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The Story of Danny Dunn

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Summary

Simultaneous release of the latest novel from Australia's best-selling author. Likened by the author to Frank Hardy's Australian classic, Power Without Glory, with pubs, gambling and political corruption taking centre stage.

The Dance of Danny Dunn is an Australian family saga centering on a working-class family of publicans who make their first mark in Balmain in the 1930s. In that decade, two opportunities existed for boys of Balmain, a working-class Sydney suburb: to be selected into Fort Street Boys School or to excel as a sportsman. At just 16 years, Danny Dunn has everything going for him: brains, looks, sporting aptitude - and luck with the ladies. His parents run The Hero of Mafeking ('Maffos'), the favourite local watering hole, and the whole of Balmain is proud of Danny's sporting prowess. His mother, though, steers Danny towards a university education; but with just six months of his degree to go, he signs up for the AIF, driven by a desire to serve his country and plain wanderlust.

Danny serves in South-east Asia, spends three and a half years as a POW, and returns a broken man, embittered and facially disfigured. He has told no one of his return, and as he sails towards the Balmain ferry terminal, he knows his life in beloved Balmain will have nothing to do with the life he led before the war. He is scared and overwhelmed by the need to sort himself out, to find out who the hell he is....

©2013 Christine Courtenay; 2009 Bryce Courtenay (P)2009 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
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What listeners say about The Story of Danny Dunn

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  • Overall
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Humorous and sad.

A often funny and sad tale of the effects of war. Well read by Humphrey Bower.

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1 person found this helpful

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Really enjoyable

What did you like most about The Story of Danny Dunn?

Although it was long, I got right into the story.

What other book might you compare The Story of Danny Dunn to, and why?

Any long epic!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When Danny returns

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

It made me choke and I had to hold back the tears as I listen to my audio books at my work place! Very emotional in parts..

Any additional comments?

Loved it and will definately be listening to more from the author in the future!

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

heartbreaking

fantastic, excellent storytelling. Unfortunately as is far too common with this author-heartbreaking end. why must you make us cry Bryce Courtenay.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Always a Fantastic listen

There is no better storyteller than Bryce Courtenay and there is no better narrator than Humphrey Bower.

Wow. I loved every second of this book. Just as you will.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

danny dunn

He does it again. He takes you from your comfortable sofa and makes you think and learn about hard and difficult things while absorbing you in the narrative . Thank you Bryce Courtenay.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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another great book

Every book I read from Bryce is always my "best" book. this is no exception poinient ending.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Best writer ever!

Bryce Courtenay! One of the best writers ever! The story of Danny Dunn is one of the best books ever. You just dont want to stop listening. A MUST as all his books I have so far listened to. You don't wonder off one min. The narrator is well chosen, with the Australian accent. Very very good.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Superb as usual

It's always a guarantee that any of Bryce's books are enjoyable to read.
But the ending is a bit sudden and not aligned to the flow of the rest of the book.

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Gripping

Couldn't wait to have the time to listen! As a soldier I was astounded to find the enlightenment of PTSD brought to bear, in such a way that really tells how a millitary life can change not only the soldier, but also the family.
Mr Courtenay, thanks for the amazing story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Truly memorable

I so enjoyed this book. Couldn't wait to read the next chapter to see what would be the the next part. Seemed very true to the period and the after effects of war and those who had to deal with the repercussions. Will certainly read more from this author.

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