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)

Love Courtney’s Creations

Well written, excellent voice of reader… Hared for the story to end. Can’t wait to listen to the final book of series.

Tommo and Hawk (Unabridged)

Second in this series is as good as the first!!!
It's a must read & enjoy!!!

Gripping story of early Australia

Well written and engrossing story, with wonderful historical events and context. Has adventure, love, sorrow, you name it. Great sequel.

Best reader/ writer combo

loved this series, read all three. Great story line set in Australia.Well read by the best

Poignant and Rather Dark

This is book 2 in the Australian Trilogy. The characters are equally well drawn in both books 1 and 2; and the stories are both quite compelling. However, book 2 has an aura of darkness that isn't as pervasive in the first book.

I greatly appreciate Courtenay's ability to present themes of brutality and horror without sensationalizing the scenes. You quickly get the picture of what is happening, but the scenes aren't dragged on with unnecessary exploitation. That alone would make me a Coutenay fan -- however he has many other gifts as an author ... besides the fascinating characters, he also gives the reader an action packed story with just the right amount of contemplation. It's a rare gift when an author can get those two in the right balance.

Other reviewers seemed to be bothered by the sex scenes. To start with, there were only a few of "those" scenes, and to be perfectly honest I found them more boring than upsetting. Overall, this is a masterful story of family loyalty, fierce determination and survival. My comment re "rather dark" is based on the underlying sadness in the development of the story. However, I whole-heartedly recommend it.

Now, on to book 3 in this wonderful trilogy.

It's Official - I'm A Bryce Courtenay Junkie

Would you consider the audio edition of Tommo and Hawk to be better than the print version?

I have not read any of the books in print.

What other book might you compare Tommo and Hawk to and why?

There are no comparisons for a Bryce Courtenay book except perhaps other Courtenay books.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

It would be easier to tell you what I didn't like: nothing! Bower should be required listening for all narrators.

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

If I hadn't required some sleep, it would have been a one-sitting book.

Any additional comments?

This was my third Bryce Courtenay book and it was as wonderful as the other two. Based on readers comments, I have not yet listened to the third part of this trilogy. Although I probably will at some future time, if I don't the first two books are still perfect. I can't recomment Courtenay enough.

dragged out too much

If you could sum up Tommo and Hawk in three words, what would they be?

get. the. mongrels.

Would you recommend Tommo and Hawk to your friends? Why or why not?

Great continuation of the story. But seemed to drag at times.

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

Hawk for sure!

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

No.

Part 2 of the trilogy

Even better than the Potato Factory. Have grown with the characters, laughed and cried. Now for the last one.

Too Good

I can't say enough good things about this series - I'm completely enthralled in the history, the story and the absolutely amazing writing - all from a person that didn't start until mid-fifties! I don't want to put the book(s) down and so far - as soon as I've finished one I'm ready to jump into the next, well... more than ready, which for me, after listening to such a long book using the same narrator I'm usually a little burnt out and ready to have a different voice in my head :) - Not this time, it's all so perfectly done and I'm loving it. Also, I find it interesting how the author has woven in some hints on characters from other's work from this time period in history - it's been fun and I'm ready for 3 to finish downloading to my Android. NOW!!! Hurry up please and thank you.

Amazing.

This, the sequel to The Potato Factory, was just as fascinating. Well researched and vividly told, the history of Australia is brought to life in the story of two brothers, the adopted sons of Mary Abacus, as they continue the tale begun in London.
Really really good!