Jessica cover art

Jessica

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Jessica

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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About this listen

 Jessica is based on the inspiring true story of a young girl's fight for justice against tremendous odds. A tomboy, Jessica is the pride of her father as they work together on the struggling family farm. One quiet day, the peace of the bush is devastated by a terrible murder. Only Jessica is able to save the killer from the lynch mob - but will justice prevail in the courts?

Nine months later, a baby is born...with Jessica determined to guard the secret of the father's identity. The rivalry of Jessica and her beautiful sister for the love of the same man will echo throughout their lives, until finally the truth must be told.

Set in the harsh Australian bush against the outbreak of World War I, this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant  

I have listened to this book 3 times as I enjoyed the context and pace of the story so much. Great narration!

Brilliant in every respect .

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The Power of One was excellent and this is very good too. Frustratingly exhaustive detail at times, but if you bear with it, it helps the story evolve.
Great narrator and some Australian history worth discovering.

Good Australian tale

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Each time I listen to a Bryce Courtenay novel I wonder how does he do it? His imagination, his storytelling, his characters, the quality of his writing is, in my opinion, second to none. I have to force myself to swtich off at night in order to get some sleep. Jessica got under my skin from the start, a gutsy young woman refusing to be put down no matter what is thrown at her. I must make mention of the superb narrator, Humphrey Bower. He breathes life into every character, I can see them all as clearly as if I had their photographs in front of me. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - even if you don't like snakes!

RIP Mr Courtenay, the world has lost a master storyteller.

Stoyrtelling at it's very best

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Loved this book. The Master Storyteller at his best yet again. I have been a great fan of All of Bryce Courtney’s books and he never disappoints.

Jessica by Bryce Courtney

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Bruce Courtenay novels have am almost Dickensian stature. His stories are compelling, his characters original and memorable, his prose touching purple at times. He also shares Dickens' supefluity of pathos, but never mind. 'Jessica' is not his best, but they can't all be his best. Structurally flawed insofar as he wanders off into an offshoot narrative involving the scandal of Australian racism and the confiscation of aboriginal children from their parents. Nevertheless, that story in itself is totally absorbing., so you get two for the price of one.
I suspect. Courtenay will be read and enjoyed long after many Booker prizewinners are forgotten and their books permanently shelved.

An excellent read.

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Couldn't put it down. Excellent, Look forward to the next book. All I have read to date are worth recommending.

Great

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I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from quite early on, and though there is tremendous detail in the writing, it all amounted to having a purpose as you go through the story.
The storyline, while highlighting good and evil was extremely sad, but perhaps this was a true reflection of the nature of the Australian outback at the time. The book was very informative on the details of the treatment of Aboriginals, of which I knew very little. I can safely say its one of the best books I've ever read, I felt humbled and privileged to be privy to the stories of the lives and inner worlds of these characters whether based on true characters or not. They were depicted with such exquisite conviction, with each character holding true value to the story. Looking forward to reading more of Bryce Courtney's work.

Compelling, gripping, sad but so inspirational.

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I am completely addicted to Bryce Courtenay's books. I read Jessica after several others and was not sure what to expect. In fact, it is brilliant. A real insight into the lives and times of the Australian outback and the prejudices meeted out to the native Aboriginals and poor immigrant whites. A fascinating, moving and thought enthalling book. I can't get enough of Bryce Courtenay but I will keep away from those snakes!

Jessica

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I am so glad I have found the writings of Bryce Courtenay. I initially listened to the Power of One and found that emotive and powerful. Jessica has a similar style but totally different path and both words and narration build a world in which you become absorbed. Injustice is at the forefront of the story, as it turns out a common thread in Mr Courtenay's writing, but the characters never take time to feel sorry for themselves and get on with their lives the best that they can. The stories are therefore full of hope aswell as sadness and, often, outrage! I am not quick to shed a tear but this book left me dewy eyed and with the feeling that I had completed quite a journey through history and human experience. Highly recommended.

Just wonderful!

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

It was recommended to me but I doubt I would pass on the recommendation

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jessica?

The birth of the baby

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

I would probably not have finished it if I had read it

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

No. It was a bit dated in style very 70s/80s in style

Any additional comments?

No

It came recommended but did not hit expectations

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