eBay

Arthur Bryce Courtenay, AM (14 August 1933 – 22 November 2012) was a South African-Australian advertising director and novelist. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.

Courtenay's novels are primarily set in South Africa, the country of his birth, or Australia, his adopted country. His first book, The Power of One, was published in 1989 and, despite Courtenay's fears that it would never sell, quickly became one of Australia's best-selling books by any living author. The story was made into a film, as well as being re-released in an edition for children.

Courtenay was one of Australia's most commercially successful authors. He built up this success over the long term by promoting himself and developing a relationship with readers as much as marketing his books; for instance, he gave away up to 2,500 books free each year to readers he met in the street. However, only The Power of One has been published in the United States. Courtenay claimed that this was because "American publishers for the most part have difficulties about Australia; they are interested in books in their own country first and foremost. However, we receive many e-mails and letters from Americans who have read my books and I am hoping in the future that publishers will recognize that there is a market for all my books in the U.S."

Courtenay had a very strong work ethic, often writing 12 hours a day, and he normally wrote a book each year during his writing career. He turned to writing in the late 1980s after a 30-year career in advertising. In his lifetime, he sold more than 20 million copies of his books worldwide.

Synopsis

Book 3 of the Australian Trilogy Series - earlier books in the Trilogy being The Potato Factory and Thommo and Hawk

Here is the story of two families, branches of the Solomons, transported to an alien land.

Both branches eventually grow rich and powerful.

But through three generations, the families never, for one moment, relinquish their hatred for each other.

This novel is also the story of Australia, from its beginnings to its coming-of-age as a nation.

Reviews

"Narrator Humphrey Bower doesn't miss a nuance. His villains have a sharp, nasal nastiness, and his love scenes tickle the hairs at the nape of the neck. Bower's performance is spot-on." - Audiofile

"This is the gem in the crown of the trilogy written by Courtenay. (The Potato Factory, Thommo and Hawk, Solomon's Song) Humphrey Bower never fails to deliver as a narrator, bringing the characters to life." - Audible review

"The detail and history brought out in this book from WWI is amazing. I’ve listened to this book many many times and it always brings me close to tears in the end. Do yourself a favour and listen to this book." - Kirkus Reviews

"Well, that ends the Australia Trilogy..Mr Courtney said it was a gift to the country he adopted as his own with such love, and I'll say right now, thank you again and again". - Amazon review

"I needed to hear our history like that. All the wretched perceptions I had of Gallipoli and the rest of our troubled nation's coming of age were brought mercilessly and shockingly to life. The research in partnership with the passion in these books is pure reading pleasure. These books go straight to the pool-room for me, to sit alongside the music of John Williamson, as wonderfully strong and tender examples of what we can be together and how important it is to love each other and the world we live in. This entire trilogy has made me laugh and cry. The narration is simply the best - the voices, accents, everything perfect. Highly recommended listening!"- Amazon review

"Best 3 book series ever. Bryce Courtenay's descriptive power is incredible having the ability to draw one in and witness something's you would normally turn away from. You are there with the family feeling their pain and joy through there life as things happen. It is sad how the book ends, leaving everything up in the air, you wish for something better but accept that is how things would end." - Amazon review

On Media

Audiobook on mp3 CD-ROM, complete with cover art on the CD. Supplied in windowed CD sleeve, no case provided.

Shipping - Domestic with Free mail to all customers. Express Post option also available @ $8 extra. No International orders, sorry