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)

Had to continue the story...

The Potato Factory is definitely the best of this trilogy, but the last two novels are still worthy listens. Love these characters.

Glad I read this one

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

The alternating perspectives of the brothers. Humphry Bower as always was incredible. Normally, with alternative first-person perspectives like this, I prefer there to be two narrators, but Humphry is so gifted that he can pull it all off.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Hawk meets Maggie... it made me smile.

Any additional comments?

I was a little wary reading the reviews that described the graphic passages, including moaning. I expected something different... while those passages do exist, there are only 2 of them of any length, and they are fast-forwardable. To be honest, I found the Potato Factory had more graphic scenes and innuendo (though minus the moaning).

I am glad I toughed this one out... I grew to love Tommo and Hawk both, even though in real life if I ran into them in a pub I doubt I would've looked passed their roles of gentle giant and con man. Hawk's conscience and fighting for the underdog made me prefer him, but Tommo provided comic relief and compassion for his addiction.

Greatly looking forward to reading Solomon's Song; though reviewers are not praising it that highly... I guess one has to read it for oneself!

Excellent story, incredible narration. Easily one of the most enjoyable reads on Audible in a number of years. Well worth it.

Probably the best narrator in the business you will not be sorry with this selection, full of amazing stories and likeable foes as well as some truly horrific ones. The history is great and I can not wait for the next instalment. Do not miss book one "The Potato Factory"

Humphrey Bower’s performance of Bryce Courtenay’s intricate stories are a fantastic combination

I am listening to each of the combinations of Humphrey & Bryce’s incredible storytelling and enjoy each book thoroughly! I don’t know what I’m going to do when I run out of them. I think I’m about to start number eight or so :)

Tommo and Hawk

Humphrey Bower's talent is astounding! His range of voices, accents, and emotions truly bring these characters to life.

Great story & performance

I loved this story! It is not a story for someone too sensitive to human suffering.

I loved this book.

Fascinating story with historic background, great characters, excellent narration. Listened to it in three days. Highly recommend it.

One of the best narrators

Where does Tommo and Hawk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This last book sometimes got a little lost in small details that made you wish it would hurry up but the narrator does such a wonderful job, you keep listening anyway.

The Solomon Saga Continues..

What did you love best about Tommo and Hawk?

The devotion between the brothers gave this book a real emotional ballast that elevated it above a daring adventure tale.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hawk as a boxer with Maggie Pie and Mary Abacus at the fight was unforgettable.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

EVERYTHING! Very talented voice artist.

Who was the most memorable character of Tommo and Hawk and why?

I won't forget any of them. Even the return of Sparrow Fart from the first book. Even Ikey got a cameo. Amazing!

Any additional comments?

Really worth listening to the series in order. This is book two of three.

Great Book 2 in this Series!

Any additional comments?

I finished Bryce Courtenay's 1st book in this series quickly - I was blown away ... I have just spent the last two days listening to Tommo & Hawk, book 2 in the Australian Trilogy - I have been thoroughly captured by this series ... my only critique is that it was just a little slow in the middle ... I'm sitting here stunned how this book ended while I wait for the 3rd book, Solomon's Song, to download - thank goodness for high speed download ... Humphrey Bower knocked the narration out of the ballpark again - he brings the characters to life for the listener ... well, book 3 has finally downloaded so I need to run to get it on my iPod so I can see where Mr. Courtenay will take us on the final leg of this Australian adventure ... holy cow what a good series!