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)

Amazing detail told in a most captivating story.

So good. I couldn't wait for the next opportunity to start again each day. Fell in love with the characters immediately. Sorry only to be finished now.....

Worthwhile but disappointing.

Would you try another book from Bryce Courtenay and/or Humphrey Bower?

Yes, I definitely would try another book by Bryce Courtenay as I like his writing style and character development. I would absolutely seek out other books narrated by Humphrey Bower as I think he is powerful and very talented.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Though I found the narration about the first world war and specifically the battle at Gallipoli informative, I felt that this story veered too far from what I felt was the purpose of the third book in the trilogy. I found that Mr. Courtenay ended the trilogy on a really down note and did not in any way wrap up the family story.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of listening to other books other than the first two books in this trilogy.

Did Solomon's Song inspire you to do anything?

Not really. The message about family unity sand loyalty is a given, but our family values are already there.

Any additional comments?

I felt that much too much time was spent on the details of the horrors of World War I.
I felt Mr. Courtenay really got off course on this one. He could have written a stand-alone book for that purpose. I feel that Mr. Courtenay used this trilogy as a soap box, first against the evils of cruel aboriginal discrimination and mistreatment and later, to voice his anti-war sentiments.

Bryce Courtney---a literary giant

What did you love best about Solomon's Song?

The story line is so revealing about human nature and what motivates us in our daily actions. His writing subtly reminds us of our human weaknesses and our strengths, and yet, he gives us a reason to have hope. And the narration absolutely makes it come alive. Love listening to Bower---one of the best I've heard.

What other book might you compare Solomon's Song to and why?

You must read the entire trilogy starting with the Potato Factory---that makes the characters much more alive and the motivations better understood. Overall I've read all of the Michener books and would put Courtney close to his level of accomplishment.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent as all the others have been. He adds so much in the manner which he presents the characters.

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

When Hawk would take the longer view and do the right things for the future benefit of his family and friends knowing that he would be criticized personally. That's such an uncommon characteristic in society---doing the right thing at personal cost.

Any additional comments?

I haven't read any of this---perhaps it might not be as good in the read as the listen. I will say that Bower has to add to the story in a significant manner.

Call me a hopeless romantic

I think that the reader deserved a better ending than what was given. The trilogy of books were entertaining, interesting, motivational and informative. The books flowed beautifully but unfortunately I think the the reader is robbed by the ending of this book. It was out off character for Ben to behave in the way that he did and so too for Joshua for that matter. One can't paint characters to be strong and intelligent and then make them act like absolute morons. It just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I could have thought of at least 5 better endings which would not take away from the readers perception or intelligence. Anyways, having said my piece I will still highly recommend this book and the two previous as they are amazingly written. Bravo, Bryce Courtenay and thank you for putting pen to paper.

Wow!...just Wow

Absolutely the best book series I've ever read made even better by the narrator. It doesn't get any better than this.

Incredible

This is a great ending to a great trilogy. I'm sure it's fun reading but it is incredible listening and I recommend it to anyone who loves history

Not a Standalone Book--Part 3 of Trilogy

As my header says: this book doesn't stand well as a single story. However as a continuation (or final chapter) of the series, it is quite satisfying.

I want to say upfront that the narration by H. Bower is consistently excellent across all three books. Major huzzahs to the narrator!!!

Previous reviewers for this final installment have had two major themes:

1) "the third book is the weakest of the three".
If judging this one book on its own, then I would agree. But as a completion of a three part story, it did its job admirably.

2) "the attention and time paid to the battle of Gallipoli was overdone".
Here I don't agree. First, and importantly, the author has said that this trilogy is his homage to his homeland of Australia. I think we should respect that and find his (rather disturbing and still brilliant) description of this historic battle as a heartfelt tribute to those who fought for their country and beliefs. Was it a major part of the book? ... yes. But it brought home pathos, courage and camaraderie in a very poignant way. There was humor and there was tragedy. Why we humans continue to wage war is very much at the forefront of this part of the book. I was tempted to speed forward through this part of the book, but I'm glad I didn't. It would have been disrespectful to the story the author wanted to tell and it would have left the final storyline hanging.

Overall, I can whole-heartedly recommend this triology. Read all 3 books in sequence and enjoy!!

Gripping

This book like the ones before is so enthralling and I could not put it down . I hope there is s sequel

End of a Trilogy

While all three books in this series could be stand alone stories (The Potato Factory, Tommo and Hawk and Solomon’s Song) it was most enjoyable to read them in order to better understand character development. I appreciate Courtenay’s writing strategy. He offers plenty of description without losing interest in the plot at hand. His character development leaves you with unforgettable characters. I still here “Ikey Solomon” in my head.

Others have written about the plots- I just want want to share that this is worth the time investment!

My least fav book in the series

It was a little dark for me and I struggled to get through it whereas the others I simply couldn’t get enough.