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Fishing for Stars
- Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
- Series: The Persimmon Tree, Book 2
- Length: 22 hrs and 57 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
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Publisher's Summary
Nicholas Duncan is a semi-retired shipping magnate who resides in idyllic Beautiful Bay in Indonesia, where he is known as the old patriarch of the islands. He is grieving the loss of his beautiful Eurasian wife, Anna, and is suffering for the first time from disturbing flashbacks to WWII, the scene of their first meeting and early love. His other wartime lover is the striking Marg Hamilton, a powerful and influential political player in Australia who has remained close to Nick. Marg suspects Nick is suffering the onset of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and organises for a specialist to meet with him in Sydney. But when they meet, Tony Freedman stirs long-buried emotions in Nick and the two men don't hit it off.
Nick leaves in an explosion of anger and finds himself in hospital after being hit by a car. Tony visits and encourages Nick to write as a form of therapy - to write about Anna. So he sets about writing about the woman who has inspired him since his late teens, and in doing so draws us into the compelling tale of the life he has lived post war-hero days building a shipping empire, navigating international corruption, supporting his wife's third-world education crusade and loving the women who inspire him. Set in the exotic locale of the spice islands during the excitement of post-war prosperity and possibility, and driven by strong, colourful characters, this book is truly epic in scope. Is it possible for a man to love two women?
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What listeners say about Fishing for Stars
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Johnnie Walker
- 12-13-08
Audible Bought the Wrong Book
There is no such thing as a "bad" Bryce Courtenay when combined with Humphrey Bower as the reader. This one was released simultaneously with The Persimmon Tree and is a sequel to it. I strongly suspect that the first was a better book with more plot to it. It would also have been a better read if one had all the characters and events in the context of the original. Hopefully, Audible will still get it and I don't think having listened to the sequel will much damage the reading of the first book.
If you have stumbled across this review and have not listened to other Courtenay/Bower combinations, this is NOT the one to start with. Try the Power of One and the sequel of Tandia or the three part history of Australia that begins with The Potato Factory. Courtenay is a great story teller and Bower is an even better reader.
49 people found this helpful
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- K Cornwinkle
- 09-21-12
I think I'm finally sated -my 10th Courtenay
and the least interesting. I admit, it could be that I've simply heard too much of the same but I really liked the first book of this story, The Persimmon Tree. In Fishing, I was hopeful given the underlying green messages but it just didn't do it. Better are Tommy's more subtle observations (in Four Fires) of the hurt being done to the Australian ecosystem. Also, as it began, I was struck that Humphrey Bower, whose voice I have come to know and love, was not quite up to par.
10 people found this helpful
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- Louise
- 01-17-09
Okay Bryce I Just Finished Fishing For Stars
There is so much within this book that I know I will listen again this summer.
You know when I listen to a Bryce Courtenay novel they really don't seem to be stories. I feel as though I've sort of moved in with the characters. Humphrey Bower I'm sure plays a strong part in that feeling.
Yes there is mention of sex and violence but it's all done in good taste. And these subjects are not dwelt upon at any length at any rate.
And finally I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting better than just a good listen. I'm now in the position of yearning for his next penning. While waiting though I will absolutely take Fishing For Stars out again this summer. And enjoy the experience all over again. And it'll be like the first time.
I tend to relisten to all of Bryce Courtenay novels. The experience is usually better than the first time.
21 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Richard
- 10-26-10
Persimmon tree part two
This is a continuation of the story of Anna and Marj from the persimmon tree. It was not as exciting and really boring at times. I loved the Persimmon Tree, but wish I had left the rest to speculation. Not a good sequel.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Andrew Stone
- 12-10-08
Complex Love Triangle
SUMMARY, in Bryce Courtenay's own words:
"Fishing for Stars has, at its heart, two passionate, unforgettable, but very different, women. One is exotic, damaged, and shrewd; the other beautiful, determined and zealous. Both are bitter rivals for the love of the same man.
My story is set in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Japan and Indonesia during the latter half of the twentieth century. Nick Duncan is an ingenuous male with a great deal more female on his hands than he can possibly hope to understand.
The contest he is called upon to referee is the clash between the two great loves of his life: the seductive Anna Til, and the older, equally fascinating Marg Hamilton. Nick struggles between their worlds: one exploiting the world's riches for profit, the other fighting to save the environment and its creatures, large and small.
I hope you like Fishing for Stars, it is a story of ambition, destruction, love, tears and laughter, with a soupcon of hope thrown in."
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Important Note: "Fishing for Stars" contains explicit sexual content and mature subject matter.
This book is the sequel to "The Persimmon Tree" published in 2007. This book does stand on it's own. But for me, I like to read books in the proper sequence. Hopefully, Audible will add this book to their website.
The narrator Humphrey Bower is excellent. In this book, his Japanese accents are superb. If you like his narration and want to read a great book, read Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (also an Australian author).
If you like this book, read "The Gold Coast" by Nelson DeMille. It is a intense Romance/Thriller with erotic sex scenes and mafia (instead of Japanese Yakuza).
20 people found this helpful
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- Lulew
- 06-28-13
Re-Run
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
A new story without all the political statements. The first half of the novel was a re-telling of the Persimmon Tree. The second half of the novel was about saving the planet. If he wanted to write a book about saving the environment, then do it, but don't hide it in the sequel to a novel.
What could Bryce Courtenay have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Cut out about half of the novel.
Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?
None in this novel.
What character would you cut from Fishing for Stars?
Marg, Anna, Nick.......
Any additional comments?
I was so disappointed and kept holding on hoping that something would happen to make me love this book as much as the Persimmon Tree. I was excited to find out what happened to the characters, but was soon done with the story. Could there be one more coincidence that turned out well for every person involved? If I was anyone of the characters I'd a bought a lottery ticket. Even if it didn't win, something would have happened to make it okay in the end. It is all....."A funny thing happened to me on the way to the office...." So, So, So disappointed. I had several other novels in my wish list, that will be now be deleted.
3 people found this helpful
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- Tracy Jordan
- 11-23-11
Just Blech!
I am so disappointed in this novel. I have enjoyed every one of Bryce Courtenay's books until this unexceptional listen. Although this book was not up to Courtenay's standards, narrator Humphrey Bower is as always exceptional. This novel was not only a boring listen, but Courtenay used this book as a platform to speak to us all about environmental issues. I want to be preached at I will a purchase a nonfiction book pertaining to that issue. There were no new subjects or characters introduced in this novel, this is an author trying to squeeze some more story out of previous novels, and unfortunately not any interesting parts. If the author would have focused on Nick and Joe's younger life it could have been a fascinating read, but a more boring subject I could not have chosen myself. What a huge let down. Courtenay's books usually have such an outstanding story that they stay with you weeks after you have read them. Fishing for Stars left me gloomily listening to environmental issues on high speed, only listening out of guilt not fear that I would miss anything. I hope this author who has written so many outstanding books returns to his previous writing style.
5 people found this helpful
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- Susan
- 04-04-14
First Bryce Courtenay disappointment ever.
I have spent endless happy hours listening to the stories of this wonderful author. He is a gifted story teller, and every other book has been a great adventure. But this story dragged...on and on, filled with political, history and environmental lessons when all I wanted was to be entertained. Let this one go.
1 person found this helpful
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- Chantelle
- 10-30-11
Ehh...
I love Bryce Courtenay and have listened to most of his books, loved the first book but this sequel seemed a bit like a history class, too preachy. I found myself drifting off in some parts when the detailed history became too long. Still one of my favorite writers though.
1 person found this helpful
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- Lynn Fraser
- 05-15-11
Ho Hum
I have enjoyed many of Bryce Courtenay's books but this one was just ho hum. What saves this book is the history about some of the places the story takes you. However, I could not believe anyone could truly love Anna, let alone stay with her as Nicolas did. I had to read the squeal (first is better). Sorry, Bryce had I know I would have let my imagination finish the story instead of reading book two.
3 people found this helpful
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- Mick'sMoll
- 02-28-15
A disappointing sequel.
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
A different storyline with characters resembling their Persimmon Tree personae.
Would you ever listen to anything by Bryce Courtenay again?
I am heading towards owning ALL of Bryce Courtenay books provided they are read by Humphrey Bower. For all round entertainment, including a bit of education, they are excellent.
Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances? How does this one compare?
I first heard Humphrey Bower narrating Shantaram and from that moment I have hunted out his performances. He could read 'small print' and make it riveting
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Not for me, but everyone has their own opinion.
2 people found this helpful
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- Lou
- 04-04-14
Beautifully written, but difficult characters
I bought this book to listen to as soon as I'd finished The Persimmon Tree, which I adored.
This book takes up Nick Duncan's story many years after the end of The Pesimmon Tree. I was immediately saddened to learn of the death of one of the characters, and was shocked by how strident another had become. While the story was just as well written as previously, and the narrator again was magnificent, I am left with a feeling of ambivalence. The innocence of the first book, in marked contrast to the war and atrocities it was set around, has been thoroughly and rudely ripped away in this book.
One part of the story which I particularly liked was Anna and Nick's visit to Japan. The style of this section was much more akin to The Persimmon Tree.
But sadly, the overall feeling I am left with at the end of this book is a distaste for all three of the main characters. Such a shame.
2 people found this helpful
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- Rob
- 03-08-09
Another 5 star by Bryce Courtenay
I'm totally addicted to the words of Bryce Courtenay. Once you have listened to one book you just have to hear them all.
I loved the characters in this 'so much more than a love story' and felt comletely drawn into their lives.
However, it does follow on from 'The Persimmon Tree', which I read afterwards, but did not find on audible.
This was wonderfully read by Humphrey Bower, who finds the perfect voice for each character. A must to listen to.
2 people found this helpful
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- Sharon
- 05-07-09
Bryce Courtenay - where have you been all my life?
I've only recently discovered Bryce Courtenay. I can't get his words out of my head. Fishing for Stars is such a beautiful and tragic love triangle story. I wish I could go to Beautiful Bay! Humphrey Bower is a fantastic narrator bringing Australasia to life. I almost feel like I am eavesdropping on the conversations.
1 person found this helpful
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- Skerray
- 10-18-20
Fishing for Stars by Bryce Courtney
This is the sequel to The Persimmon Tree which again was a great read and such as well written, moving story. It picked up nicely from where the Persimmon Tree left off. It kept the reader hooked and fully engaged. Bryce Courtney is to my mind a true story teller and I can’t wait to read more from him.
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- Lori
- 08-08-19
Enjoyable follow up to the Persimmon Tree
Bryce Courtenay has become one of my new favourites. I loved the Persimmon Tree and I enjoyed learning what had become of the main characters later on in life in Fishing for Stars. The narrator is very good, it's easy to distinguish between the various characters. I also found both books educational, descriptive and enjoyable and I will definitely be reading more of Bryce Courtenay's books, although the books are long they are not boring and I find myself getting hooked into the story early on.
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- A
- 07-09-19
A stonking good read, excellent sequel
When I finished The Persimmon Tree, I ploughed straight on for what happened next. I now feel rather bereft to have finished what was a terrific tale set in a part of the world with which I was totally unfamiliar. The narrator was amazing, producing a range of totally believable and identifiable voices. Pronounciation was good - the only hiccup was ‘minutiae’The production was better than many audible books, giving an appropriate pause between chapters and sections. Loved the story - have already had to look stuff up, especially history. A very satisfying listen.
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- Chris of SW
- 06-22-19
Brilliant story line
So believable I got totally involved with the story lines and the characters.excellent two books
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- Paul D
- 08-06-17
Gritty antipodean tale
Gritty saga set in the Pacific :Tasmania- Japan- Indonesia. Politics, big businesses, mixed wth green issues and sex. A little too much sex perhaps, neither really graphic nor gratuitous, just too much that leaves you wishing Mr Courtney would resolve his issues on a psychiatrists couch rather than in print. Nevertheless another good listen from BC and I will certainly listen to the next book in the series
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- Andrew Powell
- 02-08-16
Great narrator
very capable reader who played all the characters very well. a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Thanks
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- Anonymous User
- 12-19-17
Sequel syndrome 😔
A continuation of the tale of Anna and Nick, this story begins with promise fleshing out the life post world war 2. Yet quickly intrigue falters as the story seems repetitive of the first novel. More over, the elderly version of these once vibrant characters, lacks colour.
3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 07-24-17
Rambling without clear direction
As a follow-on from their persimmon tree it lacked depth of storyline
Whilst there was some interesting information areas of Japanese culture rambled on a lot of dates without enough action to keep me fully engaged
2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-06-20
Fishing for stars
I very much enjoyed this book, although found some of it overwhelming and main character interactions with Anna & Marg hard for me to believe. I relistened to a few chapters especially the last two which helped a lot. A great story, well worth reading and the ending chapter is dramatic and emotional and promotes deep thought.
1 person found this helpful
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- Samson Pastor
- 07-27-20
Rich, thought provoking and thoroughly engaging
Humphrey Bower brings Bryce Courtenay to vivid life in all of his narrations. As Joseph Campbell once said (not verbatim) “find an author you connect with and read everything they have written”. I am about half way through the Bryce Courtenay/Humphrey Bower Collection and through this, one can see how Bryce Courtenay really is “the modern Dickens”. So far, this has given me the conviction that Bryce should be read and appreciated by everyone, even if only one or two novels are read/listened-to as part of what are called “modern must read classics”. If none of this has convinced you yet, then I suggest you try one of these beautiful books read by Humphrey Bower and what I have just said will begin to have meaning and resonance with you.
1 person found this helpful
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- Aubrey Lee
- 06-29-20
Awesome story
As usual, Brycey boi produces the goods. Not essential to listen to the persimmon tree first but it gives a good back story to fishing for stars and you will fall in love with the characters even more. 10/10 would listen again 👌
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- Anonymous User
- 06-04-20
amazing book with alot of historical information
loved this book as it filled in alot of the gaps and expanded on the previous book the persimmon tree. highly recommend it.
1 person found this helpful
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- Lynnette
- 05-10-20
Stories within stories, very complex and in depth history.
Wow. This has been a most informative book and not what I was expecting.
The people in part one of this story all came quite cleverly into book two. This story takes you through Indonesia, Japan, Australia and South Pacific, it’s a story of wealth and it’s power and pain and political history from 1940s to 2000. Marg and Anna are formidable women while Nick remains their equilibrium. This is spicy in parts and I have no doubt the medical terms are accurate and sometimes embarrassingly informative.
Finally this book was value indeed as 24hours has been spread over about eight days reading.
Far more info than I needed to believe the story. Bryce has carefully researched his subject and all credit is due.
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- Kindle Customer
- 05-05-20
Fishing for stars
What a wonderful story teller Bryce Courtney is. He transports the reader to a different era and keeps you there. It is advisable to read the first book before this one otherwise you miss out on another great 👍 book that is referred to in this story. Congrats
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- W*BvK
- 04-23-20
A Must to Finalise The Persimmon Tree
I loved the Persimmon Tree and Fishing for Stars is the finalization that was needed to close the story. but
Some of the promises of Characters in the Persimmon Tree dwindled and became tangential. Marge offered so much promise in character development in TPT but was lost in FFS as I regret young Bryce's political Dilemma took over. I actually fast forward over the Tasmanian experience as it became tedious. The editor in the rewrite should have cut this dramatically. Kevin's character developed and allowed him to fit and contribute to the book.
A must-read if you read the Persimmon Tree.....
A more minor point is that some of the Japanese references were actually Chinese.
The final chapter makes it worth buying the book.
Well worth the read if you read The Persimmon Tree first.
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- Anonymous User
- 04-21-20
So realistic.
I loved listening to this book and found it very hard to put it down, finding myself fully entranced by the reader.
1 person found this helpful