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)

Solomom's Song is intriging

The 3rd book ties all the charaters together and you really care about them. The narrator was very good, gave the story a flavor of Austrailia and England. Some of the story was raw and brutal, but very real.

Not happy!

Not to misunderstand, the storytelling is the best and the narrator is first class as have been in Potato Factory and Tommo and Hawk. But the war is just not what I enjoy so much and the ending is so sad though not surprising. I have thoroughly enjoy this trilogy about the descendants of Iky Solomon and Mary Abacus as well as stories of Australia and its peoples. Thank you.

Stunning! A must read for every Australian.

Couldn't stop listening even after the 3rd time I've read this book! Last we forget.

I’m feeling a little let down.

It’s not the way I wanted to feel at the end. It has been a long journey to get through this series, but I finally did it. I liked this book least of the three, however. It somehow seemed disconnected to the “real story”. And the ending left me . . . Well, let’s just say it was a bad ending. So many questions left unanswered, so much sadness left unresolved. Yes, life is sometimes like that, but darn, I wanted something . . . different than what I got. Not sure what yet. Maybe it will come to me in a few days. Right now I just feel kind of . . . empty, at a loss for words. It’s not what I wanted to feel at the end. . .

Note: narrator Humphrey Bower was fabulous as always! The narrator can make or break a book. This one definitely makes it!

Entire trilogy medium at best

Far too much time devoted to war details. The ending was simply weird. Most characters are left hanging, very disjointed.

Always delivers!

Bryce Courtenay always delivers great stories, unique characters, memorable scenes, compelling dialogue. And Humphrey Bower always brings Courtenay's books to life in the way they deserve. I'll listen to everything these two team up to do.

Done and I am saddened.

Courtenay is a splendid author and this book is proof of this. His characterizations are brilliant as is the story he weaves. Need I say more? Just read (listen to) it. You will not regret it!
S. Rosson

An interesting listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Solomon's Song to be better than the print version?

Previous reviews indicated this was the least liked book of the trilogy, as a result, I almost didn't buy it. I loved it, almost the best of the three. An accurate historical account of the dear price Australia paid during WW1. Because only the strongest and brightest young men went into the service, it took Australia generations to recover.

Good solid story, great narration

I have loved the Potato Factory and Tomo and Hawk for ages, so I finally finished the saga, there is not a lot of tie in with the new characters in Solomonʻs Song, but still they are larger than life and so well crafted, I just love this series. I have re read The Potato Factory over and over and am amazed at Humphrey Bowerʻs talent....I can see each and every character vividly, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, Classic story telling at its very best.....I was especially glad to learn the history behind Gallipoli, as planning a trip to Australia this fall and now I feel more educated about it.

Typical Courtney – both good and bad

Bryce Courtney has masterfully created some great characters in this trilogy. I have now read eight of his books and enjoyed all of them. My only criticism of Solomon's Song is the same complaint I have about all of his books. With few exceptions the stores tend to end rather abruptly leaving the reader with a lot of unresolved questions. At the end of most of his books, you were forced to use your imagination to imagine how the remaining characters and stories made out. Many would argue that this is not a bad thing but I am always left wanting just one or two more chapters to tidy things up. Still, an epic journey and well worth reading