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)

Interesting Trilogy, but leaves you hanging

Would you consider the audio edition of Solomon's Song to be better than the print version?

Humphrey Bower's voice definitely adds to the piece.

What did you like best about this story?

I always appreciate Courtenay's attention to detail - you can see, hear, and even smell his stories.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

He did a nice job with a range of characters giving each a distinct personality.

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

I will admit to walking around with headphones in during every spare moment for several days to the great annoyance of others around me during this one.

Any additional comments?

Well written and performed, but it left me feeling like the story was unfinished.

Incredible

As with most great books, as the story neared its close, I found myself dreading the end. This finale did the full trilogy complete justice, and more. c'est magnifique

Ran out of steam

Any additional comments?

First, narration was excellent as always. However, having listened to the other books in this trilogy, I felt this book ran out of steam. Predominately it was about Gallipoli and introduced a whole host of new characters. You lose contact with Hawk and the rest of the family and what is going on back in Australia. It felt like an entirely different story by the end. It wasn't bad though and the descriptions of WW1 are realistic and brutal.

amazing trilogy

If you could sum up Solomon's Song in three words, what would they be?

absolutely amazing. Definitely worth reading / listening to all three books. I would highly recommend all three books to any reader

An engrossing read.

This book captured me from the start. Only later did I realise it was the third book in the series. It didnt matter because it was a story in its own right.

Humphrey Bower is a great narrator. I never get sick of his voice, and he brings the story alive.

An amazing tale with talented narration

I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and devoured all 3 books consecutively. Humphrey Bower is an extremely impressive narrator. The characters he creates are charming and I am simply impressed at how he brings the tale alive.

Series starts great, ends just OK

Unsatisfied with the ending. Such a different tone to the previous 2 books. It feels like this 3rd book was written to finish up the trilogy, not with the passion of the first.

Decent Sequel

Of the series of three books, The Potatoe Factory is a solid 4-star while the two sequels are average 3-star books. The first book reads much like a Dickens novel especially the first half plus set in London. It is a nice story with villains you love to hate but enjoy following. The second and third installments are more formulaic and too politically correct in some ways. They are worth listening to if you want to continue the story into the next generations. The narrator is fantastic in this series.

Worst Thing Is

I was so happy to get this third in the Soloman Saga. Most books I can usually put down and pick up at some time in the future. But Bryce Courtenay's novels are totally engaging so that you feel yourself in the story. Every scene is cinematic.
But the worst thing about every book by this author is that they do end and sometimes not the way you would like.

Solomon's Song

An outstanding saga, an fantastic performance, a truly riveting listen. Profoundly moving at times.