RIP Bryce Courtenay
November 23rd, 2012 at 3:15 pm by David FarrarOne of the world’s great novelists has died, aged 79. I have read everyone of Bryce Courtenay’s books (except the last). Like many I discovered him through The Power of One – a truly great novel.
His Australian trilogy were equally good, especially enjoying the New Zealand aspects to them. Mary Abacus is a fascinating character, and the story (and book) of Jessica is heart breaking.
Very sad we will get no more novels from him, but I predict his books will be read for decades to come.
Tags: Bryce Courtenay, RIP
November 23rd, 2012 at 3:47 pm
I concur maybe Australasia’s greatest author.
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 6:16 pm
Just like Phar Lap was a great Australasian horse!!!
Courtenay was a South African.
Love the Aussie’s if you have a modicum of success at anything and happen to travel through one of their transit lounges, you are an Australian.
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Sorry he is dead.
hated his books
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Phar Lap quite simply was an Australian horse. In the racing industry we consider him a ‘NZ-Bred’ Australian Horse.
Vote:You don’t hear the English desperately trying to claim Makybe Diva…
Phar Lap is an Aussie icon- let them have him. (most New Zealanders know nothing about him other than the outlandish claim that “The Aussies stole him from us”…)
I could go on all night about NZ sports ‘icons’ Andrew Mehrtens, Irene Van Dyk and Scott Dixon but this is a thread about the sad passing of Bryce Courtenay.
November 23rd, 2012 at 6:52 pm
RIP Bryce Courtney. I just loved his books.
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Yes, a 72 year old author passed away, it is sad.
But seriously there is a big differnce between a popular novelist and a great novelist i.e Patrick White, Noble Laureate, Tom Keneally.
And as a once habitue of Phar Lap Raceway, Phar Lap was not not only a new Zealand horse but a South canterbury horse.
Keppler Wessels,Tony Greig, Barry Sheene
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
PEB- Aaah I almost forgot that you were from down those parts…Waimate wasn’t it??
Kepler Wessels- Now there was a fine opening batsman from the 80s. If only South Africa were to get banished again- The Black Caps could possibly make use of Amla and Kallis right now…
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
April Fool’s Day was a compelling read, nicely written. Always seem to me that non-fiction beats anything imagined – and Bryce Courtenay writing his son’s life story is a good example.
The biggest difference between a popular novelist and a Nobel laureate is that the latter is decided by academics :p
His books may not have been literary fine art, but they hit the spot for a lot of people. Well done. May he rest in peace.
Vote:November 23rd, 2012 at 11:49 pm
I found his books to be somewhat formulaic.
But I guess that is what people wanted.
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