Jessica

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

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

I hated to hear it end

I love this author and his narrator. Bryce, I once read, wrote his books with narration in mind, he believed that all should be able to read and or listen to a book. If there is a National Treasure for writers in Australia I hope it is Bryce Courtenay.
JESSICA is full of beloved and despicable characters, we get to know them as they are so well written. If asked what this book is about, I’d say its about a slip of a girl who could move mountains against all odd.
I highly recommend this and all books by Bryce Courtenay.
Humphrey Bower does an amazing job, he does all Courtenay’s books, he never disappoints.

What a story teller!

I had forgotten what a great story teller he is. I couldn't stop listening . The bad guys were wicked and human. The good guy were great and quite broken.

brilliant

Such a lovely story. I felt I knew Jessica. obviously researched well.must listen book
if you love all things Australia

What a storyteller!

I have discovered Bryce Courtenay and I am obsessed This is my third after a friend told me about "Power of one "
I am most thoroughly entertained.
In the process, I am also educated and my horizon expanded, but this occurs incidentally.
Mostly, a wonderful story masterfully presented
And most difficult to put down. Thank goodness for its length. I wanted it to go on and on

Bryce Courtney never disappoints

An amazing story with many twists and turns. You never can guess what will happen next.

Jessica ~Australian cowgirl & Heroine

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

the best audio book ever!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jessica because the writer allows you go get inside her skin.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes many and this ranks up there. His performance as the aboriginal voices was so perfect!

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

I think when Jessica meets Mary the aborigine woman.

Any additional comments?

don't waste time with other books. This one is fabulous and will make you want more!
Its my third by Bryce Courtney and third read by Humphrey Bower. I wish all books were read by him!! Can't say enough praise for the writing story and voice.

A compelling story

My best friend, an Australian, recommended this book to me. I started listening to it and couldn't stop. It is an extraordinarly compelling book, and Jessica is a character I will never forget. She lived her life strictly according to her standards, and she never deviated. I have no idea how a man could possibly write about such an extraordinary female character. It is the first book I have read by Bryce Courtenay, and I cannot wait to read the rest of his works. This is a book that I am certain I will listen to many times in the future. I highly recommend this book. The narrator, Humphrey Bower, is absolutely marvelous, and I will attempt to listen to all the books he has narrated. A job exceptionally well done!

So sad!

Jessica's story is very epic and very tragic. She is so very good human being and so wanting to live her life in harmony and love. But her family is her worst enemy and treats her so terribly and then nature gets the best of her in the end. The very best narration and the best of stories.

A new favorite author

I have listened to several of Bryce Courtenay's books and this may be a new favorite. The narrator was really good, the story had the characters you love, characters you can't stand and an overall message to be kind, stand up for those that can't, work hard and hopefully you will find love too.

A story of triumph over tragedy

Jessica is another amazing Courtenay character with grit and determination in the face of human injustice and hardship, joining Peekay and Tandia (and hopefully others as
I keep reading more from this amazing author) as strong young champions of the basic rights of humans to live as they wish, fighting against the prejudices of apartheid in South Africa and the struggles of the Aborigines in Australia. I can't wait to read the next one!

I found this author ONLY because of the narrator, Mr. Bower, one of the best I've heard. After hearing him narrate Shantaram, I just had to hear him again. I found The Power of One, then Tandia, and then Jessica. Next is the Australian Trilogy!

Humphrey Bower's character voices are so compelling I found myself almost forgetting it was his lone voice, his brilliant vocal acting painting a masterful picture of the various personalities, emotions, and human conditions. Bravo, bravissimo, simply magnificent!