Whitethorn

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 24 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Power of One comes a new novel about Africa. The time is 1939. White South Africa is a deeply divided nation with many of the Afrikaner people fanatically opposed to the English. The world is also on the brink of war, and South Africa elects to fight for the Allied cause against Germany. Six-year-old Tom Fitzsaxby finds himself in The Boys Farm, an orphanage in a remote town in the high mountains, where the Afrikaners side fiercely with Hitler's Germany. Tom's English name proves sufficient for him to be ostracised, marking him as an outsider. And so begin some of life's tougher lessons for the small, lonely boy. Like the whitethorn, one of Africa's most enduring plants, Tom learns how to survive in the harsh climate of racial hatred. Then a terrible event sends him on a journey to ensure that justice is done. On the way, his most unexpected discovery is love.

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

The Power of Two

Would you consider the audio edition of Whitethorn to be better than the print version?

only listen

What other book might you compare Whitethorn to and why?

The Power of One, BC's first book. This one seems to be very much a revisiting of the same story. Social injustice, race relations, pets, bullying, befriending odd characters, the talented child that is innocent of his own gifts, doing right to those who have done you wrong. Courtenay's "Horatio Alger" plots all tend to support his thesis: the good boy overcomes the odds to become successful.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Tom realizes who the faceless beggar is.

If you could rename Whitethorn, what would you call it?

I think Whitethorn is a good one. Symbolic for Tom being a white boy in Africa, redolent of the brushy shrub that grows there.

Any additional comments?

Humphrey Bower puts so much into the voice characterizations. He's a master of dialects.

Another spectacular read and performance!!!!

Characters are so well developed, relationships endearing and historical portrayals are very impacting on the heart and soul. Thanks so much, Bryce and Humphrey!!

Captivating read

Would you consider the audio edition of Whitethorn to be better than the print version?

I enjoy audio books immensely, I would be ill advised to suggest that it is better than print.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

He captures the essence of the characters so perfectly and with such feeling - bravo Humphrey.

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

I have to say tears did well up when the little fox terrier Tinker died of a broken heart

Enjoyed

AN interesting insight into the history of the times in Africa. Makes us look at how hard life was for African people.

Another excellent African story from Bryce C.

Would you listen to Whitethorn again? Why?

No because I've already listened to it. It's a long book.

What did you like best about this story?

Africa. I like Bryce's interpretation and painting of Africa.

Any additional comments?

If you like Bryce Courtenay, you won't be dissapointed.

Most enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. The second part seems almost unnecessary because the first half is almost enough of a story, with interesting elements of South African history told in a non-judgmental way. None the less it is a very enjoyable listen. I enjoy Humphrey Bower as narrator.

Wonderful!

I loved this book! Great story and great reader and one of the authors best. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Fabulous and riveting

An amazing story set in a historical time in Africa - well read too - highly recommend

Bryce Courtenay is a great story teller.

If you have time to donate to reading any of Bryce Courtenay's works, you will have a joyous experience in my opinion. Only great storytellers can do what he does with so much human understanding and magnificence.

Possibly My Favorite Bryce Courtenay Book

A long story that rambles in the best way. Tune in and enjoy the winding journey. A large cast of colorful characters keeps this book interesting and varied in tone. And BC wraps their intricately interwoven stories up at the end without needlessly killing off his main character (as he too often does). Plus Humphrey Bower is the best voice over artist since Mel Blanc did the Looney Toons characters. I could listen to him read a phone book.