Tommo and Hawk

The Australian Trilogy, Book 2

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 20 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Brutally kidnapped and separated in childhood, Tommo and Hawk are reunited at the age of 15 in Hobart Town. Together, they escape their troubled pasts and set off on a journey into manhood. From whale hunting in the Pacific to the Maori wars of New Zealand, from the Rocks in Sydney to the miners' riots at the goldfields, Tommo and Hawk must learn each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to survive.

Along the way, Hawk meets the outrageous Maggie Pye, who brings love and laughter into his life. But the demons of Tommo's past return to haunt the brothers. With Tommo at his side, Hawk takes on a fight against all odds to save what they cherish most. In the final confrontation between good and evil, three magpie feathers become the symbol of Tommo and Hawk's rite of passage.

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

Critic reviews

"Narrator Humphrey Bower captures each character, making listeners forget that one majestic voice creates the various natives, the Irish, the English, and people of all ages. Few will fail to be enthralled by this adventure saga, which skillfully captures history while keeping listeners glued to their earphones." (Audiofile)

Excellent

Can't get any better than a Bryce Courtenay novel narrated by Humphrey Bower. The characters are already colorful and unique and Humphrey gives each their voice. Hated to see this one end but I suspect a third is on its way. Hope it's soon.

Awesome Book.

I found this book by mistake! I typed into Audible "New Zealand" and saw that the second book in this series had the highest ratings under my NZ search... so I took a chance and listened to all 3 books. I loved them all. I loved the history, the fictional characters, and most of all I was astounded by Humphrey Bower's AMAZING versatility in terms of accents and voices. This is a brilliant AUDIObook thanks to him. Don't get me wrong, I still would have enjoyed all three books if I had read them, but Bower's voices and accents are like nothing I have ever heard come out of one person in one audiobook.
I LOVED the 1st & 2nd books in their own right. I liked the 3rd book, and needed to read it just to know the end of the story, and I have no regrets. Courtenay doesn't mind dragging his characters through hell and back in order to tell this historical amazing story of England, Australia, and New Zealand. Being an American who has spent significant time in all three countries I found it exciting, educational, and, do to his strong character development, I was also emotionally invested. I was devastated when characters were hurt and jubilant when something good happened to them. And this emotion was heightened due to Humphrey Bower's amazing characterizations through accent and intonations.
Bravo, and thanks to both Courtenay and Bower for making these three books a great experience for me, and I can only say that I am sad that the saga is over.

The best book I've read in a long time~

Which scene was your favorite?

The constant contrast of good and evil, weak and strong, love and hate and how the good will prevail is so thought provoking!

great book but...

SPOILER ALERT!!!











I enjoyed the book, great writer and story. But, I am a sucker for a happy ending... because, this is FICTION! Plenty of unhappy things in every day life. So, the last couple of chapters are my only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars.

Brother Power

What made the experience of listening to Tommo and Hawk the most enjoyable?

An unusual story during a difficult time in history for working people. setback after setback, hardship on top of human interaction at its worst and at its best.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tommo was my "most interesting" because he had all of the human frailties and failings, but accepted the love of his brother and was just smart enough to allow Hawk to help him.

Which scene was your favorite?

Tommo wanting to throw the spunge in to stop the fight and safe his brother from getting hurt more and Hawk not allowing it and ultimately winning their freedom

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Stength always wins in the end.

Any additional comments?

So unusual of a story that I was afraid there would be a tragic ending. Not so. Wonderful experience to be entertained and to learn. Narrator is outstanding.

Way too much dialogue

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Too much talking

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Tommo talked too much

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Hawk was a terrific guy....but maybe too good

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No....too gory

Any additional comments?

This author can do much better

A bloody decent yarn!

Brilliant author, brilliant reading, brilliant characters, brilliant story!
I feel like I am transported to those times in history!

another great bryce courtenay book

the narration is amazing I cannot fathom how he keeps 30 plus character voices straight and believable

Great naration. Looking forward to the next one

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Its interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

The crazy things that they had to go through and where it brought them.

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

MaryBell. Sperm whale Sally.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

?

Any additional comments?

Just listen to it. You will like it.

Bravo! Addicting!

Storyline and characters extraordinarily well develop. Sequencing keeps readers engaged. Bower’s reading leaves me without words— drawn in— like a play in my mind! Credit to a gifted writer and an extraordinary narrator.