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)

Good - worth the read

What made the experience of listening to The Potato Factory the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the author's style of writing, character development, setting, and historical background. The historical background really helped give context to the characters.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The historical background of the story, of both Australia and London.

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has an understandable accent, and does a good job with different character voices, and emotions.

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

I was rather horrified at the treatment of children, and animals but that is part of history.

Any additional comments?

I'm starting Tommo and Hawk next.

Sublime Narration

Humphrey Bower's narration perfectly compliments Mr. Courtenay's masterful storytelling! Bravo! Theater for the ears. Every character, inflection, emotion and dialect vivid. Now, I must cut this short in order to immediately begin BOOK 2 of the trilogy!!
Thank you!

Fascinating!

If you could sum up The Potato Factory in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, well narrated.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

The narration of this audiobook is outstanding. Mr Bower's portrayal of the characters, especially Ikey Soloman, made the story feel real.

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

I was fascinated by this tale of clever and ingenious people who, by default of their birth into the lower classes of English society, are destined to make their living by devious and criminal means. You can't help but admire their industriousness and ability to make the system work for them, in spite of the danger of being caught at their game.

Any additional comments?

This is in my top handful of most enjoyed audio books.

Unforgettable! Engaging Story, Great Performance

What did you love best about The Potato Factory?

I loved the characters, and how multifaceted they were. I also loved learning about New Zealand and Australia during this time.

What did you like best about this story?

The indomitable Mary's strength, integrity, courage and compassion in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

He did all of the characters voices beautifully.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Mary saw the parrots as she first arrived and made them her talisman.

Any additional comments?

This entire series is absolutely gripping. Especially books 1 and 2. Book 3 is still good, but it diverges from the central characters and is weighed down by the first world war, losing momentum towards the end.

Great Narrator

I would like to use this review to recommend and gather support for a 10 star rating system. This book almost deserves a 4 but not quite. So I have to give it a 3 which is what I give almost every book. This is better than the other "3 star" books but what can I do?

Great Story

For the same reasons I enjoyed Shogun and Tai Pan, I enjoyed the Potato Factory. Bryce was able to make this time period come to life for me. I really enjoyed the character development and the story even had me laughing at times. I highly recommend this book.

Great stuff

An outstanding book, the story line, the chartacters and timeframe take you back to a time that really captures the imagination. This is my second BC book, I am hooked one of the best books I have read/listened too...and I have listened to a bunch. If you like this book I would suggest Dangerous Fortune by Follett...some similarities! This is truly a keeper!!

Worth the read~

If you could sum up The Potato Factory in three words, what would they be?

I loved this book~ The history and story combined make for a delightful read!

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

Of course Mary and her poor hands!

Amazing Story With Close To Perfect Narration

This was my second book with audible and my first Courtenay book. Halfway through my listen I signed up for the platinum membership. This book is what every audio book hopes to be. I say close to perfect narration only because there is no such thing as perfect, and I know where my next month's credits are going. There is nothing more I can add that the other reviewers have not said, except that there was one drawback. I finished this book on an overnight train and when about half an hour later I went onto my next audio book I was devastated at both the story and the narration. Bower puts others to shame!

Long story, but I can't wait for the next one!

It was fascinating. I really enjoyed all of it. Tension, history about things I didn't know much about, and lots more.