Jasper Jones

By: Craig Silvey

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Late on a hot summer night in the tail end of 1965, Charlie Bucktin, a precocious and bookish boy of 13, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleep-out. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in the regional mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race, and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie. So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie eagerly steals into the night by his side, terribly afraid but desperate to impress. Jasper takes him through town and to his secret glade in the bush, and it's here that Charlie bears witness to Jasper's horrible discovery.

With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion as he locks horns with his tempestuous mother; falls nervously in love, and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend, Jeffrey Lu.

And in vainly attempting to restore the parts that have been shaken loose, Charlie learns to discern the truth from the myth, and why white lies creep like a curse. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.

©2009 Craig Silvey (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Very different but surprisingly good.

I purchased this book because of the reviews I read and was glad I did. Not often you find a different tale such as Jasper Jones, and one that keeps you interested all the way through to the last page. You are instantly attached to the characters and become invested in their lives and their story. I wanted to adopt Jasper Jones and give him a good home but alas his adventure was to lead him on a different path. Sometimes sad, often funny and always moving forward towards the conclusion. Excellent story, well read.

A ripping read

I absolutely loved this book. What a gifted writer . It was all the right weights in all the right areas. It dealt with so many subjects. I applaud Craig Silvey for this jewel, this gift he has given to the world. Jasper Jones I love you....for certains.

A real page turner

Where does Jasper Jones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 10

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I really liked it, it was believable

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

Geoffrey, I really liked the belief he had in himself and the comedy he added to the story

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Charlie realises that Jasper really loved Laura

Any additional comments?

Just a real pleasure to listen to.

Discrimination and indominatable human spirit

Where does Jasper Jones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a powerful Australian story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jasper Jones?

When our young central character realised that he is the only one controlling his choices.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Humphrey Bower brings a great sense of fun particularly in the dialoge between Charlie and his best mate. He also delivers the pains of loss and confusion to great effect.

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

I really enjoyed listening to this story in installments creating a wonderful sense of anticipation.

Brilliant!!!

I stumbled across this book, and bought by mistake.. How lucky was I.. its a great story and narrated by the wonderful Humphrey Bower.. A truly great listen you will not be disappointed..

The Best Book!

Where does Jasper Jones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top books out of the 90 or so I have so far listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jeffery Lu

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

Jeffery

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

What an Excellent Book

This powerful book, set in Western Australia is very intelligent and multi-layered. It tells the story of a young lad who is coerced to act in a manner that puts him at risk. The characters in the story are highly believable and not stereotyped. I enjoyed the unfolding of the book, the richness and depth of the text and the surprising conclusion. It really exposed some of the deep concerns of youth and their exploitations by dysfunctional families.
If you are interested in understanding some of the real concerns of Australian life in a small outback town - this tale will resonate.
This book was selected by our book club and I think it will generate a lot of discussion at our next meeting. I highly recommend it.

Great stuff!

What made the experience of listening to Jasper Jones the most enjoyable?

The narration was extremely good, particularly the voice of Jeffrey. One of those rare audio books where the voice of the narrator perfectly suits the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The banter between the main character and his mate, Jeffrey.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

See above. What was not to like.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The treatment of Jeffrey's mother and father.

Any additional comments?

This is a great but very Australian novel. I only hope it will be as enjoyable to listeners from other countries as it was to me.

brilliant

I loved everything about this book. A wonderful coming of age Australian story. Set to become an Australian classic.