Four Fires Audiobook By Bryce Courtenay cover art

Four Fires

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Four Fires

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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The four fires in this story are passion, religion, warfare and fire itself. While there are many more fires that drive the human spirit, love being perhaps the brightest flame of all, it is these four that have moulded us most as Australian people. The four fires give us our sense of place and, for better or for worse, shape our national character.©2001 Christine Courtenay, a recording of the book published by PenguinBooks Australia Ltd. (P)2001 Bolinda Publishing Historical Fiction Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring

Critic reviews

"A superb storyteller." (The Times)
"Humphrey Bower, speaking as Mole, delivers every possible nuance and emotion of his character's story, and shows a startling aptitude for other dialects as well. Close family friends and enemies include surviving Polish Jews, an East Indian healer, an Irish Catholic priest, Japanese prison camp soldiers, and many others. All of them, young and old, male and female, spring to vivid life in Bower's versatile voice. Narrative passages and dialogue elicit tears and laughter by turns, without a minute of boredom in the 30-hour production." (AudioFile Magazine)
Compelling Family Saga • Rich Historical Detail • Exceptional Narration • Emotional Depth • Educational Storytelling

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I have been an audible member for 4 years and have listened to over 1000 books since my job keeps me traveling so much. This is the first review that I have written. I have listened to all of Courtenay's books and enjoyed all of them. However, Four Fires is in my opinion the BEST. As for the narration as always there are no words to express how wonderful Humphrey Bower is.

The BEST of Courtenay

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I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the intriguing characters, the humor, just everything about this book. Nothing else can be added about Humphrey Bower - he brings the pages to life. I could listen to Humphrey Bower read a telephone book.
I have read most of Bruce Courtenay and I agree with other reviewers, this is his best.I didn't want the story to end. Another feature I enjoy about Bruce Courtenay is that he teaches the reader - I learned a lot about forest fires. Fascinating.
This is a "must listen" book. Why Audible didn't give it front page headlines is mystifying.

His very best!

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You really do need to be inside the Australian mind for this tale because it is so rich in colloquialisms and no 'dictionary' to turn too, for the ear that is not in tune with our vernacular, this could be a challenge. If you do have the ear, well me ol' mate, she's just a beudy! (See what I mean?) For those on the fence, try it in any case, you may miss a few bits but it should still bring a tear or two.

A Bonza, Ripper Yarn, no worries! (See comments)

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It took a while to get into this book, but after a couple hours I was quite taken with the unique, spirited Maloney family and its cast of funny characters: Father Crosby, Mrs, Rika Ray, the Suckfizzles. Humphrey Bower as narrator is superior as always.

Charming & Poignant

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

Yes I would and have done already.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mole Maloney for sure! The story was told through his eyes.

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

Mrs Rika Ray. She was fantastic. Bower did a great job of all the characters.

If you could take any character from Four Fires out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Tommy Maloney-be great to talk to him about his experiences!

A fantastic story enhanced by the performance!

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