Tommo and Hawk

The Australian Trilogy, Book 2

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 20 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Brutally kidnapped and separated in childhood, Tommo and Hawk are reunited at the age of 15 in Hobart Town. Together, they escape their troubled pasts and set off on a journey into manhood. From whale hunting in the Pacific to the Maori wars of New Zealand, from the Rocks in Sydney to the miners' riots at the goldfields, Tommo and Hawk must learn each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to survive.

Along the way, Hawk meets the outrageous Maggie Pye, who brings love and laughter into his life. But the demons of Tommo's past return to haunt the brothers. With Tommo at his side, Hawk takes on a fight against all odds to save what they cherish most. In the final confrontation between good and evil, three magpie feathers become the symbol of Tommo and Hawk's rite of passage.

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

Critic reviews

"Narrator Humphrey Bower captures each character, making listeners forget that one majestic voice creates the various natives, the Irish, the English, and people of all ages. Few will fail to be enthralled by this adventure saga, which skillfully captures history while keeping listeners glued to their earphones." (Audiofile)

Never was there a more perfect match!

If you could sum up Tommo and Hawk in three words, what would they be?

Courage, hope, redemption.

What did you like best about this story?

The pairing once more of Bryce Courtenay's epic storytelling with Humphrey Bower's amazing narration; and the knowledge that the third installment of this masterful trilogy was waiting to be listened to when I finished listening to this one.

Which scene was your favorite?

I cannot pick just one!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Never, ever surrender.

Any additional comments?

I wish I could turn all Audible listeners on to this author and narrator.

Great follow up to The Potato Factory

Would you listen to Tommo and Hawk again? Why?

Yes definately. Humphrey Bower really brings the story to life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary. She turned her life around completely. She's smart and controlling of every situation that crosses her path. Her whole life seems jinxed. She handles everything in style.

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

Humphrey Bower does all the characters well. Sparrow and Billy gone queer were exceptionaly well done.

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

Yes. That caused problems for me because I sat up most of the night two nights in a row trying to keep my eyes open.

Any additional comments?

I love to read every night before going to sleep. Bryce Courtenay's books are so heavy to hold while reading in bed. Audible books are a really great way to go. Humphrey Bower really brings them to life.

Ties that bind. these twins will steal your heart

loved this one even ore them the first!!
These twins are the best. They will steal your heart in a matter of a few pages..

Now I have to get the third book!

Gosh darn, I was hoping not to like this book so I didn’t have to read the third one. Truly there were some places that dragged, particularly for me, the Maori wars, and a few other places, but all in all, it is a great Bryce Courtenay book. I was sucked in. I love these characters, so I guess there is a big part of me that is happy to continue the relationship in book three.

What can one say about the narrator, Humphrey Bower? He is more than amazing! Spectacular, super-human, I don’t know. Every Superlative, etc. he is the best!!!

Solomons Sons Sparkle

An absolutely fantastic sequel to the Potato Factory. Bryce Courtenay is a literary magician and once again takes us on an emotional roller coaster as we follow the lives of the X Solomons (Tommo and his brother Hawk) The journey is brought to life with the narration of Humphrey Bower who weaves his genius to create such an authenticity that envelopes the listener to a degree that you feel you are a character in the story observing every event - Fantastic!

Great performance. Classic Courtenay, not best.

I love Mr. Courtenay's books, and H.Bower is amazing. This is a good story... But not my favorite. Enjoyable but sadly predictable. Sometimes, the mongrels don't have to win...

Just as good as the first one!

Can't wait to see what happens next! Especially what happens to Tommo. I don’t want to say anything by saying more

Brillant Narration

The narration in this book is wonderful. I became entranced in the many different characters with many different accents. The story was excellent, but I have to say, as with the Potato Factory, I felt the story just stopped. Although both books pick up where the other left off, I sort of wanted an end of Tommo and Hawk"s story at the end of the book. However, it just gave me more reason to immediatly start the third book, Solomon's Song and find out what happened to the family next.

Excellent Sequeal

I was so happy to find it began exactly were Potato Factory left off. I just didn't want Potato to end. Bowers is such an excellent reader, I don't know how he does it. I enjoyed every minute of it. It could really stand alone.

Definitely fiction.

Since this book is so character driven, it felt less like historical fiction and more like plain old fiction set in another time. It's a bit of a swashbuckler with some unbelievable events. "The Potato Factory" was definitely the best of the bunch for me. After that, it's an enjoyable listen, but not much more than that.