3, 4 or 5 stars

I couldn't decide what to give this. I think if it was my first Bryce Courtenay book it'd be 5 stars. However having been treated to A Power of One and then Tandia first, this followed a similar flow with a different story and more characters which took the shine off it.

It's a very interesting book covering lots of Australian bush stuff I found fascinating as a brit with no experience of this. The focus on equality via women's rights and Mike's story of becoming a dress designer were fascinating. The WWII history great too. However, the unrealistic success of all the Maloney family children vs just the one person in power of one took an element for realism out of the story for me and while it's hard to put in to words the feeling I have at the end isn't the same.

I'm delighted to have read this book, I already have Jessica ready to read and will likely buy more. In fact while I don't tend to read too many by the same author, Bryce has quickly become the author Stephen King was to me in my youth.

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Brilliant

Do not miss this book. Great story and author. Never a dull book could not stop listening.

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Worth my time I loved these characters

Harrowing in Places, but necessary.
I learned so much and was entertained

He writes characters you just can't help but love

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Wonderful book I loved listening to it.

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

Bryce Courtenay could really tell a tale and this is one of his best

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Nancy, she was just a wonderful mother.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

I could listen to his voice all day.

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

How a family dragged themselves out of poverty.

Any additional comments?

A book I would enjoy listening to again.

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1 person found this helpful

Another great story and narration from B&H

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

My second book by Bryce and another excellent narration by Humphrey. The story was engaging throughout, made me laugh, cry, the story is inspiring, heartwarming, heartbreaking and sometimes brutal, a detailed reflection on humanbeings at their best and worst. I Loved the diversity and interwoven lives of the characters. Above all Humphrey kept me engrossed throughout and couldn't wait to get back to the story. 29hrs of pure talent.

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Four Fires by Bryce Courtenay

A brilliant listen. This book is gripping from start to finish. Informative, detailed, heartwarming, funny, sometimes horrifying, you get to know the principal characters so well that you could be part of the family. It covers so many events and experiences in gripping detail. This is not a book you are likely to nod off to

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5 people found this helpful

Brilliant story, brilliant narration

What did you like most about Four Fires?

The story of a family in a small rural town, living through war, prejudice, struggles, success - Courtenays ability to bring characters to life is outstanding. In the end, I felt like a part of the family! The story moves at perfect pace throughout, even though it spans decades. It also helps that Humphrey Bower's narrations is completely engaging.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Four Fires?

Difficult to say, but the first few chapters - where all the characters are introduced - stuck with me right to the end, and that doesn't happen very often.

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

All of them - he makes them all individuals, and it is difficult to pick one. Mole as the storyteller is brilliant, but his performance as Mrs Rika Ray made me smile!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely - but I also wanted it to never end!

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1 person found this helpful

four fires, fires the imagination

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

This is a story of a family living in Australia starting after the second world war and through to modern times. This book is a real page turner even though it is in audible fashion, I recommend it to everyone. It has real pace and I found it difficult to turn off and often went into the early hours listening to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mole the leading character gets my vote for favorite character, but the whole family (including the Suckfizzles) all play their part

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The part where Tommy (the father) take Mole to see the Maloney Tree and tells him how all of his friends have died is so poignant.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are parts in these books that make you laugh and parts where you want to cry,it bring out all the emotions .

Any additional comments?

This is the first work by Bryce Courtenay that I have come across, but it defintely will not be the last.

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1 person found this helpful

excellent

a book that takes you into the lives of a family that dragged itself up and all sibblings went their own way

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Exceptional!

As usual, Bruce Courtney has written a brilliant story but what makes it exceptional is Humphrey Bower 's narration. Courtney and Bower are unbeatable!

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