April Fool's Day cover art

April Fool's Day

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April Fool's Day

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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About this listen

 This is Bryce Courtenay's moving tribute to his son, Damon, a hemophiliac who died from medically acquired AIDS on April 1, 1991, at the age of 24.

April Fool's Day is controversial, painful and heartbreaking, yet has a gentle humor. It is also life-affirming and, above all, a testimony to the incredible regenerative strength of love: how when we confront our worst, we can become our best. This tragic yet uplifting story will change the way you think. From the author of The Power of One.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Physical Illness & Disease Emotionally Gripping Thought-Provoking Witty Inspiring Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

" April Fool's Day is one of those rare, wholly beautiful books that lets life speak for itself." ( The Australian)
All stars
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a heart wrenching account from a brave loving family. I'm sure the subject would be very proud. wonderful to read, as a very different Bryce Courtenay book. it won't disappoint fans which have loved his other work, and for those that read this first, your next Bryce Courtenay must be 'power of one' and many more of his books after!!

wow an amazing emotional journey

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really loves his first two books or inspiring feel good stories it's a shame I didn't enjoy this one doesn't really written badly just not as good as first two

not as good as the power of one and the subsequent

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If you could sum up April Fool's Day in three words, what would they be?

Heartbreakingly brilliant story.

What did you like best about this story?

A personal insight into the tragic yet optimistic life of his son.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Read with feeling

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

Made me cry out and laugh in all the right places and sob at the inevitable end to the story and the life of Damon.

heart breakingly brilliant

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But testament to the love of a family and close friends to an unfortunate life.

SAD VERY VERY SAD

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This is a sad story of a brave life. At times it is very touching, you learn a lot about the illnesses and how hard you sometimes have to fight the medical profession for some humanity... But I felt it was too long and disjointed to fully immerse myself in. The story is mainly told by Bryce but, due to it's nature, other family members (including Damon) tell parts of the story. In the case of Benita, Bryce's wife, this is only once and didn't seem to have continuity. Humphrey Bower is as excellent as always.

Moving at times but over long

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