Whitethorn

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 24 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Power of One comes a new novel about Africa. The time is 1939. White South Africa is a deeply divided nation with many of the Afrikaner people fanatically opposed to the English. The world is also on the brink of war, and South Africa elects to fight for the Allied cause against Germany. Six-year-old Tom Fitzsaxby finds himself in The Boys Farm, an orphanage in a remote town in the high mountains, where the Afrikaners side fiercely with Hitler's Germany. Tom's English name proves sufficient for him to be ostracised, marking him as an outsider. And so begin some of life's tougher lessons for the small, lonely boy. Like the whitethorn, one of Africa's most enduring plants, Tom learns how to survive in the harsh climate of racial hatred. Then a terrible event sends him on a journey to ensure that justice is done. On the way, his most unexpected discovery is love.

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

Epic, Awesome

How could it have taken me so long to find other Bryce Courtenay books besides The Power of One? Whitethorn was a huge pleasure, made more so by the skill and talent of Humphrey Bower, who adds so much to this book with his reading. Do yourself a huge favor and listen to this book.

Another Great Courtenay Story

One of the toughest beginnings to get through. It is an essential part of the story though; push through it. As always the details, characters, and story line are first rate; the reading beyond comparison. Courtenay is a champion of human rights. He is a master story teller of history. The importance of his work is tremendous. I cannot recommend this and his other stories more highly!

The power of one re-written

This was one of Bryce Courtenay's later books. The power of one was his first. There are so many similarities between these two books that I can only conclude that this book is how he would have written t.p.o.o. If he had been more experienced at the time. One book does not exclude the other however, both books are truly amazing! This book like all his books, especially when nara Ted by Humphrey Bower is impossible to put down!

Never disappointed

I have listened to all of Bryce Courtenay’s books. He is one of my favorite authors and Humphrey Bower my favorite narrator. Sadly, no more books left but I just may have left one of the best for last. Loved the main character and wish there could have been at least one more book.

Superb

After a shaky beginning when I didn't know what to think after the horrible child abuse scenes, I became quite involved with the story, due in no small part to Humphrey Bower's superb narration. I enjoyed the background info on the cultural and historic bits of South Africa. This is my third Courtenay book. I haven't read Power of One so I can't fault Whitethorn for being derivative. I will eventually work my way through most of Courtenay's catalog as I think the narrator is one of the best in the business.

Beautifully written

Bryce Courtney continues to be a wonderful storyteller supported by great narration by Humphrey Bower

Great book

This book spans a lifetime up through early adulthood. A coming of age story filled with emotion, tragedy and history. The characters are rich and the story moves along. The narration is best I have heard.

I’m completely hooked on Courtenay!

This was my 4th Courtenay book in a row. His storytelling strikes the perfect chord of knowledge, compassion and humour. It is difficult not to be completely drawn in by his characters.
…looking forward to the next book!

Another Home Run

1. Bryce Courtenay hits it out of the park again. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of his books, you’re in for another treat.
2. There is no more talented narrator than Humphrey Bower. I am a stickler for readers. The best book is ruined for me if the reader is bad. So I will read or like Humphrey Bower is like watching the worlds best actor do Shakespeare.

another masterpiece with a slight issue

Having listened to all available books by Bryce, this is the first time I have had a slight issue. Before that the good stuff....As usual Mr Bower is superb in the delivery of this novel and the novel itself is another masterpiece.

I did find however that there was a little to much of Peekay in this book, and in fact great tracts of it could have been in Power of One.

This still will not stop me from checking every month for the next BC/HB journey to download.