The Story of Danny Dunn

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 23 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Simultaneous release of the latest novel from Australia's best-selling author. Likened by the author to Frank Hardy's Australian classic, Power Without Glory, with pubs, gambling and political corruption taking centre stage.

The Dance of Danny Dunn is an Australian family saga centering on a working-class family of publicans who make their first mark in Balmain in the 1930s. In that decade, two opportunities existed for boys of Balmain, a working-class Sydney suburb: to be selected into Fort Street Boys School or to excel as a sportsman. At just 16 years, Danny Dunn has everything going for him: brains, looks, sporting aptitude - and luck with the ladies. His parents run The Hero of Mafeking ('Maffos'), the favourite local watering hole, and the whole of Balmain is proud of Danny's sporting prowess. His mother, though, steers Danny towards a university education; but with just six months of his degree to go, he signs up for the AIF, driven by a desire to serve his country and plain wanderlust.

Danny serves in South-east Asia, spends three and a half years as a POW, and returns a broken man, embittered and facially disfigured. He has told no one of his return, and as he sails towards the Balmain ferry terminal, he knows his life in beloved Balmain will have nothing to do with the life he led before the war. He is scared and overwhelmed by the need to sort himself out, to find out who the hell he is....

©2013 Christine Courtenay; 2009 Bryce Courtenay (P)2009 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Good reading

Detailed description of a life and a family. Well written although I have read more interesting works from this author but this book was also good.

First disappointment from Bryce Courtney

Courtney has always proved to be a fantastic storyteller however, there was far too much minutiae in this book.

Wow. *Sniff-Sniff* Oh...wow.

I've just finished listening to the book and for the first time ever I felt the need to write a comment. On the technical side: this is a very well-written and extremely well-performed book and I highly recommend it to anyone who's grown up listening to the stories of South Pacific WWII survivors. On the personal side: It gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of what my grandfather went through during and especially after the war. Many of the embedded stories struck close to home and the magnificent way in which Humphrey Bower performed the telling...well...oh wow. I have to admit that it's been a long time since any book has moved me so deeply.

Another winner from Bryce Courtney

Oh what a delight. A fantastic story. Again down to earth characters and a wonderful way to pass the time. I travel a lot in South Africa, so my journeys are normally quite long. Bryce Courtney has been a major help to me. Makes the trip a whole lot quicker. Thanks again for a wonderful story.

This should be a movie!

Fantastic story! A must read (listen). You can't put it down. Totally enjoyable, you won't regret the time it takes to listen to the whole riveting story.

Danny Dunn Doesn’t Disappoint

As with all Bryce Courtenay books you will laugh, cry, grimace and sing! The story of Danny Dunn, while not Courtenay’s best, is sure to have you seeking out your next quiet time so you can be alone to listen and be entertained by the next chapter. Personally I enjoy listening to Humphrey Bower and think his vernacular is well matched to Courtenay’s quintessential ’Aussie’ tales. Thanks again Bryce for another entertaining (and always subtly educational)read.

Great story, bit of a disappointing end

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, did like the book.

What did you like best about this story?

Great story, but sad ending, which wasn't necessary!

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

Yes! Quite a few! Humphrey Bower is by far the best narrator around!

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

No, too long!!

Any additional comments?

Ending a bit disappointing - too sad with 2 people commiting suicide - was this necessary? Rest story great!

BC once more amazing

Since discovering BC a couple of months ago I have yet to be even slightly dissapointed... driving my roadtrain around western australia is so much better with one of his books playing, and the narrator is arguably one of the best in the business...

OK

I have really enjoyed most of the book. It was a great story, with a very unexpected ending. The ending left me flat and I thought soiled the story.

simply loved it

Courtenay and Bower brilliance in concert once again. gratefully relished this one too! recommend highly!