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!!

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15 people found this helpful

Dickins meets EJ thompson

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Already recommended this book/audible book several times , this is a powerful well researched work , that demonstrates truth is stranger than fiction. I can only describe it as having the best aspects of Dickens and EJ Thompson . Dickens descriptive narrative and E J Thompson's superb emotional intelligence ....

What other book might you compare The Potato Factory to, and why?

Well obviously Oliver Twist.... much better and accurate personalisation of Ike rather that the politically satirically Fagin however

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Learning a lot about Australian History.

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

In the depths of human depravity , humanity still wins through.
Immensely enjoyable novel with superb narration painting a very powerful picture of Australian history...

Any additional comments?

Will definitely be listening to the next two books in the trilogy

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1 person found this helpful

Enthralling to the end

One of the better narrated books I've listed to, excellent range of accents. Brought the story to life and did the characters justice.

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Excellent narration, brilliant story

This book was spellbinding. Every character brought vividly to life and a plot that twisted and turned so often. Loved the historical context and the depiction of often brutal treatment of convicts transported. Weaving fact and fiction to a seamless blend is magic. Going to buy the next two in the series now.

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loved it

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 :)

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loved every minute of this book

the best. captured my attention so that i could not put the phone down. ready to purchase the next book. only hope its the ssme narrator

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Bryce Courtenay

I have never read anything by this author before, now I have ordered several more of his books. I found the Potato Factory to be the most excellent of reads. Often being thoroughly ashamed of our British history,I found myself crying with despair then laughing out loud with the characters. At this point I need to congratulate the narrator Mr Humphrey Bower for his first class performance. Excellent, excellent The Potato Factory by far the best book I have read this year.

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Brilliant

Loved this book so much, joint first best book. Narration fabulous. I Couldn’t stop listening.

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Wonderful tale

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

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another wonderful sojourn into another world

gripped by this tale of history, poverty and determination from the very start. The next book in the trilogy will be started immediately as I am swept along by the saga. as usual, the narrator is perfect for this author.

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