BiBi Manifold is a musical prodigy—affectionately known as “Australia’s Songbird of Soul.” Her prodigious talent was discovered by Sister Mary Leo, at St Catherines College when BiBi was enrolled in their special learning programme. She was dyslexic. And to make matters worse for her, St Catherines would only accept her if she boarded for the first year; taking her away from her beloved elder sister Francesca and Freddy—her soldier. Francesca would soon earn a Ford Modelling Scholarship to New York at the age of sixteen, so BiBi had to learn to cope on her own until she could return home after year one. At first it was a hopeless situation. And then one day, whilst on her own in the chapel, she sat down at the piano that Sister Mary Leo used to play to accompany the notable girls choir the school was renowned for. And then as if struck with a miracle BiBi’s fingers started to trace the hymn that was played in that morning’s chapel. BiBi was not a Catholic, so the formality of service and its format were strange to her, making her feel even more isolated.

BiBi was shocked at how her fingers seemed to know which key to hit—leaving her stunned and confused. She was unaware that Sister Mary Leo was sheltered in the doorway and had witnessed the whole thing. And that’s how it all started. And then of course came the voice! BiBi quickly became a prodigy on the piano, without so much as a lesson. Sister Mary Leo said that a miracle was going on inside her brain and she would not be the one to interfere in God’s work.

In this story, the author has crafted BiBi’s voice on that of Blues singer Beth Hart who herself was influenced by the “soul groove” of Aretha Franklin and Etta James.

Jack’s own style was very laconic with a touch of his mentor Kris Kristofferson, Neil Diamond and Bob Seger—whose style he trained to emulate so he could sing with BiBi.

BiBi’s character goes to another level in Novel 2 in the Jackson Manifold series.

Here are the songs (tap link for playback if no Audible copy):

1. “I’d Rather Go Blind” – BiBi and Toby Lightfoot

2. “True Love” – BiBi and Jack

3. “Forever in Blue Jeans” – BiBi, Jack and Toby

4. “Dirty Old Town” – BiBi, Jack and Toby

5. “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” – BiBi, Jack and Toby

6. “Waltzing Matilda” – BiBi

7. “Bird of Sorrow” – BiBi

8. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother [The Hollies]