Customer Reviews

The Potato Factory

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book - part one of a trilogy - is a heart-rendering novel of the souls that were taken to 'The fatal shore' of Australia and survived against ALL odds. I have been a HUGE fan of Bryce after living in Australia and actually meeting him at a book reading of 'April Fools Day'. He is truly a sincere and great man who can spin a yarn that will keep one interested from page 1 till the end.

As with all great authors, and knowing what went on in Bryce's life, I knew that 'The Potato factory' was to be a fresh start for him back into literature. So how was he to live up to 'The Power of One'? One of my favorite novels of all time? Well, he did it here, with a story of passion and pain, as well as the careful creation of characters that you won't soon forget and learn to care about. He creates a novel that is cross between Dickens and Hemingway in his style - full of passion, yet using a 'down to earth' style of prose - nothing too cerebral, however 1 notch above the 'cut a paste page turner' novels of today. One guy you really just want to know, and have him tell one of his many stories 'round a grown-up campfire'. The stage is set in this one for the 2 to come to be what looks to add up to rather compelling trilogy. Even if you don't do the whole 'trilogy thing', this novel in and of itself is very satisfying.

I just finally got around to starting to read 'Tommo and Hawk' (GREAT so far), and got 'Solomons Song' as well (on the shelf beckoning...). I am just disappointed like so many other American fans of his work that he does not have more presence in the US market - it is not as if his stuff is entirely foreign or that it has to be translated or anything, and after living in Australia for 8 years, I cannot see anything in his novels that require my 'life experience' to read!

Even if you have not read any of Bryce's novels, this one is as good a start as any. Snuggle up on the sofa with this one!

This story transports the reader from the South Africa of POWER OF ONE and TANDIA to Mr. Courtenay's new homeland, Australasia. The story is exciting and moving. A fantastic read. Don't forget to read the other two in the trilogy! Courtenay has lost his readership for some reason since the publication of THE POWER OF ONE his first book. It is followed by TANDIA. He also wrote THE POTATO FACTORY (of course), TOMMO & HAWK, and their final chapter, the third in that trilogy, SOLOMON'S SONG, which is due to be released in the rest of the world very soon. Other almost unknown works by Courtenay are: THE NIGHT COUNTRY, THE FAMILY FRYING PAN, A RECIPE FOR DREAMING and JESSICA. I encourage all of you who read this review to discover ALL of Courtenay's novels, not just THE POWER OF ONE. I do not know why he isn't more popular over here in the USA. Feel free to email to chat about Courtenay or collecting his books, of which I have many, many and some to spare!

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.

I can't understand why Bryce Courtenay's books are so hard to find in the States. I uses to have to order them from an on line store in Australia or make a trip to Canada to get them after I got hooked on his wonderful writing after reading "The Power of One". Thank goodness Amazon has made it easier to get his books. This one, "The Potato Factory" is my second favorite after "Power",it actually had me gasping out loud and crying as I read it. The sequels aren't nearly as good. This one stands alone and is one of my all time favorites. I think you'll agree.

It's not an easy task to cover a multitude of characters over 50 years time and a few continents but Bryce Courtenay manages to do it with this book. I was given the book by a friend who gave it to me after I visited Sydney for a short vacation. I'm not looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

The strength of the book is in its characters. Mary Klerk, also known as Mary Abacus, is a true heroine who although flawed is someone you can root for. She survives a debilitating attack, becomes a courtesan, goes to jail, gets sent to Australia, becomes a successful businesswoman and also adopts children. That's a lot of ground to cover and to weave all those details together without losing the reader's attention is a challenging task.

The other main character is a rogue named Ikey Solomon, a thief and fence who you eventually come to respect and like. Along the way you learn a bit about the early days of Australia and the strange practices of English law, order and justice.

My only complaint regarding the book is that it tended to dwell on especially lurid circumstances at times. Courtenay is such a vivid writer that it provided quite a jolt at times and almost obscured the more positive aspects of the story.

Still I recommend it and look forward to more of his books.

I was recommended to read THE POTATO FACTORY by a person I ride the bus with. We had both wished there was a sequel to it. Lo and behold, my friend finds a copy of TOMMO & HAWK, which after reading left me clamouring for more. This was before I read Wade Burgess' review and found out there is a third and final chapter to this trilogy, SOLOMON'S SONG. I have been checking this website once a week to see if it's out, I have e-mailed a friend in New Zealand ( as Mr. Courtenay is residing in Australia it may appear down under first!)and I have even e-mailed Wade Burgess as he was the one who announced the third book. I plan on reading Courtenay's other books too!

I am the biggest fan of Bryce Courtenay, and this book has only strenthened my belief that he is one of the greatest authors of our time. The characters of Ikey Solomon and Mary Abacus are so wonderfully created and manipulated that you feel they are right in front of you. The following books Tommo & Hawke and Solomon's Song have the same weaving story that only Courtenay can create. I had the privilage of meeting Courtenay when he signed my copy of Solomon's Song - the man himself is as great as his writing. I recommend this book, and the Australian series, to anyone who loves a good romance, suspence and history.

Coming back from Australia, I got the Australian Trilogy from a friend. I have just finished book one, The Potato Factory. I really did enjoy it. Ikey Soloman is amazing. The story is very well done. He is living on top of his game and doing quite well. Until love gets in the way, but its not what you think. The story is filled with many details, one must read this book at least twice, which I will do. I kept wanting to skip ahead to find out what happens, but if i would have, I would of missed all the critial plannings of Ikey. I enjoyed this book, not as much as the Power of One, but the Potato Factory in its own right does need to get published in the States. I recommmend this book to anyone who likes to read epic stories about life, love, hatred and money. So basically, a story about human beings.

Bryce Courtney description of the life the Solomons had in England prior to transportation gives the impression that leaving England was the best thing that could have happened to them. I loved the part about the ratters, you are given a little insight into the rougher side of life in 18 century England. You have to admire Ikey, even though he was a rogue. Despite what some of the previous reviews say - you don;t have to have everything factual to have a good read. Potato Factory is more than a good read - it is a 'great read'. I saw and interview on TV with Bryce Courtney a few weeks ago - he said the greatest honour a reader can give him is to lend him a week of their life to read his books. I would gladly give him another week now as I have just purchased the sequel to Potato Factory - "Tommo & Hawk" and from what I hear I will not be disappointed with this book either.

I also read The Potato Factory first which prompted me to read Courtenay's first ever best-seller The Power of One. Wonderful! I can only say that I would heartily endorse both, although it's a little too much to ask for someone to wait 18 (?) months for a sequel (to The Potato Factory). The only complaint I would have regarding The Potato Factory, was this eternal waiting, but the waiting was worth-while as I've read Tommo & Hawk and am almost satisfied (can't wait for the conclusion to the trilogy). The Power of One is a fabulous yarn as is Tandia, which is and isn't a sequel (if you know what I mean). And if you get a chance, make sure you get a copy of April Fool's Day, Courtenay's account of his own sons death from aids after being given infected blood (he was a haemophiliac).