The Potato Factory

The Potato factory was by far the best of the three books in the series. These are works of fiction, however it makes me feel very lucky not to have been born or raised in England during the 18 & 19th century. The lack of concern for people less fortunate and the opression of the wealthy. Perhaps it has always been this way, but Bryce Courtenay has painted a beautiful picture of hardships in the settling of the frontier of Australia.

Excellent read. I really liked this book. Starts out in England, 1820s, ends in "Tasmania." Great characterization. Highly recommended.

I was in Australia visiting friends when I heard about this novel. I bought it to read on the plane back to America. Usually if I read for pleasure it takes me a week or more to get through it just bits at a time. I could not put this book down to sleep or eat until I had read every single page. Mr. Courtenay has a way of putting you right in the middle of the story with so many colourful characters that will live on in your heart until you pass. If you love history, if you love seeing the little person struggle to come out on top to only be kicked down and struggle back up again then you'll love this book and the two others that follow.

PURE BRYCE COURTENAY. ANOTHER EPIC ABOUT THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE AND THE WILL TO PERSEVERE AND NEVER GIVE UP. IF YOU'VE READ THE POWER OF ONE, YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK. COURTENAY SHOULD BE BETTER KNOWN IN THE GOOD OLD USA

This book is the first of a trilogy with "Tommo & Hawk" sand "Solomon's Song" coming after. The Potato Factory is an interesting title and most significant, but not what you might think. The time period is the early 1800's and most reminiscent of what Charles Dickens would write. The first half of the 832 pages in the pocketbook takes place in London and the second half in Australia. This story has many, many layers and all are easy to keep track of. Most of the problems are resolved by the end, but a major one would be explained and expanded in Tommo & Hawk as I shall soon discover. The writing is superb and the characters are etched in your memory for all time. The subjet matter is crass in the first half, yet is the foundation for what happens in the second half. This is a tale of Australia's beginnings and an engrossing one you will not put down 'til finished.