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Fishing for Stars

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Summary

Nicholas Duncan is a semi-retired shipping magnate who resides in idyllic Beautiful Bay in Indonesia. Grieving the loss of his wife, Anna, he is suffering for the first time from disturbing flashbacks to WWII, the scene of their first meeting. His other wartime lover is the striking Marg Hamilton, a powerful Australian political player still close to Nick.

Encouraged by a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Specialist, Nick sets about writing his life, drawing us into the compelling tale of the life he has lived since his war-hero days, building a shipping empire, and loving the women who inspire him.

©2008 Bryce Courtenay. By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia). Christine Courtenay (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing
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Critic reviews

"The right level of intellectual and emotional stimulation for a relaxing holiday read." (The Sunday Age)
'"Thrilling" (The Gold Coast Bulletin)
'"...certain to join its predecessors on the bestseller lists." (The Launceston Examiner)
'"The wait is over" (The Sunday Tasmanian)

What listeners say about Fishing for Stars

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable follow up to the Persimmon Tree

Bryce Courtenay has become one of my new favourites. I loved the Persimmon Tree and I enjoyed learning what had become of the main characters later on in life in Fishing for Stars. The narrator is very good, it's easy to distinguish between the various characters. I also found both books educational, descriptive and enjoyable and I will definitely be reading more of Bryce Courtenay's books, although the books are long they are not boring and I find myself getting hooked into the story early on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Bryce Courtenay - where have you been all my life?

I've only recently discovered Bryce Courtenay. I can't get his words out of my head. Fishing for Stars is such a beautiful and tragic love triangle story. I wish I could go to Beautiful Bay! Humphrey Bower is a fantastic narrator bringing Australasia to life. I almost feel like I am eavesdropping on the conversations.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautifully written, but difficult characters

I bought this book to listen to as soon as I'd finished The Persimmon Tree, which I adored.

This book takes up Nick Duncan's story many years after the end of The Pesimmon Tree. I was immediately saddened to learn of the death of one of the characters, and was shocked by how strident another had become. While the story was just as well written as previously, and the narrator again was magnificent, I am left with a feeling of ambivalence. The innocence of the first book, in marked contrast to the war and atrocities it was set around, has been thoroughly and rudely ripped away in this book.

One part of the story which I particularly liked was Anna and Nick's visit to Japan. The style of this section was much more akin to The Persimmon Tree.

But sadly, the overall feeling I am left with at the end of this book is a distaste for all three of the main characters. Such a shame.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another 5 star by Bryce Courtenay

I'm totally addicted to the words of Bryce Courtenay. Once you have listened to one book you just have to hear them all.
I loved the characters in this 'so much more than a love story' and felt comletely drawn into their lives.
However, it does follow on from 'The Persimmon Tree', which I read afterwards, but did not find on audible.
This was wonderfully read by Humphrey Bower, who finds the perfect voice for each character. A must to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

conclusion of a great yarn.

Narration of the story by Humphrey Bower really brings the story to life. an excellent narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional

Brilliant book as expected by the author. The narration was 110% and the characters so believable.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good story but incredibly irritating characters!

First half interesting but then it became increasingly frustrating! Couldn't believe the characters and their reactions to events. Thus is the only one of Bryce Courtenay 's many books that I was glad to finish!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Gritty antipodean tale

Gritty saga set in the Pacific :Tasmania- Japan- Indonesia. Politics, big businesses, mixed wth green issues and sex. A little too much sex perhaps, neither really graphic nor gratuitous, just too much that leaves you wishing Mr Courtney would resolve his issues on a psychiatrists couch rather than in print. Nevertheless another good listen from BC and I will certainly listen to the next book in the series

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Fishing for Stars

Too much detail. Easy to get lost. Good narration. Excellent story. To appreciate this book, should read the Persimmon Tree.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great narrator

very capable reader who played all the characters very well. a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Thanks

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