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The Catalpa Rescue

The gripping story of the most dramatic and successful prison break in Australian history

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The Catalpa Rescue

By: Peter FitzSimons
Narrated by: Michael Carman
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About this listen

 The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in Australian history.

New York, 1874. Members of the Clan-na-Gael - agitators for Irish freedom from the English yoke - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote prison in the British Empire, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa to rescue the men from the stone walls of this hell on Earth known to the inmates as a 'living tomb'. What follows is one of history's most stirring sagas that splices Irish, American, British and Australian history together in its climactic moment.

For Ireland, who had suffered English occupation for 700 years, a successful escape was an inspirational call to arms. For America, it was a chance to slap back at Britain for their support of the South in the Civil War; for England, a humiliation. And for a young Australia, still not sure if it was Great Britain in the South Seas or worthy of being an independent country in its own right, it was proof that Great Britain was not unbeatable.

Told with FitzSimons' trademark combination of arresting history and storytelling verve, The Catalpa Rescue is a tale of courage and cunning, the fight for independence and the triumph of good men, against all odds. Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Europe Oceania Social Sciences Australian History

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All stars
Most relevant
Wow. I'm in tears having just heard the end of this meticulously researched, beautifully written, brilliant read.

An epic adventure to right one of the many terrible wrongs put upon Irish people by the English government, this book begins with an emotive explanation of the English government's horrendous treatment of the Irish during the Potato Famine and goes on to tell the tale of a group of Irishmen that dared to stand up to English rule. Told with clarity and sympathy, The Catalpa Rescue is both a ripping yarn of a page-turner about an audacious heist and a detailed examination of the Fenian fight for Irish independence during the second half of the 19th Century.

Superb book. Totally gripping. Brilliantly read.

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Full of suspense and best book I have listened to in a long time. I gave the narrator five as he is a great storyteller even if some of the Irish place names are mispronounced

Can’t believe there wasn’t a blockbuster movie on this

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Intriguing read from the start, starts with a great short summary of the history of Ireland of the previous 600 years then straight into it, a failed rebellion, harsh punishments then an almost unbelievable escapade to the other side of the world to rescue imprisoned comrades, I would highly recommend this book.

An excellent tale of fenian resistance in the 19th century against the English oppressors.

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One of the most captivating stories I've ever heared. Its like in a crime novel, but real, absolutely fascinating. the one thing that really got on my nerves was the fact that the narrator, who reads very well and has a great voice to listen to, didn't bother to check the pronunciations of place names in ireland!!! and also trying the Irish accent was completely unnecessary.

Just amazing!!!

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One of the best books I have listened to in a long time. I must read.!!!

True story; adventure, heroism, rescue!

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