I have read and reread Courtenay's South African works since I was a teenager with the assumption that his 'other books' would not meet this standard. While I still persist that Whitethorn, The Power of One, and Tandia (and maybe April Fool's Day) will always be his best works, Tommo and Hawk (and the Potato Factory series) prove that he isn't just a one-trick pony. This series is Bryce Courtenay at his best. While I often struggle with stories set in previous centuries, this is a heart filling novel, as well as an informative historical account. I wish that I could go to the library and request books that make me feel like this book made me feel. Thank you, author.

A brilliant, detailed depiction of parts of Australian history in the mid 1800s.
Tommo and Hawk are (unusual) twins who find each other after a brutal forced separation. Their distinct adventures could each have made a complete novel, but Bryce Courtenay has cleverly woven them into one. Adventures include whaling, fighting in the Maori wars in New Zealand, the massacre at the Lambing Flats goldfields and prize fighting.
Each twin has strengths and weaknesses, but through all hardships their love and loyalty to each other remains.
This is the second of a trilogy, but although I had not read the first book, I could still follow the references to the earlier novel.
A long (over 600 pages), but rewarding narrative.

Brutally kidnapped and separated in childhood, Tommo and Hawk are reunited at the age of fifteen in Hobart. Together they escape their troubled pasts and set off on a journey into manhood. From whale hunting in the Pacific to the Maori wars of New Zealand, from the Rocks in Sydney to the miners' riots at the goldfields, Tommo and Hawk must learn each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to survive. Especially in their last, worst confrontation between good and evil. Brilliantly evoking a time of struggle and triumph in the young colonies, Bryce Courtenay has created an unforgettable tale of the enduring bond between two brothers.

While I am eager to follow the story of Mary Abacus and her boys Tommo & Hawk I find the books slow to read. The language used is true to the period but harder to read. It's a little too easy to put the book down, not what I would call a page turner but it is enjoyable.

Another fun epic historical piece.

Learning a bit about Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand in the process.

Read years ago and re-listened on Libary Borrow Box (what an excellent find that is!).
Fantastic book on Sydney, Tasmania and New Zealand in the 1800s. What scary places they must have been.
Brilliant characters. Thieving, drinking, whoring, scheming and fighting.
Humprey Bower is on par with Stephen Fry as the best narrators in the business.
"Always leave a little salt on the bread"...............as such, I'm onto Solomons Song.

Another great, over-the-top saga

I won't write a long and detailed review, as so many others have done a great job of it. I listened to this in audio, narrated by Humphrey Bower. Love this narrator, and I felt as I though there were multiple characters narrating. I strongly recommend that The Potato Factory is where to start. Vital info in the first book hinder getting to know many of the key characters-- especially Ikey Solomon. I grew to admire Hawk's integrity and his devotion to his brother. As a woman, the preparation for the fight got to be a little tedious for me. I grew to like Maggie Pie, and I got past the fact that she was a "whore". To hear Humphrey Bower narrate her character she was cheeky, funny and smart-- my kind of gal! The ending-- it left me totally hanging! I have to wait for two more days until my new audible credits come in. I cannot wait to hear Book 3...and I won't say how it ends, as I'm not one to spoil a plot line. Great story!

Gosh darn, I was hoping not to like this book so I didn’t have to read the third one. Truly there were some places that dragged, particularly for me, the Maori wars, and a few other places, but all in all, it is a great Bryce Courtenay book. I was sucked in. I love these characters, so I guess there is a big part of me that is happy to continue the relationship in book three.

Great story!

Loved the adventure, loved the adventure.

Tommo and Hawk, by Bryce Courtenay, narrated by Humphrey Bower, produced by Bolinda Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

This is the second book in the series, about Ikey Solomon and the next generations in 19th century Australia. In this second book, the twins have been reunited after having been kidnapped. Hawk was found fairly soon after the kidnapping, but Tommo wasn’t found for seven years. Both underwent horrible abuse during their kidnapping. Mary Abacus wants her two sons to remain in Tasmania and help her with the brewry. Hawk would be happy to do this, but Tommo does not want to stay. Hawk refuses to be separated from his brother again, so both of them leave. They sail on a whaling ship and Hawk is accused of murder which he didn’t do. They escape the ship in New Zealand and live with the Maoris for a while. Then it gets too hot for them there and they come back to Sydney. In Sydney Tommo gets involved with a gambling racket, and Hawk is forced to a fight against a champion. Hawk has met a prostitute, Maggie Pie, whose trademark is a stuffed magpie in a cage on her head. It appears Hawk and Maggie will be married, and Mary has come to Sydney and is reconciled to this marriage. But fate has other plans. This book was more compelling than the first book. Tommo and Hawk have many adventures and are always having to get each other out of scrapes. The end of the book makes it clear that there is one more in the series, which I’ll want to get right away. As in the first book, Humphrey Bowers is a wonderful narrator doing the Australian and New Zealand accents.

This whole series is just the best bloody yarn. I loved it.