The Potato Factory cover art

The Potato Factory

The Australian Trilogy, Book 1

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The Potato Factory

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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About this listen

Ikey Solomon is very successful indeed, in the art of thieving. 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 19th century London to Van Diemens 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. As each woman sets out to destroy the other, the families are brought to the edge of disaster.

©2013 Bryce Courtenay.By arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia). Copyright Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Fiction Historical Fiction Scary Thought-Provoking Business

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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 Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant
I read the book years ago and knew that I would read it again one day and so getting it on audio was great idea!
I loved it as much second time round and Humphrey Bower does a brilliant job with all the characters voices.
How you come to love the main character Ikey Solomen is amazing as he is such a dirty rotten low life scoundrel! But loveable he is!
I will get the sequel also and hopeful enjoy that as much!

Great Tale!

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

Just a brilliant story written in a compelling dialogue and narrated superbly.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the story developed drawing you further in with every page.

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

The characters are brought to life and will now be forever as Humphrey Bower depicts them unforgettably emblazoned on my mind.

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

I laughed out loud a number of times and wept to hear Mary's awful beating by the male clerks....so sad.

Any additional comments?

This book may not immediately appeal from the introductions but this is pure gold as a wonderful unforgettable read.

Victorian reality not Dickens soap opera

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So well written. Every character comes to life. An elaborate tale told in such a simple way. I couldn't put this book down.

An amazing story

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I loved this brilliant book, and I am just sad that it is over. Listen to it you won't regret it.

Wonderful tale

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I carried this book from room to room listening to it. Loved every minute and was sad to get to the end. Most heartily recommend it :)

loved it

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