The Potato Factory cover art

The Potato Factory

The Australian Trilogy, Book 1

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The Potato Factory

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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About this listen

Ikey Solomon is very successful indeed, in the art of thieving. Ikey's partner in crime is his mistress, the forthright Mary Abacus, until misfortune befalls them. They are parted and each must make the harsh journey from 19th century London to Van Diemens Land.

In the backstreets and dives of Hobart Town, Mary learns the art of brewing and builds The Potato Factory, where she plans a new future. But her ambitions are threatened by Ikey's wife, Hannah, her old enemy. The two women raise their separate families. As each woman sets out to destroy the other, the families are brought to the edge of disaster.

©2013 Bryce Courtenay.By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia). Copyright Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Fiction Historical Fiction Scary Thought-Provoking Business

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Critic reviews

"In the tradition of Charles Dickens, Courtenay creates a unique cast of characters from the outset of this epic novel....Humphrey Bower's performance is a marvel...making this one of those rare books with a sweep of characters the readers come to care about deeply." ( AudioFile Magazine)
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How to give this book less than 5 stars.... I wanted to give it 1 star after the first third, but it improved about half way through to be a very enjoyable listen. Unlike his first book, The Power of One, which is one of my favourites, and also read by H. Bower, this story can't quite cope with the vast scale Courtney is trying to convey. There are about 10 books worth in the first third alone, and the characterisation suffers for it. Courtney has very strong views about people, their motives and how much they can suffer or cause others to suffer, to which he gives full reign in this book. Personally, I found him a bit too hectoring at first and I got a bit bogged down in all the terrible violence, squalor, and general depravity. If it wasn't for the wonderful reading I would have given up after hour 9. Other people listening may not mind, but I found it both very nasty and a bit dull.... however, things definately improved. By the time the characters got on the way to Oz, his story settled down to become gripping and the characters were able to grow and become likable in their own right, rather than just being vehicles for displaying the writer's considerable research.
So, worth getting over the first third, but be prepared for lots of violence, depravity and human waste!!

Amazing, but a bit over the top and over long.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Already recommended this book/audible book several times , this is a powerful well researched work , that demonstrates truth is stranger than fiction. I can only describe it as having the best aspects of Dickens and EJ Thompson . Dickens descriptive narrative and E J Thompson's superb emotional intelligence ....

What other book might you compare The Potato Factory to, and why?

Well obviously Oliver Twist.... much better and accurate personalisation of Ike rather that the politically satirically Fagin however

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Learning a lot about Australian History.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

In the depths of human depravity , humanity still wins through.
Immensely enjoyable novel with superb narration painting a very powerful picture of Australian history...

Any additional comments?

Will definitely be listening to the next two books in the trilogy

Dickins meets EJ thompson

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One of the better narrated books I've listed to, excellent range of accents. Brought the story to life and did the characters justice.

Enthralling to the end

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This book was spellbinding. Every character brought vividly to life and a plot that twisted and turned so often. Loved the historical context and the depiction of often brutal treatment of convicts transported. Weaving fact and fiction to a seamless blend is magic. Going to buy the next two in the series now.

Excellent narration, brilliant story

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I carried this book from room to room listening to it. Loved every minute and was sad to get to the end. Most heartily recommend it :)

loved it

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the best. captured my attention so that i could not put the phone down. ready to purchase the next book. only hope its the ssme narrator

loved every minute of this book

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I have never read anything by this author before, now I have ordered several more of his books. I found the Potato Factory to be the most excellent of reads. Often being thoroughly ashamed of our British history,I found myself crying with despair then laughing out loud with the characters. At this point I need to congratulate the narrator Mr Humphrey Bower for his first class performance. Excellent, excellent The Potato Factory by far the best book I have read this year.

Bryce Courtenay

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Loved this book so much, joint first best book. Narration fabulous. I Couldn’t stop listening.

Brilliant

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I loved this brilliant book, and I am just sad that it is over. Listen to it you won't regret it.

Wonderful tale

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gripped by this tale of history, poverty and determination from the very start. The next book in the trilogy will be started immediately as I am swept along by the saga. as usual, the narrator is perfect for this author.

another wonderful sojourn into another world

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