The Persimmon Tree

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 27 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

A sweeping saga from Bryce Courtenay, Australia's most popular author.

The Persimmon Tree opens in Indonesia in 1942 on the cusp of Japanese invasion and the evacuation of Batavia (Jakarta) by the Dutch. Seventeen-year-old Nicholas Duncan is on holiday there, in pursuit of an exotic butterfly known as the Magpie Crow. It's an uncertain, dangerous time to be in Indonesia, and Nick's options of getting out are fast dwindling. Amidst the fear and chaos he falls in love with Anna, the beautiful daughter of a Dutch acquaintance, and she nicknames him 'Mr Butterfly'.

To assist in the escape, Anna's father gifts Nick his prized yacht, Vlermuis, to sail to Australia. Singapore has just fallen, the Japanese have made it to Sumatra, and the waters are dangerous. Vlermuis is not long out of Batavia when Nick is forced ashore for repairs. He witnesses the bloody execution of shipwrecked Allied soldiers by natives, and while burying what's left of the bodies, Nick notices one wounded soldier has escaped death, and he carries him back to his yacht.

The rescued soldier is a lower-class Irish Catholic American called Kevin Judge. He has no sailing experience, but he assists Nick in navigating through some dramatic storms and the two form an unlikely and lifelong friendship.

©2007 Bryce Courtenay; 2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing

Amazing narration and a story that never quits!

Where does The Persimmon Tree rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This story is a perfect combination of history and rich, unique characters. Unlike any other story, I was enthralled with the story and loved the narrator. I felt like I knew these characters well especially with the excellent voices/accents that the narrator seamlessly executed. Didn't want it to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Persimmon Tree?

The often desperate state that the character Anna found herself in and her ability to rise above her circumstances were a highlight for me.

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?

Love, youthful innocence, war, tropical islands and sailing the high seas are among the topics I really enjoyed during this amazing saga.

You Never Go Wrong With This Duo

Courtenay and Bower make for an amazing audio book combination and it was proven to me again with this book. I played it on a road trip and it was the first book where both my partner and myself did not want to turn the book off or take breaks from it. We even listened while eating meals. If you are looking for a great audio book experience you can not go wrong with this one!

My first Courtenay and not the last!

Humphrey Bowers delivery of this story was brilliant!
Any story which goes for 27 hours needs to be seriously engaging and this one is!
I was just starting to wonder about the title when the explanation was revealed.
Bowers' delivery of the Japanese inflection was totally believable.
It was indeed a story which contained laugh out loud moments matched with moments of great tragedy.
I have not tried Bryce Courtenay previously but have since listened to the iconic Power of One in which Humphrey Bowers delivers another first class narration.
It is a long listen but a really rewarding one.

Wonderful listening experience

I had this book in my library for a while and hadn't listened. once I started I have been enthralled.

A Masterpiece

Would you listen to The Persimmon Tree again? Why?

Yes. Even with the length some books are just dragged out. This one always has your attention

What did you like best about this story?

The Preformer's ability to give each character such life....

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

More thumbs up than I am capable of giving. His acents are tremendous.

Who was the most memorable character of The Persimmon Tree and why?

Mick, Anna and the rest

Any additional comments?

A must for any true Audible listner

Bryce Courtney may very well be the best!

Where does The Persimmon Tree rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've read every one of BC's novels and have loved them all.

Any additional comments?

It would be difficult to listen to a better narrator. Bower is fantastic!

What a great love story immbeded in history

What made the experience of listening to The Persimmon Tree the most enjoyable?

A very well documented history of the Japanesse and Dutch in world war two, and a love story so tender and sweet.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Great performance, each character was separated in the speech.

If you could take any character from The Persimmon Tree out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Anna

Any additional comments?

Long audio book that captures your heart

Epic and Appealing

What made the experience of listening to The Persimmon Tree the most enjoyable?

This story covered many miles and never a dull moment. The narrator did a lovely job with many accents and intonations. Learned alot of geography as I was rivited to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The personalities of this story were well written...I may have hated some but I understood why.

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

Loved

Who was the most memorable character of The Persimmon Tree and why?

I would enjoy being as smart as Marg...and as kind.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this when you have a time consumming job to do and time will fly!

What a entertaining story

I picked up this book on sale and did not think ir would be that good. Was I wrong! It is a well written intriguing story line. Some of the male lead activities are too good to be true. Almost Forrest Gumpish. I was drawn in though and found many reasons to finish listening to the story. Well worth the time!

Unfulfilled

such a wonderful book so many parts were so fantastic! why the hell they had to end it without finishing it I do not know.
I wanted the happy ending