Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 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.
July 15,2025
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Once again, I find myself in a public place, bawling like a baby through the final pages of a Bryce Courtney book!

It's truly remarkable how his words have such a profound impact on me. This particular book, while not quite as good as the first one I read, was still thoroughly enjoyable.

The story was engaging from start to finish, filled with complex characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself completely invested in the lives of the characters, feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were my own.

As I reached the final pages, the emotions just overwhelmed me. The way Courtney ties up the loose ends and brings the story to a conclusion is both satisfying and heart-wrenching. I couldn't help but shed tears for the characters and the journey they had been through.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read. It may not be perfect, but it's definitely a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
July 15,2025
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A truly fantastic conclusion marks the end of this exciting saga.

This is an extensive series, yet not a single word is wasted. It has such a captivating charm that I simply could not put it down.

The author of this series is someone well worth following and loving.

Rarely does one come across a series that is as consistently excellent from the very beginning to the very end as this one.

It has been a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns, and the conclusion ties everything together in the most satisfying way.

I highly recommend this series to all those who enjoy a good story that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

It is a literary gem that will surely be cherished by readers for a long time to come.

July 15,2025
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The end of the long and arduous saga of the Potato factory and the Solomon family has finally arrived.

It is truly a very disappointing conclusion. One can't help but feel a sense of letdown after following this story for so long.

The only redeeming factor is that it was narrated by Humphrey Bower. His narration added a certain charm and authenticity to the tale.

However, despite his efforts, the overall experience was not as satisfying as one would have hoped.

The story had so much potential, but it seems to have fallen short in the end.

Perhaps there were aspects that could have been developed further or explored more deeply.

Nonetheless, it is still a story that will be remembered, if only for its connection to Humphrey Bower's narration.

Overall, it gets 3 stars, a mediocre rating that reflects the disappointment felt at the end of this long and winding saga.
July 15,2025
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A truly disappointing conclusion to this trilogy. In this final installment, a significant number of the beloved characters from the first two books have either met their untimely deaths or have been pushed to the sidelines, leaving a void that is hard to fill. Hawk, who remains alive, unfortunately, seems to have been reduced to the role of giving rather tiresome political lectures, which detracts from the overall charm and excitement of the story.


The next-generation characters, on the other hand, are disappointingly undeveloped. They lack the depth and complexity that would have made them truly engaging and relatable. Instead, the book seems to focus primarily on the details of the war, which, while important, can become overwhelming and monotonous at times.


And to make matters worse, the ending is simply terribly depressing. It leaves the reader with a sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction, rather than the sense of closure and fulfillment that one would expect from a trilogy. Overall, this book fails to live up to the promise of its predecessors and is a major letdown for fans of the series.

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