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Jessica
Jessica is based on the inspiring true story of a young girl's fight for justice against tremendous odds.
A tomboy, Jessica is the pride of her father, as they work together on the struggling family farm. One quiet day, the peace of the bush is devastated by a terrible murder. Only Jessica is able to save the killer from the lynch mob – but will justice prevail in the courts?
Nine months later, a baby is born … with Jessica determined to guard the secret of the father's identity. The rivalry of Jessica and her beautiful sister for the love of the same man will echo throughout their lives – until finally the truth must be told.
Set in the harsh Australian bush against the outbreak of World War I, this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality.
'A deserved bestseller, based on fact, a story told with heartbreaking honesty.' Australian Women's Weekly
'Courtenay draws on the social satire of Jane Austen and the dark forces of Thomas Hardy, and his tragic heroine parallels Antigone … ' Herald Sun
A tomboy, Jessica is the pride of her father, as they work together on the struggling family farm. One quiet day, the peace of the bush is devastated by a terrible murder. Only Jessica is able to save the killer from the lynch mob – but will justice prevail in the courts?
Nine months later, a baby is born … with Jessica determined to guard the secret of the father's identity. The rivalry of Jessica and her beautiful sister for the love of the same man will echo throughout their lives – until finally the truth must be told.
Set in the harsh Australian bush against the outbreak of World War I, this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality.
'A deserved bestseller, based on fact, a story told with heartbreaking honesty.' Australian Women's Weekly
'Courtenay draws on the social satire of Jane Austen and the dark forces of Thomas Hardy, and his tragic heroine parallels Antigone … ' Herald Sun
395 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
233 people are currently reading
5324 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Courtenay
57 books2,282 followersArthur Bryce Courtenay, AM was a South African-Australian advertising director and novelist. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 660 reviews
January 18, 2009
If I could put a couple more stars on this one, I would. This is my all time favorite book! Courtenay can truly capture the grit and soul of a woman.
July 29, 2018
There is something about a novel by Bryce Courtenay that sets my mind at ease. The way he tells stories and the silky flow of the narrative has me eager each time I am able to (re)read his books, all of which I have found to be stellar. This story focuses on the life of Jessica Bergman and her family, who are living in rural Australia soon after the country’s formal independence. Jessica is unlike the other girls around town—including her sister, Meg—who prefer to remain prim and proper. Rather, Jessica is happy to get dirt under her fingernails as she is reluctantly given work shearing sheep alongside her father. While first seen to be an outcast and the lesser sex, Jessica soon befriends Billy and Jack, leading to a strong platonic connection between them all. When Billy is seriously hurt and suffers a debilitating brain injury, he becomes a pariah and ‘dim-witted helper’ to Jack’s family. One day, Billy comes to Jessica with news that he’s committed a horrible crime, one that no one will understand, especially in his altered mental state. Jessica soon realises that the only way to save Billy from the town mob is to get him to the police magistrate. Their journey is long and slow, but Jessica is determined to find justice for her friend. When the law takes over, it is the influence of those with power, administering it through a lens of judgmental beliefs, that sees Billy face harsh consequences. Meanwhile, Meg and her mother have a plan that could secure the elder Bergman girl into a life of luxury, or at least ensure her status, though an unsuspecting Jack has no idea that he’s soon to be lured into a trap. Seeing what’s happening, Jessica tries to strike back, only to be silenced and used in the larger plot as well. As the story progresses, Jessica comes of age and must grow up faster, not only because of her family’s schemes, but as she comes face to face with some of the racially-motivated laws on the books that seek to subjugate portions of the population. Jessica must struggle and discover that she alone has the power to shape her own future, and those closest to her. A brilliant piece by Bryce Courtenay that shows the power this man has when putting a story to paper. Highly recommended for those who love a strong tale of self-discovery and determination in the face of ever-growing doubt and obstacles.
I have had a long-standing admiration for Bryce Courtenay and his books, all of which have captivated me early in my reading experience. While they are usually long and quite tangential, their thread is one that can be easily followed and the plot constantly evolves, which may explain my vague summary above (which may appease those who chirp about my reviews being too long and revealing for their ivory tower reading sentiments). Courtenay creates a number of strong characters and utilises them effectively to shape the direction in which his narrative moves. Jessica is, of course, the central character in this piece and her life is shaped by those around her. Moving from the age of fourteen through to her mid-twenties, Jessica’s life is influenced by a number of events that take her along paths that could not have been foreseen. She becomes one person that the reader cannot help but admire and her tribulations, while surely placed in a ‘soap opera’ type drama, are usually grounded in something substantial. Others find their place in the narrative and offer poignant life moments to give Jessica even more depth. This is something Courtenay does well and seems to be able to effectively portray in most of his novels, as well as using some of his standing character types in each novel (ie, Jews, blacks). The story, rich with description and development, takes on an interesting approach. Courtenay opens each ‘book’ with a summary of events, then backtracks to play them out through a series of progressive vignettes, offering the reader foresight into what will come, then letting the narrative take control,. It is effective and does not present too many issues for the reader who enjoys a surprise within their reading experience. The plot is strong and well-grounded, providing not only personal growth for Jessica, but touching on a number of political and social issues of the day, not all of which have been adequately resolved close to a century later. Courtenay may have passed on, but his books resonate with me and I hope that by the time my son is ready to tackle them, they will appeal to his passion for reading and learning.
Kudos, Mr. Courtenay, for another wonderful re-read. I find myself so energised when I have read one of your books. Let’s ride that wave through the next little while.
This book fulfills Topic #5: Name That Book, for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have had a long-standing admiration for Bryce Courtenay and his books, all of which have captivated me early in my reading experience. While they are usually long and quite tangential, their thread is one that can be easily followed and the plot constantly evolves, which may explain my vague summary above (which may appease those who chirp about my reviews being too long and revealing for their ivory tower reading sentiments). Courtenay creates a number of strong characters and utilises them effectively to shape the direction in which his narrative moves. Jessica is, of course, the central character in this piece and her life is shaped by those around her. Moving from the age of fourteen through to her mid-twenties, Jessica’s life is influenced by a number of events that take her along paths that could not have been foreseen. She becomes one person that the reader cannot help but admire and her tribulations, while surely placed in a ‘soap opera’ type drama, are usually grounded in something substantial. Others find their place in the narrative and offer poignant life moments to give Jessica even more depth. This is something Courtenay does well and seems to be able to effectively portray in most of his novels, as well as using some of his standing character types in each novel (ie, Jews, blacks). The story, rich with description and development, takes on an interesting approach. Courtenay opens each ‘book’ with a summary of events, then backtracks to play them out through a series of progressive vignettes, offering the reader foresight into what will come, then letting the narrative take control,. It is effective and does not present too many issues for the reader who enjoys a surprise within their reading experience. The plot is strong and well-grounded, providing not only personal growth for Jessica, but touching on a number of political and social issues of the day, not all of which have been adequately resolved close to a century later. Courtenay may have passed on, but his books resonate with me and I hope that by the time my son is ready to tackle them, they will appeal to his passion for reading and learning.
Kudos, Mr. Courtenay, for another wonderful re-read. I find myself so energised when I have read one of your books. Let’s ride that wave through the next little while.
This book fulfills Topic #5: Name That Book, for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 31, 2008
WOW! That was my first reaction to this book. It is sensational. It is on my list of "life-changing" books as it has helped me redefine what it means to live a successful life. Events beyond the control of Jessica alter the course of her life, but how she deals with it is truly inspiring. It proves that remaining true to yourself and your ideals will allow you to live the best life you can.Life may not give you everything you want, but how you deal with what it's given you speaks volumes about your character and your "success."
December 11, 2015
I struggled with this story - mainly due to the way Jessica was being treated by her own family. For some reason the writing came a bit close to the bone. I skipped a few bits but persevered and finished feeling very benevolent towards Mr Courtney. Only to discover that he had recently died. Over the years I have had a very inconsistent attitude towards his books Matthew Flinders Cat is one of my all time favorites and of course there is a special place for The Power of One. Yet Tommo and Hawk and the Potato Factory were just a too difficult for me to get past the first chapter. Now posthumously I read about the man and understand a little more, he is clearly a gentleman and one to be admired. His gift for understanding the human condition was outstanding and his death a huge loss. For me the way he depicts alcoholism, racism and sexual proclivity have always been a source of admiration and I have the utmost respect for his honesty. Not surprisingly it appears he accepted his terminal illness as many of his fictional heroes did with dignity and grace, I take my hat off to such humbleness in one so talented.
So thank you Mr Courtney for the memories Jessica will always be the book that bought his more challenging books (for me) and my favorites together in one place. Rest in peace......
So thank you Mr Courtney for the memories Jessica will always be the book that bought his more challenging books (for me) and my favorites together in one place. Rest in peace......
February 11, 2013
The most depressing book I have ever read, I read this many years ago and it still gives me nightmares. I kept waiting for it to get better but I really shouldn't have finished reading this book. If I could erase one book from my brain, this would be the one.
July 3, 2017
READ IT. One of the best books ever. I'm going to re-read it this summer <3
January 14, 2013
For anybody who has ever tangled with hardship, heartache, pride, love, pain, losses, joy and sorrow, this book is for you. Seven years later I can remember almost every single thing about this novel, that is how much it stuck with me, the writing was magnificent and elegant, the plot- riveting and tantalising, the characters, enigmatic, engaging and all too powerful for their own good.
One of my all time favourite novels, taking me on an incomparable emotional journey that will leave the reader feeling cathartic and de constructed, this is not a novel of happy endings, nor is it a melancholy Dickensian piece or a romantic novel, but one which transcends all realms and can only really be described as a vessel for the reader to be transported into the very vestibules of human nature.
It explores the manners in which people will go to any extents to accomplish their goals, even if it means obliterating their supposed loved ones in the process, the reader can almost physically perceive the precariousness in which the most powerful human emotions can blend and bleed within each other, how love can all too often accommodate hate and intolerance, and ambition is all to easily the bedfellow of cruelty and ruthlessness. Get ready to have your heart in your throat for much of this novel, and don't expect much reconciliation or even karma, this is the cold harsh, unkind reality of life.
One of my all time favourite novels, taking me on an incomparable emotional journey that will leave the reader feeling cathartic and de constructed, this is not a novel of happy endings, nor is it a melancholy Dickensian piece or a romantic novel, but one which transcends all realms and can only really be described as a vessel for the reader to be transported into the very vestibules of human nature.
It explores the manners in which people will go to any extents to accomplish their goals, even if it means obliterating their supposed loved ones in the process, the reader can almost physically perceive the precariousness in which the most powerful human emotions can blend and bleed within each other, how love can all too often accommodate hate and intolerance, and ambition is all to easily the bedfellow of cruelty and ruthlessness. Get ready to have your heart in your throat for much of this novel, and don't expect much reconciliation or even karma, this is the cold harsh, unkind reality of life.
November 21, 2013
I am not one who takes to books that have a continuous theme of tragedy, and that is how I felt reading Jessica. It was exhausting to read. I kept waiting for something good to happen but only sadness, cruelty and unfairness were common in the book.
There were so many things wrong as well as right. Joe really irked me. He was introduced as this headstrong character whom dominated the household, everybody seemed to respect and fear him in a way. I really took a liking to joe, If not initially a bit of a cold shoulder when he first hit Jessica In the face, giving her a black eye. It took a few pages until it was confirmed that joe wasn't the bad guy in this book. I liked his and Jessica's relationship, I am a fan of breaking the toughest of hearts and I liked seeing joes vulnerable side when he spoke of Jessica appreciatively and stood up for her. A very low moment for me was when joe gave into Hester! I mean honestly we had heard about joe having lived a tough life and he couldn't say no to cold murder when his wife pleaded him and then the submissive he became when he was forced to outcast Jessica. That all seemed a bit low and annoying. Someone With that kind of personality doesn't wear into the cruelty of his own wife. But apparently he does... Or did. I discarded joe after that. For all the good he may have tried after he realised how much of a prick he was he waited a little too late to set his wife in place and died whilst doing so! Which I was glad and sad about because no way joe could get back up on the ranks again.
Jack was nearly one of my least favorite character. I LOVE a good romance, but there wasn't ANYTHING romantic about Jessica and jack. He cheated on her with her own sister, married her and then sat around whilst Jessica was in a mental asylum, and wrote letters about his worries. If he loved her a much as he claimed then he would have marched down to the hospital just as he had at the court house and seen Jessica face to face! Tried harder, fought harder to SEE HER, be with her! He makes me too angry to speak about him.
I truly wish we had seen more dept to meg it got a bit boring her being described as the walking, talking shadow of her mother. No sister is that cruel or deranged. I wish Hester would have died very early on so we could have seen meg grow into her own person and see how she may have treated Jessica without her EVIL mother breathing down her neck. I am sure there would be a heart deep down somewhere even for a small apology. Character development goes a long way...
The only character I truly liked was Jessica's lawyer, he may have been a drunk but he didn't have a bad intention in his body. I wish the had been more of a twist with Jessica's baby's fathers identity and at least one moment of true happiness for Jessica. The constant sadness and tragedy just gets depressive and tiring!
I do have to say though the WAY that it was written, the sadness, badness and tragedy was very effective and constructive as this was one of those books that made you BEG for a miracle! Regardless of all the wrongs, this book made you feel SOMETHING and if it makes me feel something then it is already counted to me as a worthwhile good book!
There were so many things wrong as well as right. Joe really irked me. He was introduced as this headstrong character whom dominated the household, everybody seemed to respect and fear him in a way. I really took a liking to joe, If not initially a bit of a cold shoulder when he first hit Jessica In the face, giving her a black eye. It took a few pages until it was confirmed that joe wasn't the bad guy in this book. I liked his and Jessica's relationship, I am a fan of breaking the toughest of hearts and I liked seeing joes vulnerable side when he spoke of Jessica appreciatively and stood up for her. A very low moment for me was when joe gave into Hester! I mean honestly we had heard about joe having lived a tough life and he couldn't say no to cold murder when his wife pleaded him and then the submissive he became when he was forced to outcast Jessica. That all seemed a bit low and annoying. Someone With that kind of personality doesn't wear into the cruelty of his own wife. But apparently he does... Or did. I discarded joe after that. For all the good he may have tried after he realised how much of a prick he was he waited a little too late to set his wife in place and died whilst doing so! Which I was glad and sad about because no way joe could get back up on the ranks again.
Jack was nearly one of my least favorite character. I LOVE a good romance, but there wasn't ANYTHING romantic about Jessica and jack. He cheated on her with her own sister, married her and then sat around whilst Jessica was in a mental asylum, and wrote letters about his worries. If he loved her a much as he claimed then he would have marched down to the hospital just as he had at the court house and seen Jessica face to face! Tried harder, fought harder to SEE HER, be with her! He makes me too angry to speak about him.
I truly wish we had seen more dept to meg it got a bit boring her being described as the walking, talking shadow of her mother. No sister is that cruel or deranged. I wish Hester would have died very early on so we could have seen meg grow into her own person and see how she may have treated Jessica without her EVIL mother breathing down her neck. I am sure there would be a heart deep down somewhere even for a small apology. Character development goes a long way...
The only character I truly liked was Jessica's lawyer, he may have been a drunk but he didn't have a bad intention in his body. I wish the had been more of a twist with Jessica's baby's fathers identity and at least one moment of true happiness for Jessica. The constant sadness and tragedy just gets depressive and tiring!
I do have to say though the WAY that it was written, the sadness, badness and tragedy was very effective and constructive as this was one of those books that made you BEG for a miracle! Regardless of all the wrongs, this book made you feel SOMETHING and if it makes me feel something then it is already counted to me as a worthwhile good book!
November 26, 2009
This is one of the finest novels I have read. It's based on a true story, takes place in Australia. Jessica is still well loved by the aborginal people. In the early days of the 20th century all aborginal children fathered by white men were taken away from their familys and given to whites to raise. This is Jessicas story..A young girls fight for justice against tremendous odds. A tomboy, Jessica is the pride of her father, as they work on the struggling family farm. One quiet day the peace of the bush is devastated by a terible murder. Only Jessica is able to save the killer from the lynch mob..but will justice prevail in the courts? Nine months later, a baby is born...with Jessica determined to guard the secret of the father's identity. The rivaly of Jessica and her beautiful sister for the love of the same man will echo througtout their lives-until the truth must be told. Set in the harsh Australian bush against the outbreak of world ww1, this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality.
August 31, 2009
I am really surprised to see so many reviews here of Jessica (the character) being held up as such a positive role model, and Jessica (the book) being hailed as such a fantastic read. It is one of the weakest Bryce Courtenay books I have read. I think Courtenay made his characters too flat and one-dimensional, and in particular his portrayal of Meg and Hester veered into soap opera territory.
The final section of the book, which is largely taken up by a court case to do with the Aboriginal Protection Act, seems to have very little to do with the rest of the story. That said, I would have gladly read an entire book on that subject, especially if it were historically accurate (I'm doubtful that any cases ended the way Mary's did in the book).
On the whole, I was disappointed in this book. It seemed like Courtenay's central mystery - the origins of Jessica's child - got swept under the rug about halfway through, and only mentioned very briefly as an afterthought, with no space to ponder the consequences of this fact and the repercussions throughout the family's future. It just kind of petered out.
The final section of the book, which is largely taken up by a court case to do with the Aboriginal Protection Act, seems to have very little to do with the rest of the story. That said, I would have gladly read an entire book on that subject, especially if it were historically accurate (I'm doubtful that any cases ended the way Mary's did in the book).
On the whole, I was disappointed in this book. It seemed like Courtenay's central mystery - the origins of Jessica's child - got swept under the rug about halfway through, and only mentioned very briefly as an afterthought, with no space to ponder the consequences of this fact and the repercussions throughout the family's future. It just kind of petered out.
March 6, 2023
Based on a true story this stunningly beautifully written book is a must read for any Australian x
October 14, 2021
The story of Jessica Bergman is set in the countryside of Australia around 1910. She grows up helping her father, Joe and learning the life in the rural area, a very harsh one, encompassed by drought, lack of money and the constant danger of poisonous snakes. That is not the fate of Jessica's sister, though, Meg. She is her mother's preferred child and is spared to be a lady and marry a rich guy. She is also more beautiful and educated than Jessica. She learns the housework rather. For the need of money Joe and Jessica get a job at the richest family in the village during the shearing season. Jessica, who is better than a boy at the job, happens to work together with the 2 rich boys that Meg has always been after, Jack and Billy. They become good friends silently and Jessica wins their heart with her simplicity and friendship. Without realizing she is also stealing Jack's heart and will cause havoc at home ruining her sister's (and mother's) plan. It is to defend her from other boys that worked in the shearing shed that Billy challenges them to a fight. He is strong but is caught by surprise and an accident happens with Jack's horse stepping on his head. He will not die, but he will lose his mind for good and will be abused by his own sisters and mother, spoilt brats in the rich house. One day Billy, now called Billy Simple for his condition will take revenge and kill the mother and the 2 sisters. His escape leads him to Jessica's house. She learns from him what happened and helps him escape the lynch from a mob, delivering him to the magistrate in Narrandera. She almost dies in the attempt and is Jack ahead of the mob that takes care of her for a couple of days. Billy will be sentenced to death but Jessica wins both the admiration and the suspect of having more than a friendship with Billy, especially when she finds to be pregnant some months later. She is banished and gossip that she is mad spread by her sister and mom. Meg meanwhile tries to trap Jack by making love to him and forcing him to marry her, pretending to be pregnant. As Jack is leaving to the war in Europe he does marry Meg but promises his heart to Jessica. Meg tries to fake a miscarriage in front of the Church old organist unaware of a letter from Jack's uncle specifying the conditions of the wedding. They end up having to kill the witness as the plan does not work and Meg goes on with the fake pregnancy. Jessica meanwhile has been banished from the house and will deliver her baby alone. The same day, Joe dies and in the funeral, Jessica's baby is said to be Meg's and due to her aggressive reaction, she is sent to a mental institution.
Well, here the book takes a turn. Did the author not know how to continue and how to close up the drama? Jessica will meet some new people, a Jewish who will help her and also contact Billy's case lawyer to help her get part of the benefits that Meg stole through Jack's marriage. Jack died in the war. After 4 years in the mental institution, she is freed and goes back to the old home, happens to burn it down and moves to the hat by the creek where she delivered the baby. There what unfolds is a tale of help to the Aboriginal woman Mary Simpson who wants her kids back through some court cases. I found this development very odd. It seemed like the author did not have the inspiration to continue the original story, or...what? It is odd that the author sort of writes the first half of the book in a soap opera fashion, then abandons the style altogether and makes the book become a sort of court case story of Aboriginal (who, by the way, was not linked at all with the first half of the book), then closes it with a link to the romantic section: In the last page, Jessica simply dies by a snake bite and we got to know that her son was Jack's. The author spent so much time building Jessica's strong character and she never even went to her mother and sister to get a go at them. The second half of the book departs from the previous. When the fake miscarriage happens, the chapter ends with "because of this, xxxx will happen for the next 50 years to come"... but that isn't what the book will tell. It looks like two different books in one. I would not recommend it.
Well, here the book takes a turn. Did the author not know how to continue and how to close up the drama? Jessica will meet some new people, a Jewish who will help her and also contact Billy's case lawyer to help her get part of the benefits that Meg stole through Jack's marriage. Jack died in the war. After 4 years in the mental institution, she is freed and goes back to the old home, happens to burn it down and moves to the hat by the creek where she delivered the baby. There what unfolds is a tale of help to the Aboriginal woman Mary Simpson who wants her kids back through some court cases. I found this development very odd. It seemed like the author did not have the inspiration to continue the original story, or...what? It is odd that the author sort of writes the first half of the book in a soap opera fashion, then abandons the style altogether and makes the book become a sort of court case story of Aboriginal (who, by the way, was not linked at all with the first half of the book), then closes it with a link to the romantic section: In the last page, Jessica simply dies by a snake bite and we got to know that her son was Jack's. The author spent so much time building Jessica's strong character and she never even went to her mother and sister to get a go at them. The second half of the book departs from the previous. When the fake miscarriage happens, the chapter ends with "because of this, xxxx will happen for the next 50 years to come"... but that isn't what the book will tell. It looks like two different books in one. I would not recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2013
Humphrey Bower is the primary reason I started listening Bryce Courtenay's books. His narration is so good, that he makes the characters come to life. I finished this book two days ago, and it still haunts me. Poor Jessica, yet she was a selfless character who took care of those in need. Her mother, Hesther...how I loathed that woman! She put the "W" in wicked. A mother could really be that heartless, and greedy, and conniving? Apparently so, if one is to believe this story is based on a true story. I can't find out who the real character is, though I tried. I'm not one to write reviews that includes a summary of the story. It's already there, when you read what the book is about. What I will say is that I'm usually not a fan of books with court trials. In this book, I felt the trials weren't long suffering. Jessica gave Billy Simple what little dignity he had left. For the second trial, to read about the plight of the Aborigine children who were taken from their families is heart-breaking. I thought that the trial was well-written, and I found myself smiling at how foolish the government was made to look.
The ending is heart-breaking. I was so sad, and yet I was dying to know who the father of Jessica's child was. I wish that Jessica's mom and sister had a demise of sorts, but that was left hanging... I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I did White Thorn. This one, though, left me grieving for Jessica's sad life, and I needed to take a few days off before jumping into my next book. I'm a serial book reader, for sure. Well, an audible book listener, is more what I should say. Great story.
The ending is heart-breaking. I was so sad, and yet I was dying to know who the father of Jessica's child was. I wish that Jessica's mom and sister had a demise of sorts, but that was left hanging... I thoroughly enjoyed this story as I did White Thorn. This one, though, left me grieving for Jessica's sad life, and I needed to take a few days off before jumping into my next book. I'm a serial book reader, for sure. Well, an audible book listener, is more what I should say. Great story.
August 6, 2022
So much love for this amazingly compelling story set in Rural Australia in the harshest of years going through The Great Depression and War. Jessicas strength enduring her manipulative and conniving mother and sister truly is uplifting, and so emotionally engaging. I have never felt so much for one character and what she had to go through in her life. And to have kept the secret of the father of her child until her last moments.
Quite possibly the longest book Ive read but was not disappointed. And to hear it was based on actual events, just wow! A must read.
Quite possibly the longest book Ive read but was not disappointed. And to hear it was based on actual events, just wow! A must read.
January 22, 2017
I have loved some of Courtenay's work (The Power of One, and Brother Fish) and I have been ambivalent about some of his work (Fishing for Stars). But this was one of the most depressing books I have ever read. It's so many pages of life just getting worse and worse. The poor protagonist gets beaten down time after time and things keep getting worse, and you hope, "hey, there must be some redemption eventually, this book's darn long enough." But no. Things get worse. Then she dies. It was awful. Now I don't mind sad endings, or challenging reads, dealing with hard material, but this book takes the cake for the relentless abuse of character and reader without any light at the end of the tunnel. I would not recommend this.
I hoped that would be the end of it.
ALAS, not so long ago, a friend of mine texted me this:
"So I am reading 'Jessica' because you said it might be worth a read." I most certainly did not, but that aside, he went on saying "I need to know, does it have a happy ending? I'm going to quit if it doesn't have a happy ending. *feeling super angry*" And with those words, it all came flooding back to me. The powerless anger of seeing Jessica mercilessly abused and hoping and hoping things would turn around for her. I know life doesn't always have happy endings, but it is painful to see only the dark side. Needless to say I disabused him of the idea of there ever being a happy ending and that I had ever encouraged a single reader to undertake the dark and fruitless journey that is the reading of Jessica. Stick to pretty much ANYTHING else Courtenay has read. But not Jessica. Never Jessica.
I hoped that would be the end of it.
ALAS, not so long ago, a friend of mine texted me this:
"So I am reading 'Jessica' because you said it might be worth a read." I most certainly did not, but that aside, he went on saying "I need to know, does it have a happy ending? I'm going to quit if it doesn't have a happy ending. *feeling super angry*" And with those words, it all came flooding back to me. The powerless anger of seeing Jessica mercilessly abused and hoping and hoping things would turn around for her. I know life doesn't always have happy endings, but it is painful to see only the dark side. Needless to say I disabused him of the idea of there ever being a happy ending and that I had ever encouraged a single reader to undertake the dark and fruitless journey that is the reading of Jessica. Stick to pretty much ANYTHING else Courtenay has read. But not Jessica. Never Jessica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2013
I'm sorry to say that I haven't enjoyed this book as much as I expected.
Comparisons are usually worthless, but I can't help but think of Courtenay's former novel, "The Power of One" and find that "Jessica" lacked originality and spirit.
Whereas I loved Peekay and Doc and the way the story flowed, with its easy prose, written almost like a fairy tale, with strong conviction and hope; I wasn't drawn to Jessica or her problems. I thought she was a grown up woman when she has to deal with the sneaky ways of her family (it was hard to believe that a mother could be that evil) and I believe her supposed stubbornness to protect Jack is what mostly brought her to such a desolate destiny. Didn't feel sorry for Jack neither, who finally betrays her without a blink.
And then, after all this unearned hardship, she has to earn the reader's respect in the last part of the book, where she fights for the rights of the Aborigines while helping black Mary Sympson to get her children back, although I have to admit that I was shocked by the end of the story and a bit shaken while reading the last pages.
All in all, I found the novel a cheap copy of "The Power of One", the same topics are discussed: the unfairness of life, strong characters who fight for justice, racism (there's also some Jew characters who play an important role at the end of the novel), human rights and war. All theses issues are discussed in the book, which is fine, but not great if you have had the pleasure of reading his masterpiece before.
It has to be really difficult to write something that good and then be able to create something better.
Comparisons are usually worthless, but I can't help but think of Courtenay's former novel, "The Power of One" and find that "Jessica" lacked originality and spirit.
Whereas I loved Peekay and Doc and the way the story flowed, with its easy prose, written almost like a fairy tale, with strong conviction and hope; I wasn't drawn to Jessica or her problems. I thought she was a grown up woman when she has to deal with the sneaky ways of her family (it was hard to believe that a mother could be that evil) and I believe her supposed stubbornness to protect Jack is what mostly brought her to such a desolate destiny. Didn't feel sorry for Jack neither, who finally betrays her without a blink.
And then, after all this unearned hardship, she has to earn the reader's respect in the last part of the book, where she fights for the rights of the Aborigines while helping black Mary Sympson to get her children back, although I have to admit that I was shocked by the end of the story and a bit shaken while reading the last pages.
All in all, I found the novel a cheap copy of "The Power of One", the same topics are discussed: the unfairness of life, strong characters who fight for justice, racism (there's also some Jew characters who play an important role at the end of the novel), human rights and war. All theses issues are discussed in the book, which is fine, but not great if you have had the pleasure of reading his masterpiece before.
It has to be really difficult to write something that good and then be able to create something better.
May 12, 2012
Jessica is ‘A striking and … moving story’ the Age extract on the cover announces, and it is. Moreover, I found in this work the character remarkably real, the Australian land she lives in powerfully described and very satisfying. This strong young woman comes to life vividly without the aid of contrived mannerisms Courtenay had used in earlier books for his central characters.
Her life is hard and yet she is likable and loving, thoughtful and caring, isolated but not alone. She copes with her fathers’ silent love and her mother and sisters rejection of her existence when she is pronounced guilty of committing an unpardonable sin. Ultimately Jessica is sinned against, in a far more vile way, by her own family as they use her dilemma to their own advantage.
Rather than finding the ending tragic, and yes I did weep, I found it uplifting. The plot is triumph over adversity, a beautiful young woman who quietly achieves a great deal in a short time affecting many people while being giving of herself along the way.
I have to add, this is one of the few Courtney books I have enjoyed, many others have disappointed me with tragic with endings involving horrible deaths.
Her life is hard and yet she is likable and loving, thoughtful and caring, isolated but not alone. She copes with her fathers’ silent love and her mother and sisters rejection of her existence when she is pronounced guilty of committing an unpardonable sin. Ultimately Jessica is sinned against, in a far more vile way, by her own family as they use her dilemma to their own advantage.
Rather than finding the ending tragic, and yes I did weep, I found it uplifting. The plot is triumph over adversity, a beautiful young woman who quietly achieves a great deal in a short time affecting many people while being giving of herself along the way.
I have to add, this is one of the few Courtney books I have enjoyed, many others have disappointed me with tragic with endings involving horrible deaths.
November 5, 2013
I read this book because my friend highly recommended it as one of her favourite books of all time. Unfortunately I do not share that sentiment. I was utterly disappointed. I kept waiting for the story to get better but it was so utterly depressing. The way Jessica was treated by her family was disgusting and just left me feeling disgusted most of the book. It also frustrated the hell out of me that I didn't know who the father of her child was until the end... I felt this was the only way the author had to keep the reader interested to finish the book. As it was written from her perspective I think it was stupid that she didn't share who the father was when it happened. Just a tragic story and I'm not sure why it was so fantastic that it had to be shared? It's not like she triumphed and lived an amazing life after all the tragedy... she just died. I would not recommend this unless someone wants to read a very depressing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
I was enraged at the sadness & injustice in this novel. I was disturbed by the graphic imagery & in disbelief at the elaborate drama that just kept on going and going. However I was glued to this book and completely enthralled by the characters & storyline. This is one of the best books I've ever read.
June 27, 2019
The storyline is interesting but honestly, just get to the point!
February 21, 2025
Ok I want to start out by saying this book was gifted during a Christmas book exchange between friends and I was given the forewarning that this book has an old writing style. Seeing as this book was written in the late 90's I could definitely see the style differences but I put that aside. I also think it helped being an Australian and understanding most of the unusual words and pronunciation's of words or phrases (and I say most because there were still some references that didn't make sense).
This book really presents some interesting challenges throughout the story and being my first historical fiction that I've read, although based on a true story, I was really intrigued by what was happening. I definitely think the fact that there is some topics that I can relate back to history as I know it made it a lot easier for me to connect with the book.
I think if you can get past the unusual writing style and some out dated terminology then it's definitely worth a read.
This book really presents some interesting challenges throughout the story and being my first historical fiction that I've read, although based on a true story, I was really intrigued by what was happening. I definitely think the fact that there is some topics that I can relate back to history as I know it made it a lot easier for me to connect with the book.
I think if you can get past the unusual writing style and some out dated terminology then it's definitely worth a read.
May 12, 2020
This is a story that will linger. It will stay with you for a while.
Jessica is based on a true story of a hardworking tomboy growing up in the bush, helping her father tend to the farm. The second born girl when the family really needed a boy.
Bryce Courtenay, as always, writes beautifully, depicting the harsh landscape of the Australian bush and life early in the 20th century in vivid detail. The characters are so well developed I can still picture them all in my head.
I think the description on #goodreads sums it up perfectly; “this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality”.
Jessica is based on a true story of a hardworking tomboy growing up in the bush, helping her father tend to the farm. The second born girl when the family really needed a boy.
Bryce Courtenay, as always, writes beautifully, depicting the harsh landscape of the Australian bush and life early in the 20th century in vivid detail. The characters are so well developed I can still picture them all in my head.
I think the description on #goodreads sums it up perfectly; “this novel is heartbreaking in its innocence, and shattering in its brutality”.
September 15, 2025
A heartbreaking story, inspired by the true story of young girl's fight for justice against tremendous odds.
Read
December 30, 2012Jessica, by Bryce Courtenay, Narrated by Humphrey Bower, Produced by Bolinda Audio, Downloaded from audible.com.
I love Courtenay’s vast sweeping epics about Australia, and no one narrates them better than Humphrey Bower. This one is about Jessica, a girl who was raised almost as a boy because her father had no sons. She preferred being outdoors to learning the charm school virtues of feminity in the early 1900’s. She grew up to be her father’s right-hand “man” and only with her help was he able to farm and keep enough income to keep the family goin. She was in love with the neighbor boy, Jack, Thomas, the son of the richest sheep station owner in the region, and Jack was in love with her. But her mother and sister planned from early childhood that Jack should marry her sister, Meg, and Meg would be the lady of River Station. Meg and their mother tricked him into marrying Meg by saying Meg was pregnant. Then Meg, who was not pregnant, stole Jessica’s baby when he was born and raised it as hers and Jack’s. Jessica was an outcast from her family and from the community because she dressed like a man, raised animals and farmed like her father, was independent, and, most of all, because her friends and neighbors were the aboriginal people, whom she helped and defended at every possible moment. This is a book about the time from the end of the 19th century to about 1929. As with Courtenay’s other epics, I was sorry to see it end.
I love Courtenay’s vast sweeping epics about Australia, and no one narrates them better than Humphrey Bower. This one is about Jessica, a girl who was raised almost as a boy because her father had no sons. She preferred being outdoors to learning the charm school virtues of feminity in the early 1900’s. She grew up to be her father’s right-hand “man” and only with her help was he able to farm and keep enough income to keep the family goin. She was in love with the neighbor boy, Jack, Thomas, the son of the richest sheep station owner in the region, and Jack was in love with her. But her mother and sister planned from early childhood that Jack should marry her sister, Meg, and Meg would be the lady of River Station. Meg and their mother tricked him into marrying Meg by saying Meg was pregnant. Then Meg, who was not pregnant, stole Jessica’s baby when he was born and raised it as hers and Jack’s. Jessica was an outcast from her family and from the community because she dressed like a man, raised animals and farmed like her father, was independent, and, most of all, because her friends and neighbors were the aboriginal people, whom she helped and defended at every possible moment. This is a book about the time from the end of the 19th century to about 1929. As with Courtenay’s other epics, I was sorry to see it end.
December 27, 2011
My god, it has been ages since i read this book but I still carry the scars. I don't think I have ever cried so much during a book. Okay maybe a few times, i am a bit of a cry baby. However, this book wassad because nothing ever got fixed and then she dies. It screamed of injustices, come on how much can a person go through before she just gives up! It has stayed with me because of the unfairness dealt to Jessica, why? I wanted to and did scream this at the book on many occasions. Alot happens in this book,it stirs up feelings and opinions about many topics, the stolen generation in australia for one. Even though this book was sad I did read and enjoy it, but if you like a happily ever after you are not going to get it from the tale.
October 8, 2022
Jessica is a fair dinkum story about a broad called Jessie who isn’t afraid to do some hard yakka to support her family which was viewed us unladylike back in the day. The town that is set in Woop Woop, view Jessie as being a stubbie short of a six pack because she would rather be out in the bush giving her Dad a hand rather then cooking up some chow with her Mum and sister Meg. Jessie isn’t viewed as a stunner or a beauty compared to her sister Meg but she’s a good ripper in the yard and just as good as any bloke where she makes mates and a few buggers that influence her journey from being an ankle biter to a real top shiela
Jessica is all about survival in the Aussie outback when faced with no fair crack of the whip with heartbreak, betrayal and a fight for justice
July 26, 2010
A fascinating account of two women’s (mother and daughter) determination to gain wealth, and respectability at any cost. Lies, forgery, murder, abduction and a fake pregnancy all conspire to rob their daughter, and sister of her child. But Jessie, their victim is a fighter. With an assortment of oddball friends and social outcasts, she fights back, not just against her own sister and mother, but against a government policy that tries to breed black out of its indigenous peoples.
Set against the baron squalor, and racial prejudice of the Australian outback before, during, and post world war one ‘Jessica’ is based on real events. A must read.
Set against the baron squalor, and racial prejudice of the Australian outback before, during, and post world war one ‘Jessica’ is based on real events. A must read.
August 4, 2022
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The first half had me hooked, and then it became Marys story, not Jessica’s. There was no more Billy, Jack, Joe, Hester or Meg. It was Mary and the girls. And whilst this was interesting and heartbreaking to read, it completely steered away from what the first half of the book was about, all for the main story line to have the ends tied together again in the last few pages. A great insight into our country in the early days but ended in a frustrating read for me.
November 14, 2022
So disappointed with this book. I did not find a reason for keeping her secret? Who did she promise? There was never an explanation and I thought it made the whole story weak. Then the story line was abandoned and an after thought in the second half. I am very surprised at all of the positive reviews.
June 28, 2024
5-Word Review:
Bleak, heartbreaking, inspirational, tragic, tearjerker
Memorable Quotes
Bleak, heartbreaking, inspirational, tragic, tearjerker
Memorable Quotes
"This is country to make hard men whimper and bite their knuckles in their sleep."
"This is a place to break your heart and leave no sentiment to alleviate a life of bitterness and struggle. Three hundred days a year a hard-faced sky mocks any hope of rain and every miserable dog’s day dawn is much the same as the one before it. Monotony and stoicism are constant companions, imagination a bad habit to be quickly stamped out of young children so that they may be made useful and compliant. It is here where, at dusk, the snakes dance on the banks of the Murrumbidgee."
"Yes, Jessica knows her old man, all right. He can be a real stubborn bugger with a bad temper, but as for dog-eat-dog, Joe never ate another dog in his life."
‘I saw it in the Boer War, bullshit baffles brains every time when it comes to joining up and wearing a uniform with brass buttons and a cockade of chook’s feathers in your flamin’ bush hat!’"
"Jessica has never wanted to be a man – she just doesn’t want to have to act stupid, to be less than she is."
"She’s still a girl and therefore she must publicly cop their scorn and privately feed their fantasies."
"... in their minds acting stupid is part of being smart if you’re a female."
"‘Being poor is like the drought: when the rains come and the paddocks are up to a sheep’s belly in green grass, remember that the mud is only wet dust waiting to dry out."
"The Jack Thomas who has always accepted her as an equal, as a mate – yet loved her as a woman, too shy to show the tenderness she could see in his eyes when he looked at her. That is the Jack, the Jack who called her Tea Leaf, whom they could never take away from her. This is the Jack she would wait for until the end of her life."
"But Moishe didn’t see things in quite the same way. He held that most of what we believed in was wrong. That the world could be a better place without so many fixed ideas, that humans were like sheep allowing themselves to be led by the dog who barks the loudest and bites the hardest."
"Language is the very soul of a culture. A people’s collective imagination, their myths and stories, their place on earth, their continuity, that thing which gives them a soul and makes them different and wonderful, comes from their language."
"Your Honour, how strong yet fragile is the human condition. We can take starvation and hardship and all manner of physical pain and we may still recover, but if it is done to our heads and our hearts, that cannot be repaired. If we are loved we can endure. If we are hated we will soon perish in spirit. It is when we are young that the love will nourish and the hate will most effectively destroy."
"A child is not a half-caste, or a quadroon or an octoroon, or white or black, it is a small heart that can be made to trust and love or one that can be made to beat in terror and fear. Colour or breed or race doesn’t change this. We do. We control this love or we create the fear."
"As long as history shall prevail, the love of a mother for her child cannot be replaced by an institution which will give the child a full belly and an empty heart."
“Mary, you can’t give more love than they’ve already got.”’ Sudden tears well in Mary’s eyes as she remembers. ‘He was right, Jessie. Whitefella love is the same as blackfella love. Me kids were loved, that’s all a mother can ask for."
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