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The Persimmon Tree
- Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
- Length: 27 hrs and 57 mins
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Summary
The Persimmon Tree opens in Indonesia in 1942 on the cusp of Japanese invasion and the evacuation of Batavia (Jakarta) by the Dutch. Seventeen-year-old Nicholas Duncan is on holiday there, in pursuit of an exotic butterfly known as the Magpie Crow. It's an uncertain, dangerous time to be in Indonesia, and Nick's options of getting out are fast dwindling. Amidst the fear and chaos he falls in love with Anna, the beautiful daughter of a Dutch acquaintance, and she nicknames him 'Mr Butterfly'.
To assist in the escape, Anna's father gifts Nick his prized yacht, Vlermuis, to sail to Australia. Singapore has just fallen, the Japanese have made it to Sumatra, and the waters are dangerous. Vlermuis is not long out of Batavia when Nick is forced ashore for repairs. He witnesses the bloody execution of shipwrecked Allied soldiers by natives, and while burying what's left of the bodies, Nick notices one wounded soldier has escaped death, and he carries him back to his yacht.
The rescued soldier is a lower-class Irish Catholic American called Kevin Judge. He has no sailing experience, but he assists Nick in navigating through some dramatic storms and the two form an unlikely and lifelong friendship.
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What listeners say about The Persimmon Tree
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- Kim
- 31-05-18
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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- Ian
- 13-02-15
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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- Skerray
- 02-05-20
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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- Amazon Customer
- 17-04-20
VERY DESCRIPTIVE
Disappointing ending as no clear final outcome. As ever brilliant narration by Humphrey Bower.
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- MRS TA YELLAND
- 04-05-22
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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- lesley lemon
- 10-11-14
good read,not for prudes
Good story,extremely well narrated, but I was a bit put off by the 'blokey' bits - graphic details about the main character losing his virginity and heroic war exploits,details about killing, sado-masochism,and prostitution One for the boys.
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- Miss
- 01-12-15
Loved it.
Would you listen to The Persimmon Tree again? Why?
Yes to pick up on things that i might have missed.
Who was your favorite character and why?
All they interlink and cant have one without the others.
What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
His narrative style is excellent, switches from character to character with ease.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
He prayed over the soldiers.
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- Gillian
- 20-01-15
A wonderful epic tale
Would you consider the audio edition of The Persimmon Tree to be better than the print version?
Yes - I preferred the Audible, It's a long, long book and it was lovely to have it read to me on my commute to work.
Who was your favorite character and why?
The heroine - courageous, clever, persistent, immensly brave - just loved her
Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances? How does this one compare?
No. But I did enjoy this - it needs an Australian voice, and he voiced the characters well, kept an appropriate pace.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
An epic tale of love, courage, hardship and persistence
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- Kindle Customer
- 30-11-23
Enjoyable listen
Interesting and well written. This held my interest throughout and made me want to read the rest of the books by this author.
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- Chrissie Jones
- 05-01-14
Charming and chilling
A chilling story with charming characters,even the bad guys. I loved this book and I was hooked from the first listening. The narration was masterful.
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6 people found this helpful