The Potato Factory #3

Solomon's Song

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This is the story of two families - branches of the Solomons - transported to an alien land, both of whom eventually grow rich and powerful but who, through three generations, never for one moment relinquish their hatred for each other. It is also the story of our country from the beginning until we came of age as a nation. I have learned a great deal about Australia and those things which concern us as a people and make us, in many ways, who we are today. To write this book, I visited Gallipoli and came away deeply saddened by the terrible waste of our young blood. We would never be quite the same again. It has been a grand adventure and I hope that you will find Solomon's Song a good and powerful story. No writer can possibly hope for more.

659 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1999

This edition

Format
659 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 1, 1999 by Viking Australia
ISBN
9780670878789
ASIN
0670878782
Language
English

About the author

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Arthur Bryce Courtenay, AM was a South African-Australian advertising director and novelist. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
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33(33%)
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34(34%)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I have never before felt the urge to pen a review, but with this particular experience, I find it absolutely necessary. I am relatively new to the works of Bryce Courtenay, but I have been delving into them lately. I am leaving this review specifically for this title because it has made an indelible mark on me that will never fade away. The way it is told is simply breathtaking, and the conclusion is horrific in the most profound sense.

My advice to anyone who desires to "read" Bryce Courtenay's works is to get the audio books. The narrator, Humphrey Bower, is truly a master of his craft. When you listen, you don't just hear a narrator; you hear the characters come to life. He has the remarkable ability to tell a story in any accent from around the world. I have never encountered narration of this caliber before. I earnestly implore everyone to give Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower a try. They will educate and entertain you in equal measure. From The Power of One to Brother Fish and everything in between, these books are beautifully told with astonishing narration (audio). If I could award ten stars to these books, I most certainly would. Every time I finish a title and convince myself that they couldn't possibly get any better, I start a new one, and lo and behold, it is yet another triumph. I apologize for going on at length, but these books must be read or listened to without hesitation.

July 15,2025
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The wind up of the Potato Factory series was really good.

However, I couldn't help but feel that the ending was a bit rushed. It left out some important details, such as what happened to the Sister and Hawk after the brother died. These loose ends really bothered me.

Mind you, the series was a fairly hefty read, so perhaps there could be another story to tie up these loose ends.

Overall, I enjoyed the Potato Factory series, but the rushed ending left me a bit disappointed. I hope that the author will consider writing another installment to give a more complete picture of what happened to the characters after the events of the series.
July 15,2025
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The description of the war in Bryce Courtenay's work is truly amazing.

It is not only filled with intense emotions that can bring you to the edge of your seat, but also contains moments that are so humorous that they can make you laugh like a lunatic.

This unique combination of elements makes his writing stand out from the rest.

Bryce Courtenay has a remarkable ability to paint a vivid picture of the war, allowing the readers to experience it firsthand.

His characters are well-developed and their stories are engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.

That's precisely why Bryce Courtenay is widely regarded as one of the best authors in the literary world.

His works have touched the hearts of countless readers and continue to be cherished for their depth and authenticity.

Whether you are a fan of war literature or simply looking for a great read, Bryce Courtenay's books are sure to satisfy.

July 15,2025
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I truly loved this remarkable series of books that delved deep into the life of early settlers in Australia.

The particular book I am referring to offers a captivating exploration of the Australian side during the second world war. It vividly描绘s the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that the people faced during that tumultuous time.

Moreover, it continues the engrossing saga of the divided Solomon family. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of war and upheaval, adding an extra layer of drama and emotion.

We witness their struggles to reunite, their personal growth, and the impact of the war on their relationships.

This book not only provides a historical perspective but also engages the reader on a human level, making it a truly unforgettable read.
July 15,2025
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"Solomon's Song” is the final installment of the trilogy.

While this specific book might not have been as captivating as the others, the story that spans across three remarkable books unfolds the lives of three generations.

As the story eventually reached its conclusion, I felt that the end of Solomon's Song was rather abrupt. It left me with a sense of wonder, asking myself, "So is that it?"

Nevertheless, Bryce Courtney has now become my new favorite writer. Just like Ken Follett, he is an outstanding storyteller. His ability to weave complex and engaging narratives is truly remarkable.

Despite the slightly underwhelming ending of this particular book, I am still eager to explore more of his works and see what other精彩 stories he has to offer.

Overall, the trilogy as a whole has been a memorable reading experience, and I look forward to seeing what Bryce Courtney will come up with next.
July 15,2025
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The Saga of the divided Solomon family persists.

Starting from Sydney in 1861 and extending to the battlefields in France in 1916, propelled by hatred, the family progresses through history. Tommo, Mary, David, and Hinetitama depart, and we advance with Grandfather Hawk, Ben, and Victoria on the side of goodness, while Abraham and Joshua are on the side of evil.

For me, this book chronicles the story of Tommo's grandson, Ben Teekleman, the "The Click" platoon, and the evolution of the fighting Anzacs (Australians, Tasmanians, and New Zealanders), as well as their role in WW1. From their training in Egypt, to the terrifying battle on the shores of Gallipoli, to the hospitals in London, and then to the battlefields in France, Ben and his comrades, through letters home to Hawk and Victoria, vividly describe, in unflattering detail, the life of an Aussie soldier.

I encountered the love of Ben's life, Sister (nurse) Sarah Atkins. Heroes with names like Wordy Smith, Crow Rigby, Hornbill, Muddy Parthe, Brokenose Brodie, Library Spencer, Numbers Cooligan, and "Just Ben" tugged at my heart and exemplified the strengths of a young nation maturing. It's an outstanding read!
July 15,2025
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I really loved the book. It had such an engaging story line, filled with interesting characters and thrilling adventures. The author's writing style was captivating, making it impossible for me to put the book down.

However, when I reached the ending, I was extremely disappointed. It felt rushed and incomplete. The loose ends were not tied up properly, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions. I had expected a more satisfying conclusion that would bring closure to the story and the characters' arcs.

Despite my disappointment with the ending, I still think the book as a whole was worth reading. It had many great aspects that made it an enjoyable experience. I just wish the author had spent more time on the ending to make it as good as the rest of the book.

I would recommend this book to others, but I would also warn them about the somewhat underwhelming ending. Maybe they will have a different opinion than I did, but I felt it was important to share my thoughts.
July 15,2025
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This was an incredibly wonderful wrap-up to the trilogy.

Throughout the three books, we have had the privilege of following a family's journey across three generations.

We initiated with the lower-class, criminal elements in England who were transported to Australia.

In the second book, they began to thrive, and their children grew up to be wealthy and prominent, yet still maintained the essence of their upbringing.

Finally, in this third book, we are introduced to respectability with the next generation.

They head off to WWI with a complex mix of feelings, as there is limited loyalty to Britain and a not insubstantial loyalty to their former ally, Germany.

It has truly been a remarkable walk through a world that I knew almost nothing about before.

The story has opened my eyes to a whole new era and set of experiences, and I am grateful to have been able to follow this family's path.

It has been a captivating and enlightening read from start to finish.
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