Jessica

A student recommended this book and loaned me their copy. Although it is quite long, it is a very easy read. Gives a picture of life in the Australian outback around the beginning of the 20th century, focussing on what professes to be the true story of a particular woman, the Jessica of the title. Her story is a tragic one and Courtenay captures that well. However, a problem here, as with much historical fiction, is that of giving historical characters particularly modern points of view. Although all of the prevailing influences in her life are racist, sexist etc. Jessica turns out to have a very modern, tolerance-focussed point of view. While this is excellent, it just doesn't ring true. Admittedly, modern readers might have trouble sympathising with a central character whose opinions were historically accurate. However, if we are going to be reading what is supposed to be a `true story' surely it is what we should expect. Provided you can get past this sticking point, not a bad read.

An elementary school teacher gave me this book at my baby shower. She told me that her students loved "Jessica," and that my daughter would, too. Time has proven her correct. Recently, my daughter, who is now two and a half years old, asked that I read her the book. "Jessica" has quickly become her favorite book. The story is about five-year-old Ruthie. Ruthie doesn't have a brother, a sister, a cat, or a dog but she has an imaginary friend, Jessica, "who is even better." Although Ruthie's parents tell her that "There is no Jessica," Ruthie knows that there is. The book describes all of the activities that Ruthie and Jessica do together and concludes with Ruthie's discovery of a "real" Jessica when Ruthie begins kindergarten. My daughter loves this book and can recite it word for word. Children quickly become familiar with the story because key words and phrases are repeated throughout the book. More importantly, the book talks about activities and fears that all young children have and accurately depicts a child's hesitation to voice his or her fears. For example, when Ruthie's parents want to go to a movie, "Jessica," not Ruthie, gets a stomach ache and wants them to stay home. This is a terrific book.

We instantly recall the big events, but there are so very many little pieces to the childhoods of little girls: cutting apart velcroed-together wooden vegetables in plastic kitchens; whirling around to Tchaikovsky, bescarved and beribboned; pretending to be flower fairies on tip-toe with little sisters and older cousins. Jessica was one of my little pieces. I read the book at I-don't-know-how young, and was instantly determined to have a Jessica all of my own. Sometimes she was Samantha; others, she was...well, also Samantha - but she was my secret friend and confidante (and, if need be, erstwhile blame-taker and whipping boy). I loved this book dearly for giving her to me.

...so, in so many words, I say: buy 'Jessica' for your daughter. She'll thank you for it later.

A spectacular historical novel. This is my 5th Courtenay book and I can't get enough. As long as they are, I regret finishing each one at the end. The Power of One and the Persimmon Tree are my favorites, so far.

Bryce Courtenay writes with a spirit and feeling rarely matched by commercial authors. I know he recently died. What a loss.
Thanks for several wonderful evenings worth of literary pleasure.

Michael Z, surgeon in Texas

Jessica is an excellent book. I found that it keep my interest through the whole thing....I couldn't wait to find out what happened next in Jessica's life. The writing is easy to follow and understand, and the descriptions are wonderful...it was easy to imagine the hardship of living in Australia at that time. It was a tear jerker though, and I can admit to crying while reading it, especially at the end.
I've read The Power of One, and Tandia, also by Bryce Courtenay, which were both good, especially The Power of One, but I'd say that I enjoyed this one more and really couldn't put it down until I was done. I recommend it highly.

I was prompted to read this novel after watching the mini-series on television. 'Jessica' is an excellent story filled with a lot of historical content based on life in early Australia. I found the story of Jessica to be deeply moving. Any tale of injustice tugs at my heart strings and this one defintely did. In fact I felt sad every time I thought about 'Jessica' for weeks afterwards. Bryce Courtenay did an excellent job with this novel and I highly recommend it.

A brilliant book by Bryce Courtenay. He would have to be my favourite author and after reading this novel I am sure you will see why. While reading this book all I could think of is how this character is based on truth and how she possessed such increadible strength for a young woman when everything seemed to turn against her, something to be admired.
A book that definitely should not go unread.

Few people are fortunate enough to be familiar with Bryce Courtenay outside of "The Power of One," about struggles in apartheid South Africa. This book is a gripping tale about life in the Australian outback. It will make you want to see this part of the land down under for yourself if you have not, and bring back vivid memories of your visit, if you have.

I read this book for an English readinf assignment and I am so glad that I did. At first I was a little shy to read it because it was really big and looked boring, but my teacher, Mr.Dingee, said that I would really like it so I gave it a try and I loved it. Now my friends,chelsey, and julie,want to read it now and hopefully they will enjoy it too.!!!!!!

As usual Bryce Courtenay wrote a book about something I didn't think I'd be interested in and by the end I was blubbering like a baby. He's a powerful writer, he's my favorite author, and he doesn't disappoint with Jessica!

This book hits home as a Kindergarten teacher. The words are so true to life and it can really relate to a child who may be going through the same things that Rutie is going through. I love this book!

i have just finished reading the book and i would have to say it is probebly the best book i have read.
Now why i find this wierd because my name is jessica and i have a younger brother named bryce.And he is always writing great storys about me and my family.
Well i better get going bye

Jessica travelled through her short, yet tragic life with these massive black clouds trailing over her head, yet she always managed to keep her perky faith in people, no matter how evilly they treated her. The evil (NOT step!!) mother, the pretty sister that envied her, her doting father. Good old Jessica, no matter what happened she always came back smiling. Saving the drunken lawyer, she even cured the insane. And the finale, killed by a poisonous, vengeful viper. A fitting end to the saga of Jessica's life.