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April Fool's Day cover art

April Fool's Day

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Summary

This is Bryce Courtenay's moving tribute to his son, Damon, a hemophiliac who died from medically acquired AIDS on April 1, 1991, at the age of 24.

April Fool's Day is controversial, painful and heartbreaking, yet has a gentle humor. It is also life-affirming and, above all, a testimony to the incredible regenerative strength of love: how when we confront our worst, we can become our best. This tragic yet uplifting story will change the way you think. From the author of The Power of One.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

" April Fool's Day is one of those rare, wholly beautiful books that lets life speak for itself." ( The Australian)

What listeners say about April Fool's Day

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Dr
  • 01-04-08

Moving

I can't describe how good this book is. I was a mess by the end of it! Everyone should read this book. It is both moving and uplifting at the same time. The majority of us will be involved of caring for someone with a terminal illness at some point in our lives and thankfully the specialty of Palliative Medicine has come on on in leaps and bounds since this family endured this ordeal. This book captures perfectly the emotions, hopes, and fears of people in this position and I think it should be a compulsory text for all doctors and nurses in training.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An incredible life

Not an easy listen but worth it to learn about the courage that people can have, in spite of being dealt a difficult & unfair hand in life. The power of love between all the characters comes through as well as the sad and sheer stupidity of the so-called professionals and experts. They should feel shame when they recognise their role in this heartbreaking book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Heartache

Such a terrible time for the Courtney family.
What a tragic life for their son and what suffering he must have endured in his short life.
Well worth reading if a little long in the detail.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A beautiful but heartbreaking true story

Bryce Courtenay is possibly my favourite author, and I've read nearly all of his novels. This is the powerful story of Damon, his son. This book made me smile, laugh out loud and cry, and at times made me so angry. You just need to listen to it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • SR
  • 07-04-21

Powerful

I'm struggling to find words. This story of a beloved son who died too soon has wracked my heart and uplifted my mind. Well done, Bryce. Damon is proud of you, I'm sure.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

not as good as the power of one and the subsequent

really loves his first two books or inspiring feel good stories it's a shame I didn't enjoy this one doesn't really written badly just not as good as first two

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow an amazing emotional journey

a heart wrenching account from a brave loving family. I'm sure the subject would be very proud. wonderful to read, as a very different Bryce Courtenay book. it won't disappoint fans which have loved his other work, and for those that read this first, your next Bryce Courtenay must be 'power of one' and many more of his books after!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

SAD VERY VERY SAD

But testament to the love of a family and close friends to an unfortunate life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great writer. Poignant story . Harrowing

Sad in that author is so self effacing. What an incredible Dad he was! And the mother & the rest of them too. So well written. A good read. I hope the telling of this true tale was cathartic for all involved. The author shares my distain for the engine that is the Medical Profession; although some individuals caught up in its crazy system & forced to work within its system are wonderful. Narrator was a bit bland. The reading , for me, needed a bit more spark & depth because it was such a long book. Also on a personal note I can't stand that Ozzy accent- but it was only fitting an Australian read the story but a shame they couldn't have found a less " ozzy ocker" type speaker.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

emotional rollercoaster

Wonderfully written and from the heart. Sometimes hard to listen to. Emotional journey to follow for anyone who has lost a loved one. Inspirational.

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