, South African, Maori, and British accents is unmatched.

Who was the most memorable character of Solomon's Song and why?

Hawk displays the internal strength character that I think we all wish we could possess.

Any additional comments?

Start with "The Potato Factory" and you will be hooked--wishing for even more after "Solomon's Song" is complete.

Decent Sequel

Of the series of three books, The Potatoe Factory is a solid 4-star while the two sequels are average 3-star books. The first book reads much like a Dickens novel especially the first half plus set in London. It is a nice story with villains you love to hate but enjoy following. The second and third installments are more formulaic and too politically correct in some ways. They are worth listening to if you want to continue the story into the next generations. The narrator is fantastic in this series.

Worst Thing Is

I was so happy to get this third in the Soloman Saga. Most books I can usually put down and pick up at some time in the future. But Bryce Courtenay's novels are totally engaging so that you feel yourself in the story. Every scene is cinematic.
But the worst thing about every book by this author is that they do end and sometimes not the way you would like.

Solomon's Song

An outstanding saga, an fantastic performance, a truly riveting listen. Profoundly moving at times.

I couldn't stop listening!

A heart-wrenching story that I couldn't stop listening to, even buying extra credits so I could finish the trilogy. Wonderful!!!!!!!

Hazelnut

This was a superlative rendition of a fantastic historical tale. Written with depth on a topic of triumph in the midst of extreme dispare. A must read!!

Hated the ending

What made the experience of listening to Solomon's Song the most enjoyable?

The narrator

What did you like best about this story?

Ben and Sarah's love story

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

Ben

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I loved the first two books and I really liked this book too but it could have been so much better. There was so much story that could have taken place with Ben and Sarah and Victoria. I enjoyed the war parts but the whole book was war and that wasn't what I was hoping for. I couldn't believed that it ended so abruptly. I felt like there was so much story left unaccounted for.

Courtenay is a great storyteller

What made the experience of listening to Solomon's Song the most enjoyable?

Bower's ability to give each character their own voice. It was like having someone sitting next to me reading a story, only better.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved learning about Australia's history. I did not know anything about their involvement in WWI.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes where Grandfather Hawk gives his perspective on people, happenings, and the world. I love to listen to what he has to say. His voice is the voice of wisdom and it really resonates with me.

If you could rename Solomon's Song, what would you call it?

Is this Solomon the Solomon of Biblical Wisdom (as well as Solomon family??) If so, then this title takes on an interesting double meaning, and I would not want to change it.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book in my car while I am driving. As the story comes towards the end, I have to bring it into the house so I can hear how it is going to end. The characters and their voices get into my head and my heart and I need to know what is going to happen to them.
I did not intent to listen to all three books, but I cared about the characters so much I wanted to know what happened to them.
This trilogy reminded me of how much I had enjoyed "The Power of One". I still have the hard cover book, but I have downloaded the audio so this time I can listen to Bower tell me the story, and enjoy it in a different medium.