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Four Fires

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Publisher's Summary

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 Thought-Provoking
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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)

What listeners say about Four Fires

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Profile Image for carol Vona

1st prize “amazing story”

This book is the best. So full of life desperation achievements hardships revenge depression happiness laughter and just plain really life happenings. This book made me laugh cry and often Brough back some childhood memories. Highly highly recommended it’s a must listen. Thank Bryce first book of yours I’ve ever listened to and will not be the last.

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Profile Image for Philip

BC never fails to capture real-life characters

So far, have never read a less than inspiring Bryce Courtenay novel. There are characters, moral statements and endless historical references that make one want to more about the events which have been forgotten by time or convenience. The Japanese invasion of SE Asia - although does not reflect modern Japan - is to be set against the atrocities of the Nazis. But the back stories building up to these create relationships between reader and characters portayed. As for the narrator, his fine mimickry is only exceeded by his deep knowledge of the author and his sense of the personality and the weakness of that in most individuals. Heroes and heroines emerge from the ordinary. A great read.

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Profile Image for Bert

A book that stays with you.

Once again Humphrey Bower transforms the words Bryce Courtney into a living, breathing thing so very real. Thank you Humphrey, thank you Bryce but above all, thank you to the men and women who inspired this book.

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Profile Image for Deborah

Best I've head for a bloody long time

fantastic book extremely well written and extremely well read.
I never write reviews. but I just loved all 20+ hours of it.

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Thrilling.

Absolutely brilliant, so many twists and turns. Always anxious to move on in the story to see what’s going to happen next.

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Profile Image for Renee Johnston

Brilliant

A truly amazing piece of storytelling. It gave me a renewed appreciation of the tough, resilient and diverse people who helped shape our identity and fought for the privilege and opportunities we enjoy today. Amazingly read. Brilliant.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

great book

this would have to be one of the best books I have listened to. The history, the bush fire learning, the pain suffered by those wonderful men at the whim of the Japanese. Riveting to the end!!!

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Absolutely exceptional

One of the most wonderful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Bryce Courtenays' careful research and descriptions are second to none. Through every hardship and victory, I couldn't stop listening. Humphrey Bower is wonderful to listen to, and really brings this story to life.

I would recommend this book to any and all Australians (and everyone else too!), absolutely exceptional!

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Four fires

The most amazing book. It will forever be that book that I will read/ listen too again and again.

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Another outstanding book f on Bryce Courtenay

Great story, great. This book evoked so many emotions in me which is what I love in a book. Highly recommend reading this one.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.