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The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing
Each of us has a place to return to in our minds, a place of clarity and peace, a place to think, to create, to dream. For Bryce Courtenay this place was a waterhole in Africa where he used to escape to as a boy, in search of solitude. One evening, while lingering there, he witnessed the tallest of the great beasts drinking from the waterhole in the moonlight, and was spellbound. Ever since, he drew inspiration from this moment.
The Silver Moon gathers together some of the most personal and sustaining life-lessons from Australia's favourite storyteller. In short stories and insights, many written in his final months, Bryce reflects on living and dying, and how through determination, respect for others and taking pleasure in small moments of joy, he lived life to the fullest.
From practical advice on how to write a bestseller to general inspiration on how to realise your dreams, The Silver Moon celebrates Bryce Courtenay's lifelong passion for storytelling, language and the creative process, and brings us closer to the man behind the bestsellers.
The Silver Moon gathers together some of the most personal and sustaining life-lessons from Australia's favourite storyteller. In short stories and insights, many written in his final months, Bryce reflects on living and dying, and how through determination, respect for others and taking pleasure in small moments of joy, he lived life to the fullest.
From practical advice on how to write a bestseller to general inspiration on how to realise your dreams, The Silver Moon celebrates Bryce Courtenay's lifelong passion for storytelling, language and the creative process, and brings us closer to the man behind the bestsellers.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2014
17 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Courtenay
59 books2,317 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 55 reviews
September 13, 2020
5★
“Storytellers are the keepers – we are the timekeepers, the continuity keepers. We are the people who tell us who we are, where we’ve come from, and maybe even where we’re going.”
Bryce Courtenay referred to himself as a storyteller and once said, “The accusation that I am a popular writer is one that I cherish enormously because the opposite is an unpopular writer.”
This small book is a beautifully presented collection of thoughts, musings, memories, and snippets from talks and interviews he’s given over the years. (It’s a perfect gift!)
He introduces us to his origins as the illegitimate child of a young single mum in a small town in South Africa. His youth was miserable, spent in an orphanage-reform school where he was bullied and ill-treated because he talked funny and wasn’t circumcised. It was horrendous.
“I was beaten up every day until one day I said, ‘Ach man, I’ll tell you a story if you stop.’ Then I threatened not to tell them the next episode if I got beaten up again.”
He discovered books. “Being a curious kid, I looked into the packing case and saw it was full of books – books written in English. Now this was Boer country where you weren’t allowed to speak English, but on top I saw the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Bound in Morocco leather was a book with gold-edged pages, and it had a bit of filigree on it. It was the only thing I’ve ever stolen in my life.”
In 1996, he said, “Reading became my life, my absolute life. It got me a scholarship to a posh school; it got me a scholarship to an overseas university; it got me into life . . . it did it all for me.”
And fortunately for fans the world over, reading led to storytelling through writing The Power of One and a host of other “popular” books.
“In the end, if someone says, 'Here lies Bryce Courtenay, a storyteller', my life will have been worthwhile.”
There is no doubt he was born a storyteller and died a storyteller. If you are a fan, you must add this to your collection. And, of course, you MUST give it to other fans. :)
“Storytellers are the keepers – we are the timekeepers, the continuity keepers. We are the people who tell us who we are, where we’ve come from, and maybe even where we’re going.”
Bryce Courtenay referred to himself as a storyteller and once said, “The accusation that I am a popular writer is one that I cherish enormously because the opposite is an unpopular writer.”
This small book is a beautifully presented collection of thoughts, musings, memories, and snippets from talks and interviews he’s given over the years. (It’s a perfect gift!)
He introduces us to his origins as the illegitimate child of a young single mum in a small town in South Africa. His youth was miserable, spent in an orphanage-reform school where he was bullied and ill-treated because he talked funny and wasn’t circumcised. It was horrendous.
“I was beaten up every day until one day I said, ‘Ach man, I’ll tell you a story if you stop.’ Then I threatened not to tell them the next episode if I got beaten up again.”
He discovered books. “Being a curious kid, I looked into the packing case and saw it was full of books – books written in English. Now this was Boer country where you weren’t allowed to speak English, but on top I saw the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Bound in Morocco leather was a book with gold-edged pages, and it had a bit of filigree on it. It was the only thing I’ve ever stolen in my life.”
In 1996, he said, “Reading became my life, my absolute life. It got me a scholarship to a posh school; it got me a scholarship to an overseas university; it got me into life . . . it did it all for me.”
And fortunately for fans the world over, reading led to storytelling through writing The Power of One and a host of other “popular” books.
“In the end, if someone says, 'Here lies Bryce Courtenay, a storyteller', my life will have been worthwhile.”
There is no doubt he was born a storyteller and died a storyteller. If you are a fan, you must add this to your collection. And, of course, you MUST give it to other fans. :)
October 29, 2014
This is a must read book. TIMMY: THE DOG OF DOGS made my eyes water. I AM A WRITER, THE FOURTH PROTAGONIST, CHARACTER IS PLOT and BUM GLUE brought back fond memories for me as I was fortunate to be a student in Bryce's final masterclass. The last part of the book AND GOD CREATED A FLOWER AND NAMED IT AFTER THE SUN touched my heart. It is beautifully written and reaches out to the reader. Like Bryce I love Sunflowers. Please take the time to read The Silver Moon.
October 18, 2014
My View:
This book is simply delightful, inspiring and a joy to read.
I have read a few of Bryce Courtenay’s novels over the years – he has written many, in fact 21 books over 23 year which is a pretty amazing record and for me my favourites have been The Power Of One and April Fool’s Day – books that I feel Courtenay had really invested himself in the narrative, but that was until now. After reading The Silver Moon I have fallen in love with this author all over again.
I love his gentle words, his poetic writing, and his inspiring reflections. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet this author before his death in 2012. I wish I’d had the opportunity to hear him speak- his words speak to the soul and we can all learn a lot from this simple unassuming book. Bryce Courtenay is, in his own words “…a character driven novelist and I’m fascinated by the human persona and the travails and troubles and angst and adventures that we human beings manage to create for ourselves…I’m driven to tell stories. Stories absolutely fascinate me, and while writing is a hard process, I can’t conceive of not doing it. It is a compulsive and impulsive thing.” (p. 90, The Mercury, Dec 1997).
This book is simply delightful, inspiring and a joy to read.
I have read a few of Bryce Courtenay’s novels over the years – he has written many, in fact 21 books over 23 year which is a pretty amazing record and for me my favourites have been The Power Of One and April Fool’s Day – books that I feel Courtenay had really invested himself in the narrative, but that was until now. After reading The Silver Moon I have fallen in love with this author all over again.
I love his gentle words, his poetic writing, and his inspiring reflections. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet this author before his death in 2012. I wish I’d had the opportunity to hear him speak- his words speak to the soul and we can all learn a lot from this simple unassuming book. Bryce Courtenay is, in his own words “…a character driven novelist and I’m fascinated by the human persona and the travails and troubles and angst and adventures that we human beings manage to create for ourselves…I’m driven to tell stories. Stories absolutely fascinate me, and while writing is a hard process, I can’t conceive of not doing it. It is a compulsive and impulsive thing.” (p. 90, The Mercury, Dec 1997).
July 28, 2016
Part memoir, part essays, part writing instruction, this book is a potpourri of thoughts expressed by an author whom I greatly admire. While the book seemed rather disjointed, I still appreciated learning his thoughts on nature, animals, music, writing and death. I so firmly agree with him that a person reading a book is in his words a "fourth character". Reading comprehension experts call this a reader's ability to "interact with text" and state how important it is for the reader to be engaged, predict, ask questions, etc. Courtenay was aptly aware of the importance of this in his writing. His advice to potential novelists was excellent. He seemed to face death head-on and his reflections were sincere. I was somewhat surprised on the major importance he placed on gardening and watching things grow, but then he did express a deep love for nature and animals, etc. Indeed, I consider him to be a storyteller of the finest rank. His book The Power of One remains one of my favorites. If you are new to Courtenay, start with his novels or April Fool's Day.
November 17, 2023
A lovely short read. Part memoir, partly reflections on life, along with tips on how to become a good writer. I enjoyed reading it.
February 9, 2015
I have never read a Bryce Courtenay book but when I was given this one for Christmas I found myself delightfully surprised at the voice that awaited me inside. This book is full of reflections from Bryce's life, and his thoughts on writing, all very insightful and beautifully written. It was nice having quotes scattered throughout the book and the little illustrations gave a fiction flavour to the tales. My one criticism is I wish they had put more meatier sections in. It felt like the publisher had thrown a ton of quotes in because they needed to use up pages to fill the book out. I've also previously read a similar style book for an author called Diana Wynne Jones which was a massively thick book full of old speeches she'd given, articles she'd written and interviews she'd done. It was almost a collection of all of the correspondence she'd had with the world and I feel this book fell short of the bar that book has set for me. But still, a quick, easy and delightful read from what appears to be a master storyteller.
December 12, 2016
Bryce Courtenay was Australia’s most prolific and best-selling author for over twenty years; sold ten million books in Australia, and millions more around the world in eighteen languages. The 20 page chapter How to Write a Work of Popular Fiction is based on Courtenay’s Master class for writers, which he taught annually. Every word is precious. Apart from the stellar contents, the book is beautifully produced, with attractive line drawings, on gloss paper stock. Highly recommended In fact, I plan to buy my own copy.
September 21, 2024
Book Review 27 (2024) - 5/5 - 'The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing', Bryce Courtenay - Non-Fiction - Writing/Biography
I was sad to learn of Bryce Courtenay’s passing in 2012. His books were a constant presence in my life at my first job in high school; I worked at Big W, and his latest releases would always be played on the store radio. Hearing those quotes from his novels always felt like a moment of reflection amidst the everyday hustle, and it's a memory that’s stayed with me. So, picking up The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing was both nostalgic and bittersweet—a final offering from a storyteller who had such a unique impact on readers like me.
Bryce Courtenay’s The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing is a deeply personal, candid collection that invites readers into his world as he faces terminal illness. For those familiar with Courtenay’s prolific career, this book is a departure from the sweeping narratives like the timeless Power of One he’s known for—yet it’s also an incredible insight into the mind of a man who lived and breathed storytelling. It feels less like a final chapter and more like a powerful epilogue to a life well-lived for his 79 years on the planet.
What immediately struck me about The Silver Moon is its rawness. Courtenay doesn't hold back or shield the reader from the realities of aging, illness, or the inevitability of death. Instead, he embraces them with the same honesty and grit that he brought to his fictional worlds. And this, I think, is where the book shines. It isn’t just about writing—it’s about facing the most human experiences head-on, with dignity and, at times, defiance.
As a father of two young boys and someone who thinks often about legacy and memento mori (a lot), I couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to his reflections. Courtenay’s words, especially when he talks about leaving behind something meaningful for the next generation, resonate on a level that transcends writing. It’s about impact—how we use our time, the stories we tell, and the footprints we leave. In one poignant passage, Courtenay writes, “I’ve always wanted to write a book that would make a difference, even if that difference was small.” That single line sums up what many of us strive for—whether it’s through writing, through business, or in our personal lives. We want to leave something that matters.
There’s also a vulnerability in his reflections on creativity and mortality that I found deeply inspiring. He admits to struggling with the limitations that illness has placed on his ability to write, but rather than succumbing to despair, Courtenay uses it as an opportunity for reflection. His views on writing—how it evolves with the writer, how it serves as both a gift and a burden—remind me of the continuous effort we all make in perfecting our craft. As I'm about to publish my first book 'The Laws of LinkedIn', I can definitely resonate with Courtenay as he acknowledges that the process itself is the reward.
One of the most profound elements of the book is his reflections on life’s impermanence. While Courtenay’s career was marked by massive commercial success, The Silver Moon is a reminder that none of that is permanent. Fame, fortune, even health—they all fade. What remains is the love we give, the lives we touch, and, for Courtenay, the stories we tell. As someone who values Stoicism (which I admit I found rather late in my life so far), I found this part of the book particularly moving. Like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Courtenay speaks to the heart of Stoic philosophy—accepting death as a part of life and using it as motivation to live fully and authentically.
Bryce Courtenay’s final work is a tribute not only to the craft of writing but to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a book that challenges you to think about what you’re leaving behind, but more importantly, how you’re living now. For anyone who’s wrestled with questions of purpose, legacy, or mortality, The Silver Moon offers both comfort and challenge. I feel that having children jumpstarts this innate feeling within all of us.
In the end, Courtenay’s reflections reaffirm what I believe: our legacy isn’t just in what we do, but in how we do it—in the relationships we nurture, the values we pass on, and the stories we share. This book is a testament to that.
Happy Reading!
CPH
By the way. Subscribe now to my Newsletter ‘Read, Rated, Reviewed’ 📚
📖 https://www.linkedin.com/build-relati...
#Books #BryceCourtenay
I was sad to learn of Bryce Courtenay’s passing in 2012. His books were a constant presence in my life at my first job in high school; I worked at Big W, and his latest releases would always be played on the store radio. Hearing those quotes from his novels always felt like a moment of reflection amidst the everyday hustle, and it's a memory that’s stayed with me. So, picking up The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing was both nostalgic and bittersweet—a final offering from a storyteller who had such a unique impact on readers like me.
Bryce Courtenay’s The Silver Moon: Reflections on Life, Death and Writing is a deeply personal, candid collection that invites readers into his world as he faces terminal illness. For those familiar with Courtenay’s prolific career, this book is a departure from the sweeping narratives like the timeless Power of One he’s known for—yet it’s also an incredible insight into the mind of a man who lived and breathed storytelling. It feels less like a final chapter and more like a powerful epilogue to a life well-lived for his 79 years on the planet.
What immediately struck me about The Silver Moon is its rawness. Courtenay doesn't hold back or shield the reader from the realities of aging, illness, or the inevitability of death. Instead, he embraces them with the same honesty and grit that he brought to his fictional worlds. And this, I think, is where the book shines. It isn’t just about writing—it’s about facing the most human experiences head-on, with dignity and, at times, defiance.
As a father of two young boys and someone who thinks often about legacy and memento mori (a lot), I couldn’t help but feel a personal connection to his reflections. Courtenay’s words, especially when he talks about leaving behind something meaningful for the next generation, resonate on a level that transcends writing. It’s about impact—how we use our time, the stories we tell, and the footprints we leave. In one poignant passage, Courtenay writes, “I’ve always wanted to write a book that would make a difference, even if that difference was small.” That single line sums up what many of us strive for—whether it’s through writing, through business, or in our personal lives. We want to leave something that matters.
There’s also a vulnerability in his reflections on creativity and mortality that I found deeply inspiring. He admits to struggling with the limitations that illness has placed on his ability to write, but rather than succumbing to despair, Courtenay uses it as an opportunity for reflection. His views on writing—how it evolves with the writer, how it serves as both a gift and a burden—remind me of the continuous effort we all make in perfecting our craft. As I'm about to publish my first book 'The Laws of LinkedIn', I can definitely resonate with Courtenay as he acknowledges that the process itself is the reward.
One of the most profound elements of the book is his reflections on life’s impermanence. While Courtenay’s career was marked by massive commercial success, The Silver Moon is a reminder that none of that is permanent. Fame, fortune, even health—they all fade. What remains is the love we give, the lives we touch, and, for Courtenay, the stories we tell. As someone who values Stoicism (which I admit I found rather late in my life so far), I found this part of the book particularly moving. Like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Courtenay speaks to the heart of Stoic philosophy—accepting death as a part of life and using it as motivation to live fully and authentically.
Bryce Courtenay’s final work is a tribute not only to the craft of writing but to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a book that challenges you to think about what you’re leaving behind, but more importantly, how you’re living now. For anyone who’s wrestled with questions of purpose, legacy, or mortality, The Silver Moon offers both comfort and challenge. I feel that having children jumpstarts this innate feeling within all of us.
In the end, Courtenay’s reflections reaffirm what I believe: our legacy isn’t just in what we do, but in how we do it—in the relationships we nurture, the values we pass on, and the stories we share. This book is a testament to that.
Happy Reading!
CPH
By the way. Subscribe now to my Newsletter ‘Read, Rated, Reviewed’ 📚
📖 https://www.linkedin.com/build-relati...
#Books #BryceCourtenay
October 21, 2015
I was hooked on page 3, a mental sanctuary is a concept I've been long familiar with and used extensively in the past. So I immediately felt I'd come across a kindred spirit and was more than pleased to have a reminder, with Bryce's approach adding a human realism with the ethics of spirit or a higher conscious view of everyday events and their consequences.
Then each chapter adds a unique piece to the patchwork quilt of his life. Memories jump back and forth in time interspersed with useful basic but essential elements of writing, living and those simple little, yet wonderful things that can give meaning and solace if we but appreciate them all.
Then each chapter adds a unique piece to the patchwork quilt of his life. Memories jump back and forth in time interspersed with useful basic but essential elements of writing, living and those simple little, yet wonderful things that can give meaning and solace if we but appreciate them all.
February 3, 2017
A little gem full of wisdom on the themes of Life, Death and Writing.
I have always enjoyed Bryce Courtney's books, most of which I have read, but this insight into his life was fascinating. I did not realize what a difficult childhood he had experienced. I now appreciate his stories more, in view of the fact that he developed his imagination partly to compensate for the sad reality of his youth. I salute his courage and tenacity. It proves that a disadvantaged start is not necessarily the obstacle to a rewarding and exciting future. It also displays, what I have always believed, that one caring, committed teacher can change the life of a child.
I have always enjoyed Bryce Courtney's books, most of which I have read, but this insight into his life was fascinating. I did not realize what a difficult childhood he had experienced. I now appreciate his stories more, in view of the fact that he developed his imagination partly to compensate for the sad reality of his youth. I salute his courage and tenacity. It proves that a disadvantaged start is not necessarily the obstacle to a rewarding and exciting future. It also displays, what I have always believed, that one caring, committed teacher can change the life of a child.
November 26, 2023
My wife read this book, so when she finished, I decided to read it as it would only take a day or two at the most. Unfortunately, I found it very difficult to read, and after 5 or 6 pages I would have to stop.
I ended up finishing it, and I can see the value in it for some people, especially anyone who considers themselves a writer. I do not consider myself one so the best value I got out of the book, was a couple of chuckles here and there, and I found a cure for when I am suffering insomnia.
Normally I would be critical of somebody writing in such a self-indulgent way, however with his life imminently coming to an end, I grant he had the right to do so.
Every one of his books that I have read I have truly enjoyed, so I acknowledge his excellent skills in his craft, it is just this book was not for me. We all have different tastes so don't take that opinion, as denigrating the book for others, it is simply what it is, it wasn't for me. But I still give it 3 stars, as I know it is me, not the book that didn't like it, so I don't want to ruin this for others who may enjoy and get value out of it.
I ended up finishing it, and I can see the value in it for some people, especially anyone who considers themselves a writer. I do not consider myself one so the best value I got out of the book, was a couple of chuckles here and there, and I found a cure for when I am suffering insomnia.
Normally I would be critical of somebody writing in such a self-indulgent way, however with his life imminently coming to an end, I grant he had the right to do so.
Every one of his books that I have read I have truly enjoyed, so I acknowledge his excellent skills in his craft, it is just this book was not for me. We all have different tastes so don't take that opinion, as denigrating the book for others, it is simply what it is, it wasn't for me. But I still give it 3 stars, as I know it is me, not the book that didn't like it, so I don't want to ruin this for others who may enjoy and get value out of it.
January 29, 2020
What a wonderful little book, full of lovely quotes and thoughts of Bryce Courtenay as his time on earth came to a close. There are some truly thought provoking ideas and suggestions. I read it through once and then started again at a more leisurely pace, copying some of the words into my journal. I recommend it, especially if you're a work with words.
October 27, 2019
This book was just okay, it didn't impress or move me in any way, and I was surprised that considering that Bryce Courtney was a creative writing instructor, he got the whole 'point of view' aspect of writing completely wrong.
July 21, 2020
A pretty enough book on writing, a lot memoir.
I like Courtenay's books, although I refuse to re-read them, because whilst they're fascinating ones like Jessica also make me cry prolifically.
This is slightly a writing guide, mostly scraps of autobiography, and an easy read.
I like Courtenay's books, although I refuse to re-read them, because whilst they're fascinating ones like Jessica also make me cry prolifically.
This is slightly a writing guide, mostly scraps of autobiography, and an easy read.
February 28, 2023
21 books in 23 years all completed after his 56th birthday.
“I believe in magic. Magic and imagination are the same thing. When we take the imagination out of the human we reduce them to only what is known, not what could be, and a human being operating only in the known is always unfortunate”.
“I believe in magic. Magic and imagination are the same thing. When we take the imagination out of the human we reduce them to only what is known, not what could be, and a human being operating only in the known is always unfortunate”.
September 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book which gave insights into Bryce's early life as well as wonderful advice for writers of fiction. It concluded with his outlook on life as he prepared for his to come to an end.
September 19, 2017
Not particularly exciting, but poignant considering the circumstances.
May 27, 2018
Really interesting book, ably read by Humphrey Bower on the audio book I listened to.
November 2, 2019
This book is a thing of beauty. Simply wonderful.
March 11, 2020
A nice little farewell to the readers of this author. Most of the musings, thoughts and essays will be familiar to Courtenay fans, however, still nice to read his writings, one last time.
April 26, 2020
This was a very interesting book.
I learnt a few things that I did nt know about Bryce even though I have read his books.
I learnt a few things that I did nt know about Bryce even though I have read his books.
September 25, 2021
Lovely snippets of Courtenay’s life journey… but juuuust snippets
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
June 15, 2022
Thoughtful and a sense of honesty. Have a greater sense of the values behind the man and hence his stories and storytelling.
August 10, 2022
A moreish short memoir. The ending too soon for both author and reader. Bryce holds up some seeds for budding new writers and folds up his threads for their lucky last time.
December 7, 2022
A quick look into the workings, skills and personality of this famous author.
July 5, 2024
I loved this from start to finish.
February 6, 2025
An easy read, interesting thoughts and insights from Bryce Courtney. Great advice for writers.
August 25, 2025
silver moon ok
Enlightening in some ways but not so good in others.
When it got a tad boring I skipped a chapter, something I’ve never done before. Still I enjoyed it
Enlightening in some ways but not so good in others.
When it got a tad boring I skipped a chapter, something I’ve never done before. Still I enjoyed it
January 1, 2020
Audio book read by Humphrey Bower.
Beautiful reading. Descriptions of nature so elegant and seemingly so simple, it filled me with a calm joy.
The image of the giraffe drinking from the silver bowl of the moon will forever be a magical thought <3
Beautiful reading. Descriptions of nature so elegant and seemingly so simple, it filled me with a calm joy.
The image of the giraffe drinking from the silver bowl of the moon will forever be a magical thought <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews