Tommo and Hawk

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 21 hrs and 2 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)

Brillant Narration

The narration in this book is wonderful. I became entranced in the many different characters with many different accents. The story was excellent, but I have to say, as with the Potato Factory, I felt the story just stopped. Although both books pick up where the other left off, I sort of wanted an end of Tommo and Hawk"s story at the end of the book. However, it just gave me more reason to immediatly start the third book, Solomon's Song and find out what happened to the family next.

21 of 21 people found this review helpful

'Excellent'

This is by far to date the best listenening experience I've had since joining Audible. The
author is now on my top 10 list and the narration
was spectacular. It was very difficult to turn off my audio player because I would close my eyes
and feel like I was in another place & time.

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Tommo and Hawke

I was never a big fan of fiction, but the way Bryce writes making the events and adventure so real I find myself trying to look up facts on the characters. This book is brilliant, I had no idea this was part of a trilogy and have made a request to Audible to get the last book (requests can be made from the Contact Us at the bottom of the web page) and I'm currently downloading the first.

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Heartwrenching

I loved The Potato Factory and was eager to continue the story of the Solomon family in Tommo & Hawk. Mostly enjoyed this story, though there seemed to be more of the narrator telling the story rather than the characters. It basically centers around Tommo and Hawk's relationship and a lot of time is spent in New Zealand where they get involved in the Maori Wars. I found that part the most interesting and it made me want to learn more about that country's history.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Excellent

Can't get any better than a Bryce Courtenay novel narrated by Humphrey Bower. The characters are already colorful and unique and Humphrey gives each their voice. Hated to see this one end but I suspect a third is on its way. Hope it's soon.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I love you, Bryce Courtenay!

I bought the Potato Factory with my monthly credit. What a great deal! Phhhffffttthhhh... No 6 hour novel for me. I'm getting 23 hours of Audible magic for FREE!!! That's what I thought, until only three days after spending my bright and shiny new credit, I finished the book. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I had to suck it up and buy this book. Jeez. 21 hours of book isn't cheep. Let's see. 21, divided by....carry the one....equals...86 cents per hour. Ok. I guess that's not too bad. I would have paid twice that. Ssshhhh... Don't tell Audible. But really, the book was worth every penny.

So, here's what the books about:

Hey! Let's go hunt whales! Yeah. That sucked. But being wrongly imprisoned and likely being hanged for murder sucks worse. Wait. What's that? The Maori saved us. Well, since we're already here, let's teach them better ways to win fights with these a**hole white guys who won't quit trying to take their land. Also, let's get with the ladies. They're hot! (Tragedy and sadness and spoilers.) Now we're in Sydney. Let's play cards and do drugs and drink stuff. Oh yes, and meet women, feed poor kids, save some Mongolians (or are they Chinese?) from a mob, try to earn some legal money, and become a bare knuckles boxing champion. And finally, once and for all, take down the mongrels.

It's like Forrest Gump goes to Australia. If it had been any other writer, the book would have failed miserably. But Bryce Courtenay is a genius. It's never unbelievable, but it is often tragic. I was boohooing within the first three minutes. As with the first book, the sex scenes bothered me. I may have the punctuation skills of a child, but I am an adult. An adult with a dirty mouth even. But, phew! Those sex scenes make me blush. Go on, Mr. Courtenay! Get your freak on!

Great! Now I'm done with the second book, and only six days since I got my last credit. Ok. No more Starbuck's or fancy nails for me. I'm saving my pennies for the next book.

17 of 18 people found this review helpful

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.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Tommo & Hawk

I just wanted to say "astounding brillance" Bryce has done it again. Keeping me on the edge of my seat. I really love becoming apart of the book being able to picture it in my mind. Being able to picture Tommo in the wild. Listening to both Tommo and Hawks recount of what happened whilst they where kidnapped. Then being their with both of them as they help the Mauri in their fight. I particularly liked the scene where tommo is laying in the water after the battle I felt that, that was a pivotal point. I loved both Characters but I can't help lean towards Hawk as he is this gentle giant that wants only the best for people and fights for the suppressed and his dedication to his brother over everthing else in Hawks life. I was particualarly surprised at the ending, however I liked the fact that Tommo gets what life is about. Bryce is I would say one of the best writers that I have come across. I remember Bryce saying " I never learnt anything out of history books" And I can say thanks to Bryce I have learnt more out of these books than I have ever from history books about my own country. I have listen now to all the audio titles and I have not been dissappointed on any of them. I can't wait for the last in the triology of Solomons. Also waiting for the others that I know he has written as well. Thanks Bryce

13 of 15 people found this review helpful

Crazy Love . . . Crazy History . . . Wow!

The more I read Bryce Courtenay's books, the more I learn, and the more I LIKE learning . . . From England to Austrailia to New Zealand . . . I'm not so good at a strict dose of history . . . but OMG, this is so NOT THAT. This second book about the two twins, one black and one white, born to whore in the port that whalers frequented, and then claimed by an unlikely pair, Ikey Solomon and Mary Abacus, is a remarkable tale of the love between two brothers. And so much more . . . I can't wait to listen to the last book in the trilogy . . . a few more day until my next credit!!!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

WHAT HAPPENED!

If you are like me you craved to know what happened next. Potato Factory was truly great, if you want to know what happens to the characters next, my advise is to imagine. The next chapter fails to surprise or excite.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My hero tomo

Fantastic book. I am now addicted.. ready to buy the next book will recommend that my family read it

Fabulous as always

Bryce Courtenay writes the most engaging stories and this follows on from his previous novels and is fascinating. The characters are so well portrayed you feel like you know them and the attention to detail regarding their lives as they would have been at that time is excellent. Highly recommended.

As great as the first!

Narrated brilliantly, the second book to the trilogy is just as great as the first.

never read this author. loved this book!!

narrator great. brought all the characters to life! will look for more books by Bryce!!

A pleasant surprise

I didn't know if I'd like this book. Being the follow-up to The Potato Factory I thought I may have had enough of this story.

Expertly told by Bryce Courtenay, this follows the growing up of Tommo & Hawk and the trials and tribulations of whale fishing, wars against the British in New Zealand, opium addiction, bare fist fighting, racism, sexism, prostitution... all in a days work for Bryce.

The clever use of each character having their own chapters helped you to explore the two different personalities.

The story flowed effortlessly and was superbly narrated, as always, by Humphrey Bower. You felt you were in the characters head.

Nicely left at the end for a sequel.

Compelling.

The book itself is a must read and compelling novel of love, hate and sadness.
The man who brings this story to life, is narrator Humphrey Bower, who is with out doubt the world's best narrator.

Brilliant

Loved it, second installment, bring on the next. Already downloaded but taking a break as I don't want to finish it!

brilliant story

great continuation to the previous book.

ending is a bit abrupt....could have been better ending

great characters

I'm addicted to Bryce and Humphrey!!

Narrator is outstanding really bringing all the characters to life. Absolutely loved this book and now to Solomons Song....

Australian epic

Fantastic story brilliantly narrated. Part of a trilogy starting with The Potato Factory. Excellent adventure.