The Persimmon Tree cover art

The Persimmon Tree

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The Persimmon Tree

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

It is 1942 in the Dutch East Indies, and Nick Duncan is a young Australian butterfly collector in search of a single exotic butterfly. With invading Japanese forces coming closer by the day, Nick falls in love with the beguiling Anna van Heerden.

Their time together is brief, as both are forced into separate, dangerous escapes. They plan to reunite and marry in Australia but it is several years before their paths cross again, scarred forever by the dark events of a long, cruel war.

In The Persimmon Tree, Bryce Courtenay gives us a story of love and friendship set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific during the Second World War.

©2007 Bryce Courtenay. By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia).; 2013 Bryce Courtenay. By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia). (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing 20th Century Historical Historical Fiction

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Critic reviews

"The ultimate international bestseller." (The New York Times)
"When the Japanese invade Indonesia in 1942, 17-year-old Australian Nick Duncan escapes by sailing a yacht across the ocean. It's a harrowing journey made manageable, in part, by Nick's hope that his new love, Anna, is safely on her way to Australia. Unfortunately, Anna is stuck in Indonesia, a prisoner of the Japanese. Humphrey Bower's narration makes it a pleasure. His skills should be a model. He reads with anticipation, so that a line written as a laugh or a sob is read as a laugh or a sob without being overdramatized. His characterizations reveal personality and motive, and hold steady throughout the book. And his pacing keeps us interested even when the plot is predictable." (AudioFile Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant  
Hated coming to the end. So going to get part 2. a mix of everything in one story. Must listen.

great literature

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This is the 4th BC novel I have read and the best - good characters and solid storyline. If you want an easy listen with a good yarn this is for you.

Good Yarn

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I loved this Book. The story was full of different twists and turns on the various issues and plights of the characters caught up in some of the countries of the Far East and Australia leading up to, during and after the invasion of the Japanese. The innocence and love of the two leading characters at the start, the mayhem and trials they suffered separately during that terrible time and then trying to pick up the pieces in the aftermath all made for and excellent story brilliantly read by Humphrey Bower. I can’t wait for the next book from this brilliant Author .

The Persimmon Tree

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Disappointing ending as no clear final outcome. As ever brilliant narration by Humphrey Bower.

VERY DESCRIPTIVE

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I have never read this author before, but I will definitely be reading/listening to more of his work. The story was amazing and I like the fact it could be true. Amazing detail and totally believable characters made it a really wonderful experience. I was sad when it finished.

An epic tale of epic proportions

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What a wonderful author. Although his books are long I never tire of listening to them. Am now about to listen the sequel of this one.

BRILLIANT

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Brilliant eye opening story. Another Bryce Courtney brilliant work. The reader was great, easy to listen yo, and no phoney accents. just brilliant.

The description and detail!

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Good story,extremely well narrated, but I was a bit put off by the 'blokey' bits - graphic details about the main character losing his virginity and heroic war exploits,details about killing, sado-masochism,and prostitution One for the boys.

good read,not for prudes

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Would you listen to The Persimmon Tree again? Why?

Yes to pick up on things that i might have missed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All they interlink and cant have one without the others.

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

His narrative style is excellent, switches from character to character with ease.

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

He prayed over the soldiers.

Loved it.

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Persimmon Tree to be better than the print version?

Yes - I preferred the Audible, It's a long, long book and it was lovely to have it read to me on my commute to work.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The heroine - courageous, clever, persistent, immensly brave - just loved her

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

No. But I did enjoy this - it needs an Australian voice, and he voiced the characters well, kept an appropriate pace.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

An epic tale of love, courage, hardship and persistence

A wonderful epic tale

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