Solomon's Song

The Australian Trilogy, Book 3

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the story of two families, branches of the Solomons, transported to an alien land. Both branches eventually grow rich and powerful. But through three generations, the families never, for one moment, relinquish their hatred for each other. This novel is also the story of Australia, from its beginnings to its coming of age as a nation.

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

Critic reviews

"Narrator Humphrey Bower doesn't miss a nuance. His villains have a sharp, nasal nastiness, and his love scenes tickle the hairs at the nape of the neck. Bower's performance is spot-on." (Audiofile)

Solomon's Song

This is the first review I have written on Audiobooks and if I carry on listening to Humphrey Bouwer narrating Bryce Courtney's books, probably wont be the last. After more than 60 hours of listening to the saga of the Solomon's and all, I am truly sad to have to say goodbye to them all. They have almost become a part of my life as my job entails me travelling around in South Africa. Very saddened by the ending but I suppose in a way it was to be expected. Thank you both for the fantastic entertainment you provide.

Sure wish there was Book 4!

I love Bryce Courtney and really enjoyed Books 1 and 2 of this trilogy. Book 3 was not so enjoyable but I stuck with it because well, it's Courtney! Way too much war during the second 1/2 and too many questions at the end.

Just amazing. Never wanted it to end.

I have read Rhe Power of One and now this trilogy ending in Solomon's Song. I am looking forward to reading every book Courtney has written. I've never said that about any other author.

Escaping into a book thats always waiting for you is so wonderful a part of life. This trilogy had it all! I just loved it.

Not a feel good story

very well written series and I feel I learned much. it is rough and the realism makes it even harder

Not what I hoped for.

I enjoyed the first two books for the blending of history and fiction that provided action and great character development. Solomon's Song being the last book of a trilogy, I expected the same action with a conclusion to the tale that started with Ikie. Instead, I was baffled throughout. Why was the author spending so much time on certain specific topics on the last of a trilogy. The ratio of historical data to fiction was tilted way to far to historical detail and absent the good fictional narratives that made the other books so good. I know if you have gotten this far in the series that you have to buy this book so I guess I am just venting. Most seem to enjoy it so I might be the exception. The narration again is exceptional, a savior for this book.

Heart stopping!

I've read about six of Bryce's books. I would have been burnt out with most authors, but as soon as I've completed a book, I want it to go on --- tell me more -- don't let it end like this!
Still feel that this is not the end of the Solomon saga. There are still more fascinating characters to explore. Bryce always leaves a "hook".

Wonderful Surprise

I really had no idea what to expect from this saga but I found myself driving around the block day after day to finish portions of the story on my car player. I learned abobut the Gallipoli campaign, the growth of the economy in Australia, New Zeland and Tasmania and was fascinated by the richness of the settings. The characters were not studied in detail, but they caught the imagination and captured my attention. It was a delightful discovery.

Tandia

I thought the book held my intrest cover to cover. Exellent wreiter

Better than T&H, not as good as Potato Factory...

I agree with all the highly rated reviews, so I won't waste my breath. A worthy end to the series -- although you wish it wasn't the end. I would bascially say that if you, like me were dissapointed by "Tommo and Hawk" -- it's worth continuing on to "Solomon's Song." This book, while not quite as epic in scope as "The Potato Factory," and potentially a little rushed at a few places, is much better than "Tommo and Hawk." It has some unforgettable elements and characters -- and the last few hours make an emotionally poignant finale to this long journey over hundreds of years.

Close the loop...

Where does Solomon's Song rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a good listen, but unfortunately for Bryce Courtenay I have listened to Stephen King's It and The Passage by Justin Cronin, one (It) that is a down right masterpiece and The Passage which is probably one of the best books written in recent years.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Solomon's Song?

The end. I felt like Bryce Courtenay was on a deadline to finish and said, "Well Mate, I think that is just about all the time I have to write." There is not a finish to half of the story.

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

He brings Ben to life. Thank you for really bringing all of the characters through out the book to life, if you happen to see this.

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

Yes, but it is easy to listen sporadically and still understand what is going on.

Any additional comments?

Ending left me wanting more. In truth, if I didn't know it was just a trilogy, I would have thought there was another book.