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The Persimmon Tree cover art

The Persimmon Tree

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Summary

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
Historical Fiction 20th Century
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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)

What listeners say about The Persimmon Tree

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Profile Image for Kim

great literature

Hated coming to the end. So going to get part 2. a mix of everything in one story. Must listen.

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Profile Image for Ian

Good Yarn

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.

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Profile Image for Skerray

The Persimmon Tree

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 .

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VERY DESCRIPTIVE

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

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Profile Image for MRS TA YELLAND

An epic tale of epic proportions

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.

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Profile Image for Frodo & Co

Nice story set in a historic perspective

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

I find it always nice to get something more out of a novel when set in an ethnic or historic perspective. In this case Jave around the second wolrd war.
The nice thing about Bryce Courtenay is that it's a friendly, possitive and gentle story; so nice reading. A fascinating story-line. At times a bit very heroic, but it's just nice (I hate horror and evil). There is always a lot in Courtenay's possivitism.
Great story-teller, great story, great performance! Much enjoyed!

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Profile Image for Mrs. G. Bevan

Brilliant

Loved this story and the narreter is brilliant couldn't put it down, he has written several books,but this will take some beating

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Profile Image for Valerie

enjoyed thoroughly

Couldn't put it down. Beautiful story entertained with history and interesting facts.
The narrator is fantastic, beautiful accents which fit the characters,. both male and female.
Recommend

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Profile Image for Sharon Frater

Thoroughly enjoyable

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this but especially loved Anna's story. Not quite sure about the ending but overall quite memorable and a good reminder of just how bad the war was and how evil people can be. Will certainly read more of this author

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Profile Image for Stoney Southport

The Persimmon Tree

Excellent story. Loved every moment of it. Narrator is excellent. This is the second Bryce Courtney I've enjoyed..Jack of Diamonds was the first and I'm now hooked on this brilliant author.

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