Jasper Jones

De: Craig Silvey

Narrado por: Humphrey Bower

Late on a hot summer night in the tail end of 1965, Charlie Bucktin, a precocious and bookish boy of 13, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleep-out. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in the regional mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race, and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie. So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie eagerly steals into the night by his side, terribly afraid but desperate to impress. Jasper takes him through town and to his secret glade in the bush, and it's here that Charlie bears witness to Jasper's horrible discovery.

With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion as he locks horns with his tempestuous mother; falls nervously in love, and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend, Jeffrey Lu.

And in vainly attempting to restore the parts that have been shaken loose, Charlie learns to discern the truth from the myth, and why white lies creep like a curse. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.

©2009 Craig Silvey (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

A ripping read

I absolutely loved this book. What a gifted writer . It was all the right weights in all the right areas. It dealt with so many subjects. I applaud Craig Silvey for this jewel, this gift he has given to the world. Jasper Jones I love you....for certains.

Discrimination and indominatable human spirit

Where does Jasper Jones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a powerful Australian story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jasper Jones?

When our young central character realised that he is the only one controlling his choices.

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

Humphrey Bower brings a great sense of fun particularly in the dialoge between Charlie and his best mate. He also delivers the pains of loss and confusion to great effect.

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

I really enjoyed listening to this story in installments creating a wonderful sense of anticipation.

Very different but surprisingly good.

I purchased this book because of the reviews I read and was glad I did. Not often you find a different tale such as Jasper Jones, and one that keeps you interested all the way through to the last page. You are instantly attached to the characters and become invested in their lives and their story. I wanted to adopt Jasper Jones and give him a good home but alas his adventure was to lead him on a different path. Sometimes sad, often funny and always moving forward towards the conclusion. Excellent story, well read.

A real page turner

Where does Jasper Jones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 10

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I really liked it, it was believable

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

Geoffrey, I really liked the belief he had in himself and the comedy he added to the story

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Charlie realises that Jasper really loved Laura

Any additional comments?

Just a real pleasure to listen to.

Brilliant!!!

I stumbled across this book, and bought by mistake.. How lucky was I.. its a great story and narrated by the wonderful Humphrey Bower.. A truly great listen you will not be disappointed..