Product Description

'A superb storyteller ... it is impossible not to be impressed by Courtenay's talents' - The Times JESSICA is based on the real life of a remarkable young Australian woman who defied the conventions of her time. She had a stubborn streak and the courage to act out her convictions ... in spite of the consequences. This compelling, sweeping story is her personal fight for justice against enormous odds, and a testimony to the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78256 in Books
• Published on: 2000-07-27
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review

In Jessica, award-winning author Bryce Courtenay, tells the tragic yet inspirational story of a woman living on the black soil plains of South Western Australia during the early 20th century.

As the son her father never had, Jessica's pleasure in life comes from helping him out on the farm. However, her preference and obvious flare for "men's work" leads to her ostracism both at home and in the fields. She finds that "neither sex will have her as she is, and both seem to want to punish her for being too much of the other." While the bond between Jessica and her father is very close, her mother detests her unladylike ways but cherishes her older sister, Meg, whose sole pursuit is to snare a rich husband. The mercenary duo has their sights set on one man in particular, wealthy Jack Thomas. When Jessica poses an obstacle to this match by inspiring Jack's love, her mother reveals the terrifying extent of her capacity for evil, culminating in an ultimate act of betrayal. Having endured unimaginable loss and isolation, Jessica cultivates friendships with others who have suffered discrimination and goes on to fight for the rights of the aboriginal people.

Based on a true-life story, this amazing book chronicles the most abhorrent forms of injustice and persecution. Tragedy strikes quite early and sets the pace for the devastating turn of events that follow. Throughout, the raw, unyielding landscape mirrors the harsh personalities of those who live on its soil: "The land, the dust and heat and floods and drought, everything lives off everything else, death and destruction everywhere." --Neelam Dongha

About the Author
Bryce Courtenay was born in South Africa but has spent the greater part of his adult life in Australia. THE POWER OF ONE and its sequel TANDIA were international bestsellers. He lives in Sydney.

Customer Reviews

Brilliant
This book is one of the best I have ever read - really could not put it down yet at same time never wanted it to end! Since discovering 'Jessica' I went on to read books by the same author yet I found them a big let down - such as 'The Potatoe Factory' but think I will try and force myself to love them because i think this author is amazing, brilliant, exciting which makes 'Jessica' very emphatic and harrowing. If you like this author i suggest Lesley Pearse books are read aswell - and also the Jean M Auel as they do similar stories - i.e interwining a romantic story with that of one in which the heroine must overcome something!

BEST book I've EVER read!!!!!!
I first saw this drama on t.v in Australia and had to buy the book! Bryce Courtnay writes this superbly, I couldn't put it down! Each chapter ended so dramatically I had to keep on reading! Based on a true story, you just can't believe how the mother and sister treat poor Jessica. It brought me to tears a few times. It is so sad. I'm going to read The Power Of One soon by the same author! Read it, you WON'T be dissappointed!

Want a memorable book?
... well this is it! I read this several years back and loved it! Bryce Courtney has a way of making you feel like you're there, sharing all the experiences. Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoy!