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

My Favorite Bryce Courtenay, with a warning

I came very close to completely quiting this book early on, as I have had to do with several other of Bryce's books. There is an act of older male child on younger male child sexual abuse as seen though the younger child's uncomprehending eyes. This is the only act that you "see" but a 2 minute fast forward would remove the worst of it. The incident is essential to plot, but knowing it happened is enough. The book is definately adult themed even without the above episode, but language is remarkably clean. The message is positive and hopeful, the history of South Africa and its challenges are beutifully covered. Tom, the orphan, you follow from 7 - 30 or so, is a delightful innocent soul, and the friends he makes along the way become your friends too. You will meet people from all walks of life, of all levels of morality, but right and goodness are the hero's here. If you liked Power of One, you will like this... as they are very similar.

Another beautiful story

This book takes the listener on a trip to mid 20th century South Africa, Rhodesia and Kenya. It is also the journey of a 6 year old basturd English boy in a Boer orphanage, his murdered Zulu best friend, his attachment to a little Fox Terrier puppy, and his lifelong quest for justice. It's hard to put down. If you liked "The Power of One", this book is for you. Brilliant!!!

Maybe the best

It is hard to chose one of Bryce Courtenay’s books over another, but for me Whitethorn sewed up the perfect ending to this series.

Never disappoints

Courtenay is a great story teller and Bower is the best narrator hands down!

Touching account of a boy's struggles

Enjoyed every word once I adjusted to the African names. Heard of hardships I hadn't imagined.

Great

Another great book by Courtenay. Never seems to disappoint along with Humphrey Bower. Good show.

thanks best of the best author

History, sadness, courage, memory. A great story well told.
Read it, you will not be disappointed.

Wonderful to learn about South Africa

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

Yes, for those who can handle the violence and brutality that go with living in an orphanage as the "outcast"

What was one of the most memorable moments of Whitethorn?

When Tom sold the 3 Steinways

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Excellent ability to take on the characteristics of the various dialects -- Afrikaner, Indian, British English, Cape Colored

If you could take any character from Whitethorn out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Tom's mentors, the Sgt, the Dr., and Miss ___________

Whitethorn

Whitethorn is another brilliant Bryce Courtney novel. I had a difficult time pausing the book when activities of daily living got in the way. The attention to detail was ever present throughout the story. It aroused many emotions and I found myself crying through several sections of the book. I must also praise the narrator, Humphrey Bower. He brought the book to life. I can't imagine it would have been the case if I had read the book instead of listening to the audio version. Bravo!

Gripping

Another Courtney classic. A story of great will, determination, courage, love and friendship. 4 out of 5.