The Story of Danny Dunn

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Simultaneous release of the latest novel from Australia's best-selling author. Likened by the author to Frank Hardy's Australian classic, Power Without Glory, with pubs, gambling and political corruption taking centre stage.

The Dance of Danny Dunn is an Australian family saga centering on a working-class family of publicans who make their first mark in Balmain in the 1930s. In that decade, two opportunities existed for boys of Balmain, a working-class Sydney suburb: to be selected into Fort Street Boys School or to excel as a sportsman. At just 16 years, Danny Dunn has everything going for him: brains, looks, sporting aptitude - and luck with the ladies. His parents run The Hero of Mafeking ('Maffos'), the favourite local watering hole, and the whole of Balmain is proud of Danny's sporting prowess. His mother, though, steers Danny towards a university education; but with just six months of his degree to go, he signs up for the AIF, driven by a desire to serve his country and plain wanderlust.

Danny serves in South-east Asia, spends three and a half years as a POW, and returns a broken man, embittered and facially disfigured. He has told no one of his return, and as he sails towards the Balmain ferry terminal, he knows his life in beloved Balmain will have nothing to do with the life he led before the war. He is scared and overwhelmed by the need to sort himself out, to find out who the hell he is....

©2013 Christine Courtenay; 2009 Bryce Courtenay (P)2009 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

I knew I’d love it.

Bryce Courtnay is is one of two favorite authors, the other being James Michener. It’s no surprise really, they both write so beautifully and from the heart. I get totally immersed in their work. I hope they have met in Heaven while I read their books.
This is a wonderful story, filled with love, laughter and pain as we meet and grow with the Dunn family, Brenda the matriarch, Half Dunn, (I love how that name was bestowed on Michael Dunn) and Danny and later Helen and the girls. We follow him as the main character, his wish to swim for Australia, his stint in WW11 as an officer and POW, both affect his life till the end.
The reader of this book is no stranger to my ear, he reads beautifully and is the sole reader of Cortenays books. I once read that when Bryce writes a book he always has narration in mind so that all may enjoy his stories. Humphrey Bower is the best, in my opinion. This book had him do a little singing! I loved it.
I cannot recommend this book any higher, but would encourage you to start at the beginning, The book, The Power Of One which introduced me to Bryce’s talent, his first book. I have read it, seen the movie, reread it and have listened to Humphrey Bower read it.

It's Too long, but not long enough

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

Becasue Bryce is never predictable, nor is this story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Danny's Mum, I am sure you could write a book on Brenda alone

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

Great, as usual

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

No, the book was not centred around any "one" moment, the book had a number of these present

Love it

As always, a great story with a great narrator.

The time line and events for into each other so well and the characters are well rounded and strong - complementing each other, yet stronger in their own right.

Love all of his books so far.

This like the others I've read so far has a great, strong characters with morals but real struggles and who regardless make mistakes and aren't perfect you love them and I'm always for the underdog myself.
Courtenay is my favorite author, and in general I don't have a favorite in any category.

Great Storyteller

I love his stories. they are long and entertaining. I also live the historical content.

Humphrey Bower Always Terrific

Unfortunately, the storyline left so much to be desired. While it started out great and showed so much potential, the plot went nowhere, and it simply ended up being a really boring book. For me, this listen was a complete waste of time.

The Story of Danny Dunn

As Always with Bryce Courtenay stories this one made me laugh , cry and do some deep thinking. love his work

Fabulous

This is a great last novel for Bryce Courtney, an epic story of Australiana from the early 20th century. I really loved this book, I found the narrator to be very entertaining and extremely good..

Excellent!!

I an a great fan of Bryce's work and have been for many years. I loved this book.

One of Courtenay's top three

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

Definately, this is an excellent Australian story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Danny Dunn, because he is the main character

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to pick a favourite, the whole story is excellent