Sylvia [With Earbuds] (Playaway Adult Fiction) [Preloaded Digital Audio Player]

Bryce Courtenay (Author), Edwina Wren (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2009 | ISBN-10: 1742142079 | ISBN-13: 978-1742142074

'I am Sylvia Honeyeater; I think myself born around 1196, and this is the story of my life. I am cursed by folk as an optimist and a dreamer, which is a dangerous combination...' "Sylvia" is the story of the Children's Crusade, which occurred in the year 1212, and is perhaps the strangest true event to have taken place in European history. It is also a story of how, throughout some of the darkest medieval times, the redeeming power and strength of a young woman's love and intelligence prevail over poverty, brutality and bigotry. Sylvia was a remarkable, talented and eccentric young woman and this is her story.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bryce Courtenay was born in South Africa and has lived in Sydney for the major part of his life. He is the bestselling author of The Power of One, April Fool's Day, The Potato Factory, Tommo & Hawk, Jessica, Solomon's Song, Smoky Joe's Cafe, Four Fires, Brother Fish and Whitethorn. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From AudioFile

Bryce Courtenay sets his tale in early-thirteenth-century Germany. Weaving elements of history and folklore, he shines a light on the Childrens Crusade of 1212. Medieval Europe is mired in poverty, ignorance, religious fervor, and intolerance. The Church, which pulls the political strings and controls the dissemination of knowledge, uses superstition and misinformation to fan the flames of fear and incite conflict. Edwina Wren is 11-year-old Sylvia Honeyeater, a German peasant with the voice of an angel and a talent for mimicry that charms the birds from the trees. Wrens skill with accents is put to the test with a wide cast of characters ranging from Reinhart the Ratcatcher (modeled on the Pied Piper of Hamelin) to priests and peasants. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Preloaded Digital Audio Player
• Publisher: Playaway (August 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1742142079
• ISBN-13: 978-1742142074
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A historical page-turner, if perhaps a little too long., January 15, 2007

By 

Naomi12345 (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)

The book's namesake is a girl living in medieval Germany, who has a remarkable gift of being able to imitate birds. The story cleverly weaves historical elements and nuances of folk stories, linking historical events (notably the Children's Crusade) with characters from folklore (eg the Pied Pier of Hamlin). Courtenay has certainly done his research, and while the plot does ring true, I found it hard to believe that all of these characters and events would revolve around Sylvia's life.

My only criticism is that the book seems about 50 pages too long. After the climax of the story, the denouement is quite a let-down and I found myself skipping pages. Still definitely worth a read, though.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay, March 12, 2009

By 

A. Reader (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sylvia (Hardcover)

I've read about a half dozen of Bryce Courtenay's novels so far, and I find them very hit and miss. I was a bit disappointed with Sylvia.

Sylvia is an orphaned peasant in 13th century Germany who finds herself blessed with an extraordinary singing voice, an aptitude for learning and mimicking, and a birthmark shaped like a fish. While I generally enjoyed the plot, I found the narrative to be excessively wordy which made it tedious to read. I also found that (like many Courtney novels) "Sylvia" ended rather abruptly.

If you are looking for a read with an interesting character who faces unique circumstances, "Sylvia" will probably satisfy you. But don't expect to be blown away.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sylvia/Bryce Courtenay.., November 20, 2010

By 

Patty - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sylvia (Paperback)

Bryce Courtenay is BY FAR the BEST writer around!!!! I only wish he were in Kindle!!!! This book is, like all of his, fascinating, heartwarming & exciting~ Highly recommended.