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
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I began this trilogy by delving into the second book, namely "Tommo and Hawk". I was instantly smitten with both characters, and my anticipation soared as I eagerly turned to "Solomon's Song" in the hope of uncovering "where they went". The plotline for Tommo was, to a certain extent, gratifying. However, the story arc of Hawk left a great deal to be desired. It felt as if I had been deprived of a proper conclusion for this character, which was truly disheartening.


As others have pointed out, the character development of Tommo's family appears hasty and leaves much to be desired. Hinetitama, Tommo's daughter, is a character and personality that I began to cherish, only to have Courtenay abruptly stop writing about her. Moreover, Hinetitama's children are never fully developed as distinct individuals. I also had a keen interest in learning more about Joshua Solomon, David Solomon's grandchild, but unfortunately, I never really got to know much about him either.


While the war elements in this story are engaging enough, I found that I had a better understanding of characters like "Wordy Smith", "Library", and "Crow" compared to our protagonist, Ben Teekleman. Although I am aware that a significant amount of research went into the plots regarding Ben's adventures overseas, I simply couldn't bring myself to care. In fact, I was rather distracted. I constantly found myself wondering: What about Hawk? What about Victoria? What about the Potato Factory? Unlike the other books in this trilogy, which enabled readers to skip from country to country to follow various characters, once the story shifted to Ben, he became the sole focus.


When I realized that I only had 50 pages remaining and still had not heard anything about the characters who were still in Australia, it dawned on me that I was never going to get the conclusion I so desired for my beloved Hawk.


In essence, this book was passable to read, but it was ultimately disappointing in its conclusion.
July 15,2025
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This book was brilliantly written and left me in shock long after the last page was turned.

It is truly a masterpiece that stands out among the others in the series. While the first two books were well done, this one really shines like a gold nugget.

It is important to note that alone, this book wouldn't have had as big an impact. You really do need to read the other books first to fully appreciate the story and its depth.

The tale is simply amazing, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I am so glad I picked these books up and embarked on this literary journey.

It has been a truly rewarding experience, and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
July 15,2025
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3.25 Stars


This rating of 3.25 stars indicates a certain level of satisfaction or performance. It lies somewhere between a three-star rating, which might suggest an average or satisfactory experience, and a four-star rating, which implies a higher degree of quality or excellence. With 3.25 stars, it could mean that there are aspects that are quite good, perhaps even outstanding in some areas, but there are also a few不足之处 or areas that could use improvement. It might be a product that functions well overall but has a few minor glitches or a service that provides a decent experience but lacks some of the finer touches that would push it to a higher rating. In any case, a 3.25-star rating is a useful indicator for consumers or evaluators to understand the general standing and potential areas of growth for the subject in question.
July 15,2025
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The third installment of the Potato Factory trilogy marks a significant departure from the beginning.

In my view, the first two books were superior. This particular volume transports us away from the family and into the chaos of the First World War.

It presents a rather unflattering picture, yet the author adeptly exposes the ineptitude of many leaders within the British military apparatus.

We witness numerous sad incidents that give us a glimpse into what life might have been like for an Australian service member under British command during those tumultuous times.

I have previously read about the unsuitability of the military's upper echelons - individuals who led cushy lives before the war and were entirely unprepared to guide real men into battle.

This installment of the Potato Factory is an entirely different narrative from the first two.

The second half of the story, which is quite lengthy, could almost stand alone as a novel in its own right.

The love shared among the common soldiers was both inspirational and truly heart-rending.

The ineptitude of the leadership was infuriating, and the tragic consequences were heartbreaking.

Overall, it offers a unique perspective on a dark period in history.
July 15,2025
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Solomon’s Song, by Bryce Courtenay, is a captivating audiobook.

Narrated by Humphrey Bowers and produced by Bolinda Audio, it can be downloaded from audible.com. This is the third installment in the Potato Factory trilogy, which is set in Australia from approximately 1840 to 1916.

Once again, Bryce Courtenay has delivered a brilliant book. Thank you, Bryce!

Humphrey Bowers' narration truly enhances the experience. I firmly believe that these books would not have been as outstanding without his skilled delivery. In this third book, we continue to follow the lives of the two families, the Solomons and the Tinklemans.

Courtenay excels at writing war narratives, and a significant portion of this book is dedicated to World War I and the Australian regiments that participated in it.

However, there is one aspect of Courtenay's books, at least in this trilogy, that I don't particularly like - they all end on a sad note. Nevertheless, the overall quality and engaging nature of the stories make them well worth reading or listening to.

July 15,2025
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The last book in the Trilogy of the Solomon family was truly remarkable. It was just as good as the first two installments, if not better.

I found myself completely engrossed in the story from the very beginning. The author's writing style was captivating, and the characters were well-developed and relatable.

I could not imagine reading the first two books without also reading the last one. It tied up all the loose ends and provided a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

I would highly recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. It is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the Trilogy of the Solomon family and look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.
July 15,2025
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What a truly fantastic end to a remarkable three-book trilogy!

The account of the Anzac experience in the fight against the Germans is incredibly detailed. It provides a vivid and immersive look into that historical period.

The historic value of this book is outstanding, not only presenting a detailed account but also weaving in a fanciful tale. The grandchildren of Ikey Sullivan continue to be in a rivalry with the children of Ikey's horrid brother David.

It's a captivating story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. I truly wish there were more installments in this series. Bruce Courtenay has an amazing talent for making each of his strange and wonderful characters come alive. They leap off the pages and into the reader's imagination, making the story even more engaging and memorable.

Overall, this trilogy is a must-read for anyone interested in history, family rivalries, and great storytelling.
July 15,2025
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This particular book may not possess the same level of structure and refinement as some of his other works.

However, it still manages to be satisfying enough, especially considering it is the final installment of a trilogy.

The story likely ties up loose ends and provides a sense of closure for readers who have been following the series.

Although it may not reach the same heights as his more acclaimed books, it still offers an engaging and enjoyable reading experience.

Perhaps the author took a different approach with this book, sacrificing some of the traditional elements of structure for a more emotional or character-driven narrative.

Overall, while it may not be a masterpiece, it is a worthy conclusion to the trilogy and will likely leave fans feeling content.
July 15,2025
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I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. It has been an exciting and engaging journey filled with interesting characters, thrilling plot twists, and beautiful world-building. The story has kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.


However, what was that ending!? It felt a bit rushed and left some loose ends. I was hoping for a more satisfying conclusion that tied up all the storylines and answered all my questions. While I still overall enjoyed the trilogy, the ending did leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.


Hence 4 stars for me, not 5. I would still highly recommend this trilogy to others, but I do think the ending could have been improved. Despite that, it is still a great piece of work that has entertained me and will likely stay with me for a long time.

July 15,2025
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**A fitting conclusion to The Australian Trilogy**

This remarkable book serves as a most fitting conclusion to the captivating saga that was so exquisitely begun in The Potato Factory. It has the power to completely immerse the reader in the ongoing family story, painting a vivid and detailed picture of all aspects of human nature. As one delves into its pages, they are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, experiencing the full gamut from joy to sorrow, from hope to despair.

However, it is important to note that if the reader is at all squeamish, they should approach this book with caution due to its highly descriptive nature. The author spares no detail in描绘 the horror, futility, and comradeship of WW1. The vivid descriptions bring the war to life in a way that is both震撼ing and thought-provoking.
Overall, this conclusion to The Australian Trilogy is a must-read for fans of historical fiction. It ties together the loose ends of the story and provides a satisfying resolution that will leave readers with a deep sense of appreciation for the characters and their journey.

It is a literary masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come.
July 15,2025
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The story was way way too long. I just could not sustain my interest in it.

At the beginning, I was somewhat intrigued by the premise. But as it dragged on and on, my attention started to wane.

There were so many details that seemed unnecessary and they only served to make the narrative more convoluted.

I found myself constantly looking at the page count, hoping that it would end soon.

Even though the writing itself was not bad, the excessive length made it a chore to read.

I think the author could have done a better job of editing and trimming down the story to make it more engaging and accessible.

As it stands, I'm not sure if I would recommend this article to others.

Maybe if they have a lot of patience and a penchant for long, detailed stories, they might enjoy it. But for me, it was just too much.

July 15,2025
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I'm not particularly adept at penning reviews. However, I must assert that the three volumes of The Potato Factory trilogy left an indelible mark on me.

These books were truly remarkable, exuding an intense atmosphere and being rich in character development, detailed information, and captivating plots.

The storylines were so engaging that I found myself completely immersed in the world created by the author.

Each character was vividly brought to life, with their own unique personalities and motives.

The amount of research that went into providing the historical and cultural context was evident, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading them yet, I urge you to do so. You won't be disappointed.

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