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)

Enjoyed (Not however "Best Book of Year")

Loved the history. Loved the narrator. A little bit violent in a sad, sad way. But the end? It was almost as if after 600 pages (give or take) the author was done, tired and ended it with "And so they lived happily ever after". Not that I don't love a happy ending but I found the very, very end a bit weird. In a good way.

Brilliant Story; Brilliant Narration

I really love this book. It became my entry port for all of Bryce Courtenay's novels and also everything narrated by Humphrey Bowers. The former truly knows how to spin a yarn, and the latter how to bring it alive. That there additionally is more than a kernel of truth in "The Australian Trilogy," makes it all so much better.

Wonderful story

Fantastic historical fiction with an all-time great antihero. A great story with profound characters that captures both the good and the bad in the people and world of Ikey Solomon.

Historical approach with feminist exploited evils

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

I would highly recommend this audiobook to others.It shows a female who suffers insufferable vulgarity, the cause and extent of traits of men during this era. It shows the social powers of people at different economic ability. Its historical events in the story is lesson learned. Its an interesting story. I drove to Texas from North Carolina listening to this book. My trip did not seem like 21 hours of driving one way. But this story took me there!!!

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

Books by Ken Follett are comparable.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Bower can tell a story. He can tell a story throwing his voice from male to female.

If you could rename The Potato Factory, what would you call it?

I do not know

Any additional comments?

No, I truly enjoyed the story.

A fantastic read

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

Great fanatastic entertaining.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ikey. A horrible character that you can't help falling in love with.

Which scene was your favorite?

Ikey's escape from the law.

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

When Ikey helped 'Billy gone queer' by giving him a new name.

Any additional comments?

Humphrey Bower's naration bought it to life for me.

An Interesting Story

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

A very interesting story, well written and well read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ikey Solomon.

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

No.

Fantastic narration!

I have never written a review before bur had to do so for this book. The story was interesting, the characters engaging, and I cannot say enough about Mr. Bower's performance. This is one of those times when I am glad I listened to rather than read the story. I was amazed by his mastery of a variety of accents and his ability to switch the tone of his voice to represent different characters. Sometimes that gets annoying or distracting and can be overly dramatic, especially when it is a male narrating a female. The only distracting thing about this book was how flawless the reader was. I am astounded.

The only reason I did not give 5 stars for the overall rating was because I felt sometimes the author went into too much detail, belaboured a point, or repeated himself. But this only happened a few times and I enjoyed listening to Mr. bower's voice so much I didn't even care!

outstanding and entertaining

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

yes in that Humphrey Bower brought the characters alive in his reading

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

Charles Dicken's Faggen is so like Iky Soloman. I believe Charles Dickens took his character ftom Iky.

Which scene was your favorite?

The bar scene with Sperm Whale Sally is unforgetable.

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

I laughed and cried it is just wonderful listening.

Any additional comments?

I read the Persimmon Tree and gave it to my 37 year old son. We both loved that one. He read the Potato Factory and said

A well written and performed informative book

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

Yes, well written, informative with colourful characters and brilliantly read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mary Abacus, I felt sorry for her but admired her determination

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Hoe he changed with every character,

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

When Mary tried to find employment as a clark.

Any additional comments?

I am now reading Tommo and Hawk

Excellent

Best book ever! One of those stories you didn't want to end (and I guess it hasn't because there's two more parts). I'm hoping parts 2 and 3 are as excellent as this,