The Potato Factory

The Australian Trilogy, Book 1

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 23 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Always leave a little salt on the bread...

Ikey Solomon's favorite saying is also his way of doing business, and in the business of thieving he's very successful indeed. 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 thriving nineteenth century London to the convict settlement of Van Diemen's 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, one legitimate and the other bastard. As each woman sets out to destroy the other, the families are brought to the edge of disaster.

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

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)

Worth the long listening time

What did you like best about this story?

The book has many intertwining characters, which as the story progressed I wanted to learn of their next difficulty or triumph. At times it was hard to sort out, or remember, what was what and whom was benefiting or harming whom, because of the length of the book. However by the end it all made sense.

Any additional comments?

There were a couple of times I thought about abandoning my listen, but I'm glad I stuck it out. I may even listen to book 2 after a break.

One of the best books I've listened to.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Potato Factory to be better than the print version?

I really did like the narrator's version where he gave voice to the various people in the book.

What did you like best about this story?

I love historical novels and this one was really good.

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

Sperm Whale Sally

Who was the most memorable character of The Potato Factory and why?

Ike Solomon

I loved it!

Where does The Potato Factory rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 10 of my audio book list so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Potato Factory?

The description of the smells

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to say

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Impossible!

Any additional comments?

No

The 1st book I read that Bryce Courtenay wrote!

Where does The Potato Factory rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best! I really enjoyed it. There were parts that made me cry and some that made me laugh out loud too! I enjoyed a good laugh a few times when things went haywire for the characters. Great read if you enjoy reading about how things were in the 1800 in good olde England and then on to Australia. What a hard life the lower middle class led at that time. How dirty the people were, seems like they never bathe and how horrible the children were treated by the grown-ups. Still the truth is in the print when it comes to how things were. Thank you Bryce.

Who was the most memorable character of The Potato Factory and why?

Mary Abacus was so strong and intelligent. She would have fit in great in today's society. She overstepped her bounds in the life of olde England. She paid dearly for this and I cried for her. She is my Heroin of the trilogy.

Any additional comments?

I was so saddened by the passing of Bryce Courtenay. I read about his life and short fight against cancer. I have read all his books and the only one I didn't care for was "Sylvia" and that was because the orator made me cringe when she spoke. I believe that would have been a good book if read aloud by another person.

Deep, Wide, Rich and Satisfying

First, Humphrey Bower's performance is magnificent. Men, women, children, Irish, Scottish, Australian, British and others are all executed wonderfully.

The story of the Potato Factory is a fantastic read. Full of interesting and complicated characters who experience joy and tragedy. After listening for nearly 24 hours, I found myself yearning for more. It is no wonder that Mr. Courtenay was such a successful author.

Great all the way around.

I read way more reviews than I write but don’t let this book pass without investing your time! Beautifully written, historical fiction, you won’t want to take breaks from listening.

Perfection

This is the best written and narrated audio book I’ve ever experienced. I am so glad it’s a Trilogy because I didn’t get enough!

Outstanding!

I adore Bryce Courtney and narrator Humphrey Bower! Although this book at times is hard and sad,it is wonderfully written and narrated. Every written word transports you back in time like you are actually there. The character descriptions and numerous accents are exceptional. You can’t put it down.

Performance

I enjoyed the reading immensely. Voices and accents wonderful. Story fascinating and interesting. Thank you very much

Great story... awesome narration!

I really liked it. That being said, I did have a little bit of a hard time identifying with any of the characters at first and shut it off a few times for a little break. I'm glad I stuck with it and found myself rooting for Ikey and Mary in the end!