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)

Compelling story and narration

I really enjoyed this book.The narration by Humphrey Bower is superb!I must say I felt a bit cheated when the book ended

Loved it

What did you like best about this story?

All about Ben and the ANAZACS. A wonderful tribute to the young men who gave and lost their lives during WWI.

Any additional comments?

A very good conclusion to the trilogy and a wonderful tribute to the history of Australia and New Zealand.

I Still Enjoy This Series

Some reviewers aren't as enthusiastic about the latter books in this series. I still enjoyed them down to the very end. I do agree that this book was more about the war, but the characters were still engaging and I still wanted to know what they were doing. I think it's well worth the credit.

Last but not least.

The last book in the Trilogy and again, I couldn't put it down. Humphrey Bower is a great narrator. All the books were very graphic and exciting. Can't wait to read my next Bryce Courtney book.

Strangely incomplete

The first of the trilogy was the best. The third... an ending -- but too soon. Bower is excellent as always.

Great Entertainment

Would you listen to Solomon's Song again? Why?

yes, It is filled with adventure, sadness, hope, love, and all the follies of human existence. You become involved with the characters and either love or hate them.

What did you like best about this story?

It moved at a natural pace and kept my attention

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

Ike

Who was the most memorable character of Solomon's Song and why?

Ike, You have to have an opinion about him. The things he does take bravery, but he is cowardly and at times kind.

Any additional comments?

Just listen or read it, it won't take long to get involved with all of these people.

over too soon

I just wanted to go on and on and on with these characters. I really hope he comes back with another book so we can find out what happens with the next generation.

End to Generational Saga

While some reviewers seem to think this last in the trilogy of the story of the Solomon family falls short of the first two, I disagree. I found it very interesting, covering two more generations of the Solomons. All stories, particularly those containing the history of a nation, cannot be swash buckling, jungle hopping, tales. Solomon's Song does have quite a bit, including the Australia's involvement in WWI in Gallopi and France. I loved that this book focused on the relationships between Hawk and his brother's daughter, and her two children. The honesty with which Hawk mentored and parented the two grandchildren of his brother, Tommo, is the meat of the story to me. When he told them that doing what was right and good had never landed him much happiness in this world, but that he recommended it anyway, well, that sealed the deal.

Engaging, enthralling, disappointing

"Solomon's Song" is the third and final book of Courtnay's trilogy about the history of Australia as told through the lives of two semi-fictional families. As always, the story is compelling and I couldn't stop listening. Humphrey Bower's narration is spellbinding--as always.

However, the ending left me rather dissatisfied, which was a surprise. Courtnay is a skillful writer, but I guess endings are always difficult, especially when dealing with the huge cast of characters he created here. I won't say anything more about it because I don't want to spoil it for others, and I certainly would recommend the trilogy as an overall excellent and hefty read.

From Australia to Europe

I found the Potato Factory and Tommo & Hawk different, but both outstanding (5 Star) books. The narration continues to be outstanding and although I liked Solomon's Song very much, I did not enjoy it to the same degree as I did the first two novels.

As is his style, Mr. Courtenay did not shy away from the darkness that exists in the actions of man, and he carried that into his descriptions of WWI and Gallipoli. I do not share the sentiment that the author demonstrated any particular anti-war sentiment in the writing of the novel. The history concerning WWI and Gallipoli, the motivations behind the war, and the tactics employed during the execution of the War are simply facts. A career military officer will be among the first to echo the profound waste and stupidity demonstrated by Nations and military leaders during that conflict.

What rang very true to me was the description of the bonds established by those in combat. My one criticism about the end of this series was that it left me dissatisfied. Not so much with what happened, but what the author does not address. Overall, the book is very good (4 Stars) and a worthy listen.