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)

Brilliant on all accounts!

This is my first Bryce Courtenay book. Can't wait to download his next one! The performance by Mr Bower is the best out of all the audiobooks I have listened to to date.

Brilliant

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

Brilliant story......love Bryce Courtney's story telling is second to none for me. Brilliant narration......Humphrey Bower has the best voices for every character. I've been a member for 3 yrs & the narration of this wonderful story is at the top of my list.
I Can't wait to listen to books 2 & 3.

Review of the Trilogy

I'm going to review the entire Austrailian Trilogy here because the storyline continues throughout the three books, and the first two end in cliff hangers, making it impossible to stop after either of them. Nevertheless, the writing style and tone changes quite a bit from the first to the third and, unfortunately, goes downhill.

The Potato Factory is wonderful. It is very Dickensian, and although I don't really like the grittiness of Dickens, I loved the story and characters Courtenay creates. Tommo and Hawk starts out very character driven as well, but gets bogged down in endless descriptions of the Maori struggles. It also contains several cringe-inducing sex scenes, which are made all the more embarrassing by Humphrey Bower's explicit narration (leaving no moan or groan to the imagination). I was mortified when my son walked into the room to see what was going on. And, then comes Solomon's Song, which can only be explained by an assumption that Courtenay was worn out. I know it wore me out. Hours were devoted to details of battle tactics at Gallipoli and later France, including readings of very long letters to and from the front. Although dozens of new characters were introduced, for the most part they were merely vehicles to get across the author's views on the horrors of war. I was eager for the book to end, but then the conclsion was so abrubt and unsatisfying, I spent the rest of the evening annoyed.

I'm giving the trilogy a 4 because the Potato Factory was so excellent and Tommo and Hawk quite good. Also, notwithstanding Bower's sex-scene renderings, his narration was great.

excellent story

I have to say the Christian bashing gets a little old and over the top. true. The church has been evil at times. I draw a strong distinction between religion and a true walk with the Lord Jesus!

the story is well done with a few weakness/ contradictions. the performance is amazing! so many voices extremely well done!

long run for a short slide

Simple story and told in such detail that it becomes complex. I like historical fiction, but this is too much fiction and too little history. It is enjoyable, but a feel good story that includes gore and sex. I appreciate the effort, but don't agree it is a great read

A great story that will not be rushed

A good/great writer has a story to tell and though some parts may slow down, they will not be rushed with the story; Mr. Courenay is that type of writer. I enjoyed the details of what the 1800 England and Australia was like. The hardships and violence of everyday working people made me happy to have police to protect us now. His main character is a true person of history, though not a likeable person. I am looking forward to listening to the next part of the trilogy.

Great story of Australian History

Well worth the listen, provides a live history by way of interesting characters. I will certainly look for more of Bryce Courtney's work.

great story

this was a wonderful story. made me feel involved and invested. riveting to the last.

A real gem and a pleasant surprise

Any additional comments?

I was looking for a different type of book as I usually go for authors I'm familiar with who have a formula. I'm really glad I took a chance on this book. It's a work of historical fiction loosely based on the true story of Ikey Soloman who supposedly Charles Dickens modeled his Fagin character after. I've only just finished this first installment and loved it. I definitely plan on reading parts 2 and 3 of the trilogy.

First, the author's narration was excellent. He could do a number of different dialects from a posh British accent, to various British regional dialects. His narration helped create the wonderful richness within the characters of the book.

The strength of the book itself are the characters who are both strong and deeply flawed. This is a novel that takes place over numerous years and over many continents. The characters' lives are intertwined and full of ebbs and flows, ups and downs. If you like books with richness of characters whose lives you follow over time, then this is the book for you. I fully recommend it - you won't be disappointed.

A great story & fantastic narration!

What an amazing & interesting book about the beginnings of Australia.... I never new much about the background, but Bryce Courtenay has managed to blend historical facts with fiction in a superb way. I also loved how Mary 'grew' & the odds she (& many others) overcame defies all reason. I am in awe over the narration of Humphrey Bower, could not ask for better!