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The Potato Factory
- The Australian Trilogy, Book 1
- Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
- Series: Australian Trilogy, Book 1
- Length: 23 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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)
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What listeners say about The Potato Factory
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- karen
- 11-30-05
Best audiobook of the year!
If there were an audiobook award for 'best of the year', Bryce Courtney's 'The Potato Factory' would get my vote, hands down. It has everything -- a compelling story, unforgetable characters, a plot with historical authenticity, and a narrator that can't be beat.
Scholars debate how historically accurate 'The Potato Factory' really is -- I personally knew very little about the founding of Australia, from its penal colony days, but in at least one sense, it doesn't matter. The story succeeds brilliantly, even if it were pure fiction. There is likewise debate about whether the book is anti-semitic -- as a Jew, I can't see any tinge of anti-Jewish feeling. Quite the contrary, in many instances. It's hardly a surprise that there were (and are) Jews of less than sterling character. Ikey Solomon, as portrayed by Courtney, is both lovable and dispicable, fully human and utterly fascinating. A man of his time, in a society that was very different from that which we live in today.
Special congratulations should go to Humphrey Bower, the narrator. Through a truly Dickensian cast of characters (including a cameo from the Boz himself!) from street urchins, to upper class Brits, through every element of British and then exiled-society in Van Damiens Land, men and women, adults and children, Bower does a masterful job of portrayal. Each voice is unique, each rings true. There oughta be Academy Awards for acting jobs like this one!
'The Potato Factory' is actually the first book of a trilogy that Courtney calls his gift to Australia. Having just finished listening to this first installment, I'm now on the hunt for the second and third books -- Audible would be doing an amazing service to its listeners if they also provided the next two. Having experienced the first, I can't imagine not wanting to hear the rest of the story as told by Courtney.
Don't miss this classic tale. "The Potato Factory" has it all -- audiobooks just don't get any better than this.
211 people found this helpful
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- Jan
- 02-25-12
Powerfully told story... but a warning
A woven tapestry tale with the bawdy, tender, joyous and horrific. He opens the slums of London and the prisioner deportations to Tasmania to our view. You learn history in passing but more important meet characters so complex, that I felt I knew them... almost as friends who shared what they had learned from life. It is a hard book to put down, but does include a great deal of profanity, whores, multiple graphic sexual events and violence. With all the good in it, I still strongly wouldn't recommend for a teen reader or tender spirited soul.
128 people found this helpful
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- Clare
- 04-02-12
Not for the faint of heart
Would you consider the audio edition of The Potato Factory to be better than the print version?
I've not read the print version.
What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Excellent reader. He portrays the various characters well.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I read quite a bit of historical fiction, but this is such a violent story, I'm not sure I'm actually glad to have read it. Not that it isn't good. It's well done. But some of the descriptions I wish I could expunge from my memory. I could have lived the rest of my life without the particularly graphic and violent visuals this author is so proficient at writing.
I'm not naive and I am pretty tough minded, but beware. The pictures this author paints are not easily forgotten.
I did feel the ending gave enough hope to make me want to read more of this series, but it's going to be a while.
94 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Rebecarol
- 09-19-08
Read this Author!!
My biggest complaint about Bryce Courtney is...his titling! The two books I've listened to, "Brother Fish" and "The Potato Factory" are truly marvelous stories-- and I do call them stories vs. novels purposefully. Yet the titles don't entice, and these books richly deserve...to be enticing. Courtney is just an awesome storyteller, it's okay that there's predictability, a bit of cliche, a bit of platitude. Because that's just... a bit. Much more than those small bits and pieces, there is a great Courtney universe to enjoy. This particular book -- a book about the notorious "Prince of Fences," a true-life scoundrel of the gravest sort--his wife and his one-time mistress...all shipped to Australia... is incredibly rich in character development. As in "Brother Fish" Courtney has treated his female characters with the same generosity that he has his males, and once again he treats of villains and villainy in a way that doesn't demonize and doesn't border on caricature.
I think, when I'velistened to these books that more than anything I am impressed that they're gripping, fun, marvelous stories that are written by a man of compassion-- you can feel this author's huge, gorgeous heart beating through the pages. The other thing that's interesting-- both books I've read emphasize literacy-- reading saves the characters again and again, and in fact the book jacket informs us that the author is a literacy champion. Beyond his advocacy, the works themselves are the best champions, he has written books that can truly instill the love of reading...and the desire to read more within its readers. Strong recommendation!
59 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Debra
- 02-18-06
always leave alittle salt on the bread
After listening to "The Power of one" and "Tandia" which where brilliant and signing up with audible. This was the first place I headed was to Bryce Courtenay section. I listened to "The Potato Factory. And to take one of Mr. Courtenays comments I have learnt more out of story books than history books. Being Australian and learning about the penial colonies allowed me to have a picture in my mind whilst this wonderful book was being beautifully read by Humphrey Bower. Really encapsulated it all for me and bringing me to a new level of understanding. I like others would like to know what the other 2 parts are to Mr. Courtenays gift, that he has so beautifully given Australia. The most throughtful and gracious gift. That we as a Country are the most fortunate to be the recipients of. And now the decision of what to listen to of Mr. Courtenay's next
52 people found this helpful
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Overall
- CynNC
- 08-14-08
A True Adventure
This was my very first Bryce Courtaney, had never even heard of him ... I did a search for historical fiction over 20 hours long and this was one that came up, it sounded interesting so I figured, why not .... WOW, I was hooked right away, with both the fantastic story and the awesome narrator Humphery Bower. I think it took me 2 days to finish it cause I could not put it down. As soon as it ended I downloaded the other 2 books in the trilogy, Tommo & Hawk and Solomon's song. Of course this is a fictional story but knowing that some characters are based on real people made it all the more interesting. I have gone on to download many more of Bryce Courtaney's and have never been the least bit disappointed.
41 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Lorenrw
- 01-17-08
Outstanding listen
This first book of a trilogy, was as good or better than any book/books I have listned to out of the more than 120 books I have downloaded through Audible. Out of all the reviews not one listed all three books and in the order they were written. All are avialible through Aubible. This trilogy of novels contains "The Potato Factory", "Tommo & Hawk" and "Solomon's Song". In that order. Another book by the same author "Brother Fish" was outstanding. Maybe a tad better (if that is possible) than the aforementioned Trilogy.
47 people found this helpful
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- Janice
- 01-08-13
Should have believed the cautionary reviews
Once again I have chosen a book that is very well written and perfectly read, but populated with such unappealing characters that I felt like I needed to take a shower after each listening session. The writing is compared to Dickens in several reviews, appropriately so since the main villian (supposed hero) is the real life inspiration for Fagan. In his preface the author warns us that his characters are "odious", but assures us that we will grow to love them. I did not. Did such violence and depravity really exist in that day and time? I'm sure it did. But that doesn't mean I want to be immersed in the muck. Even Dickens gave us some positive characters.
So I will add my caution to previous unhappy reviewers: If you do not enjoy very explicitly graphic sexual (and I don't mean romantic) and violent scenes, and if making heroes of villians is not your cup of tea, then pass on this one. The only reason I am allowing a 3 star rating is in acknowledgement of the author's obvious writing skills, but it does not mean that I enjoyed his "odious" characters. I am just grateful that I did not purchase the next two volumes in the series, because I won't be reading them.
114 people found this helpful
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Overall
- K. Lawson
- 04-15-08
At least SIX stars!
Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower are sheer genius together. I can't imagine one without the other. Although the writing is truly extraordinary, Mr. Bower's narration makes The Potato Factory come to life for over 23 much-anticipated hours. Just the Dickensian settings and names of the characters alone are worth the read but there's SO much more. All of the listener's senses are piqued as the characters and story richly unfold. I'd actually find myself tightly closing my eyes to keep out the especially nasty parts only to realize that it's the magic of the narrator that has made them come so alive. PLEASE get this book. Enjoy each and every word. I've listened to dozens of Audible books (and read hundreds more) and this is without a doubt, the best of the best.
40 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Sarah
- 12-03-07
Not for the faint of heart...
Let me start with what I liked about this book. It was real, in a sense. If you are sick of books where the likeable petty criminal escapes with a clever move, or the blushing virgin escapes a would-be rapist with virginity intact, you might appreciate his style.
Also - I liked that the author agrees with the true and oft-overlooked concept that women who are victims of rape can still be functioning members of society...even successful and self-assured.
What I couldn't take was the gratuitous cruelty he inflicts upon his characters. If you enjoy getting emotionally involved in a character's progress through the plot, then having to sit through a graphic description of gang rape after gang rape, well, so be it.
I listen to audiobooks while I drift off to sleep, and this one gave me some pretty traumatic middle-of-the-night kicks to the head.
21 people found this helpful
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Overall

- Dr
- 03-05-09
Fab!
Really well read and a gripping story. I was not sure what to expect from the information on the website but I was not at all let down. I enjoyed the narration and have listened to this story several times now. It is great every time. It makes you feel as though you are actually in 19th century London.The next stories in the trilogy Tommo and Hawk and then Solomon's Song are well worth a listen also
12 people found this helpful
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Overall

- Sarah
- 08-01-09
Amazing, but a bit over the top and over long.
How to give this book less than 5 stars.... I wanted to give it 1 star after the first third, but it improved about half way through to be a very enjoyable listen. Unlike his first book, The Power of One, which is one of my favourites, and also read by H. Bower, this story can't quite cope with the vast scale Courtney is trying to convey. There are about 10 books worth in the first third alone, and the characterisation suffers for it. Courtney has very strong views about people, their motives and how much they can suffer or cause others to suffer, to which he gives full reign in this book. Personally, I found him a bit too hectoring at first and I got a bit bogged down in all the terrible violence, squalor, and general depravity. If it wasn't for the wonderful reading I would have given up after hour 9. Other people listening may not mind, but I found it both very nasty and a bit dull.... however, things definately improved. By the time the characters got on the way to Oz, his story settled down to become gripping and the characters were able to grow and become likable in their own right, rather than just being vehicles for displaying the writer's considerable research.
So, worth getting over the first third, but be prepared for lots of violence, depravity and human waste!!
15 people found this helpful
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- Jinty
- 12-15-13
Always leave a little Salt on the Bread !!!
What made the experience of listening to The Potato Factory the most enjoyable?
The wonderful enchanting characters,the locations that the story took me to, the never ending thrill of what is going to happen next to Mary, Ikey,and little Sparra - Fart !! Sigh ....
What did you like best about this story?
this is hard to say ,as I loved every bit of this book however on reflection perhaps it was the historical facts that Bryce weaved into his storytelling, these were an eye opener for me.
Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favourite?
without a doubt " My Dear !" it is most definately.... Ikey Solomon..
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Oh yes there were many, I didnt like what happened to Mary's Hands, the death of Sperm Whale Sally made me weep. one that I wont forget is the flogging of " Billy Gone Queer !"
Any additional comments?
Humphrey Bower has taken Bryce Courteney words and made them Sing .. He is so ,so ,good to listen to. i was totally captivated with his wonderful voice.. I recommend this book whole heartedly. I have started on book two and the Story goes on great!!
6 people found this helpful
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- DARREN
- 02-12-15
Excellent
Very good story, can not wait for the next in the series. Well read by the narrator. I would recommend.
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- KIM
- 03-31-12
Great Tale!
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!
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- Kim
- 03-28-12
Absolutely brilliant
You have to read all three (Tommo and Hawk & Solomon's Song). Fantastic story, fact and fiction beautifully brought together and the narrator Humphrey Bower gave a powerful and convincing performance. These books cannot be ignored either audio or hardcopy, they make you laugh, cry and may be enhance your knowledge of English history. Bryce's research is perfection itself, I looked up some of the references and there's no doubt of the immense amount of work that has taken place to produce these outstanding stories. If you haven't bought them yet.... what are you waiting for?
4 people found this helpful
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- "someoneinspace"
- 06-26-17
nope
got as far as the pointless and graphic gang rape scene. no thanks, we're done.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 02-02-15
Mischievously capturing, my dear
Wonderful, funny, adoring and extremely well narrated.
Some of the best character descriptions ever. Can warmly recommend this one! Gr
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- WCE
- 01-27-15
An amazing story
So well written. Every character comes to life. An elaborate tale told in such a simple way. I couldn't put this book down.
2 people found this helpful
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- Hilary Harrison
- 10-02-14
Stunning!
This is the first of a trilogy; I listened and had to buy the next two volumes. Well written, well plotted, well researched, and Humphrey Bower is rapidly becoming a serious contender for my number 1 narrator. Awesome.
2 people found this helpful
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- Renuka
- 06-01-14
Exceptional Narrator
If you could sum up The Potato Factory in three words, what would they be?
This is the first review I've ever written and I really need to call out what an amazing Narrator Humphrey Bower is. He is truly gifted, his ability to grasp all the accents throughout all 3 books made this great story exceptional.
What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?
He is BRILLIANT.
4 people found this helpful
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- Geraldine
- 06-05-16
Excellent
Made me feel like I was back in the 18th century. Totally enthralled could not stop listing, couldn't wait to get to the next in the series. Great story using history 👍
3 people found this helpful
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- sofia
- 11-25-13
Great Book ever!
If you could sum up The Potato Factory in three words, what would they be?
great,interesting and heartbreaking
What did you like best about this story?
It has a great and a very wonderful main character. The strength of the book is in its characters. The twist of the story makes me so excited that i want to finish listening to it right away.
I'm not a fan of historical fiction books but when i listened to this book i admire historical books, i admire the writer who is so genius, even the narrator of the book is so great.
I could not wait to read more of the story of its characters.
I would heartily recommend this book to anyone, particularly someone traveling to Australia.
3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 02-21-19
An Outstanding Book.
As usual Bryce Courtenay has excelled yet again. What a magnificent book! Humphrey Bower is a fantastic narrator.
2 people found this helpful
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- Philip
- 05-26-18
A great story teller
A great ‘Dickensian’ story teller and likeable narrator sadly without quite the knowledge of British accents he thinks he has (Australian). Could have been improved to a triple 5 with a native English multi-dialect narrator like Anton Lesser and quite a few others. BC is a remarkable novelist of yesteryear in a genre which nowadays seem to be dominated only by women. I suppose nothing wrong with that but nice to know the men can sometimes keep their end up to a similar standard. After this and the ‘The Power of One’ I will have to read the rest. Strange that I had never heard of him till an elderly friend brought thus author to me. A wonderful discovery. An Author who loves creating great characters and takes into account the real history of the period he is writing about.
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- Robert Stockton
- 07-26-20
Grand.
What a wonderful tale.
Mr Courtney says in the beginning of this book that it was intended as a gift to the Australia he loved so much, and it absolutely felt like that to read it. Somehow it unwrapped more layers than I knew existed to this mysterious land and its curious people.
"The Potato Factory" at once transcended the flacid history lessons I pretended to listen to as a child and young adult, to kindle the appropriate wonder that could have and should have existed my whole life.
It delicately and brutally starts where 'we' started, in the atrocious class system and its accompanying abject poverty and degradation of early 19th century England, which is a blistering eye-opener of shocking quality. We eventually 'migrate' to the ancient Van Diemen's Land, where the modern Australia pulls itself into being.
The characters in the book (many of which are from real history) carry the tale and tenet of the story magnificently and a yearning, fear, elation, guilt, sadness and shame are gifted to the sensitive reader... especially the happy-go-lucky present day Australian.
The narrator, Humphrey Bower, is superb and his rendering of the main character, Ike Solomon, is stupendously good. I found myself marvelling at his imagination of the character. The accent and lilt of his voice is truly inspired.
Thank you so much!
1 person found this helpful
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- Chris Collum
- 11-27-18
Very enjoyable.
Humphrey Bower is simply fantastic, he makes a book come alive.
The story is enjoyable with enough fact to make it interesting.
Bryce's hate for the Born Again Christian religion is ever present, it's getting a little old and I am an atheist.
Still worth listening to, as are the following 2 books.
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- Anonymous User
- 10-12-18
Great listen
Lovely narration of one of the best works of historical fiction. Bryce Courtenay is a great author, may he rest in peace.
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- Anonymous User
- 04-13-22
Why have I waited so long
Loved this story, and I am now going to have to listen to Tommo and Hawk.
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- Nat
- 01-19-22
Amazing story and production.
can't wait to start the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.