Brother Fish

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 31 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Power of One comes an inspiring human drama and war story of three lives brought together and changed forever by the extraordinary events of recent history. Inspired by real events, Bryce Courtenay's new novel tells the story of three people from vastly differing backgrounds. All they have in common is a tough beginning in life. Jack McKenzie is a harmonica player, soldier, dreamer, and small-time professional fisherman from a tiny island in Bass Strait. Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan is a strong-willed woman hiding from an ambiguous past in Shanghai. Larger than life, Private Jimmy Oldcorn was once a street kid and leader of a New York gang. Together, they reap a vast and not always legitimate fortune from the sea. Narrated by celebrated, award-winning actor Humphrey Bower.

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

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Literary Fiction

Humphrey Bower is the best in the business

Another unique and interesting story by Courtenay. But also worth it just to hear Humphrey Bower's skill set as narrator. He was awesome in Shantaram, but to hear an Australian do a dead-on impersonation of an African American impersonating a Scot was amazing.

Excellent!

Great narration. He switched effortlessly from male to female, Australian to Chinese, British to American.

This story spans decades. At one point I was not sure that I could listen to any more about the prisoner of war camp, but the topic soon shifted to another aspect of the story.

It took me weeks of intermittent listening to finish this book, but only because of time and opportunity constraints on my part.

Simply Awsome

What made the experience of listening to Brother Fish the most enjoyable?

!st Was the reader. Best I have ever heard. Great diction and makes you feel like you right there with him in the story. Also very good story line. Great character developement. Makes the characters come to life. Could not stop listing to the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jimmy Oldcorn

If you could take any character from Brother Fish out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Jimmy Oldcorn

Any additional comments?

This reader - linked with this auithor - is a winning combination. Keep up the good work. I never heard of this author or reader unitl Brother Fish. I am on part 3 of 4 parts - and have already purchase all of the rest of his books by this author and reader. Perfect match. I guarantee you will not be diaapointed !

Many hours of wonderful listening, listen to it!

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

Yes, the narrator brings a wonderful new perspective just reading alone in your own head.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are so wound and bound by their past, we learn about history as we retrace their journeys through life. From birth to death, spanning a generation in one lifetime, truly wonderful.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the leading up to the adventure at Government House in Hobart. Then Gloria just happens to have the Harmonicas in her handbag and the scene that follows. This is one of the funniest of many in the whole book.

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

Jimmy is a very touching character and the numerous times he is there for the people he cares about moved me. Jimmy knew just what to say or to say nothing at all. I loved Jimmy Ol'Corn.

Any additional comments?

I listen on my drive to and from work five days a week and this story, I listened over the weekend as well! It is truly amazing and I thoroughly recommend it. I learned so much about our history and Tasmania as well, I have family from there and will visit a few sites next time I am there! Thank you Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower for a truly fabulous listen!

Humphrey Bower’s Finest Performance Makes Brother Fish A++++

Splendid writing that captures the essence of each character. Humphrey Bower steals the show though. How he keeps track of the voice of each character proves what a splendid narrator he is.

Great story with great characters

This book is an excellent character study that spans many countries and an extended time period. Great!

Bryce Courtenay always gets five

Bryce Courtenay is one of my favorite writers. Very sorry to hear of his death. Every book I have read or listen too I have given five stars. Original well written entertaining with great characters.

Wow! What a great narrator!

I loved this book!!! I am usually a "scifi " fan and sometimes venture into the historical fiction but part of my criteria for choosing a book is based on the length ( I like to get my money's worth!) so I stumbled onto this story quite by accident! And I'm soooo glad!

Incredible Audiobook

Courtenay does not disappoint! I have listened to several of his books and this is among the best. It weaves strands from an Australian fishing village, the Korean War, Black American, Russian émigré, and Chinese peasant experiences into a believable and compelling story. It feels well-researched and authentic.
And Bower! What a narrator! He gives voice to all of the characters in a way that really brings them to life.

Incredible on all levels!!!!

The story had so many layers to it while weaving through time. The book just kept getting better and better. The narrator without question was simply superb pulling off old, young, male and female.....to even include singing.

I highly recommend this book!!!!