JESSICA

The title character of this novel seems not unlike the country of her birth--hard-working, straightforward, lively, and unique. Bryce Courtenay's affection for the beautiful and unexpected land of Australia emanates from his pages and is echoed in the masterful voice of Humphrey Bower. Jessica may be her father's daughter, but she works by his side like a son, tending their farm and working extra jobs to help pay the bills. As WWI simmers, Jessica must cope with her own nontraditional role and conflicts that spring up at home, conflicts about love, loss, and murder. Bower brings each character to life, offering a range and personality that complement the scope of this novel with grace. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]