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 am glad to have finally finished the trilogy. However, it was not the end that I had anticipated. The last approximately 200 pages chronicled the story of one member of the family who went off to World War I as part of the ANZ (Australia New Zealand) contingent and participated in the Battle of Gallipoli (or the Dardanelles Campaign). It was a truly sad end for so many young ANZ soldiers. I simply cannot fathom the reason why nations would choose to engage in war. It is truly heartbreaking to think about the countless young lives that are lost. And I loathe the predominantly (or perhaps even exclusively) male politicians and generals who send mostly young men to their deaths in war. Their decisions have such a profound and tragic impact on the lives of so many.

July 15,2025
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Deep, Entertaining, Educational



In today's fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with information. However, not all of it is deep, entertaining, and educational. We often find ourselves scrolling through social media or watching mindless TV shows, without really learning anything new or expanding our horizons.

But there is a better way. We can seek out content that is not only engaging but also has the power to transform our lives. For example, we can read books that challenge our thinking and introduce us to new ideas. We can watch documentaries that take us on a journey around the world and teach us about different cultures and ways of life. We can listen to podcasts that feature experts in various fields and offer valuable insights and advice.

By consuming deep, entertaining, and educational content, we can expand our knowledge, improve our critical thinking skills, and gain a new perspective on the world. So, the next time you're looking for something to do, consider reaching for a book, turning on a documentary, or tuning in to a podcast. You might be surprised at how much you can learn and how much fun you can have in the process.
July 15,2025
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Excellent reader, you are in for a treat. I just completed listening to this entire trilogy over the course of two weeks, and let me tell you, it is well worth your time. The storylines are captivating, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. The narration is top-notch, bringing the story to life in the most vivid way. Whether you are a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or just a good story in general, this trilogy has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to another world. You won't be disappointed.

July 15,2025
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Three stars for most of the book was okay. The story had its moments, and it managed to hold my attention for the most part. However, the ending was just awful. I mean, after an entire trilogy? There was no epilogue! It was terribly unsatisfying. I was left with so many unanswered questions and a feeling of disappointment.


For those who say I have no imagination, well, that may be true. But that's exactly why I paid good money for a fiction book. I expected the author to use their imagination and create a complete and fulfilling story. Unfortunately, in this case, the author failed to deliver on that front.


I'm not sure if I would recommend this trilogy to others. While the beginning and middle were decent, the ending really soured the whole experience for me. It's a shame, because there was potential here for a great story.

July 15,2025
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This was an extremely long book for me.

It seemed to have no end in sight as I delved into its pages. However, I was determined to persevere and make it through.

Surprisingly, as I continued reading, I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

Every single page held a new adventure, a new character, or a new idea that captured my attention.

I began to look forward to each reading session, eager to discover what would happen next.

Before I knew it, I had reached the end of the book, and I was filled with a sense of satisfaction.

I had truly enjoyed every bit of this long and wonderful literary journey.

It had taken me on a ride through different worlds and emotions, and I was grateful for the experience.

This book will definitely stay with me for a long time, and I can't wait to pick up another one just like it.
July 15,2025
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The conclusion of this fantastic trilogy of books left me sad on many fronts.

Primarily, it was because the story of Mary and her family was coming to an end. It's truly remarkable that I managed to get through these books in under two weeks.

Whenever possible, I would steal precious minutes of reading time from other activities just to return to the horrifying story set in the trenches of Gallipoli.

Courtenay has told this tale so vividly that you can easily imagine yourself right there.

It gives you a genuine understanding of what was going on in the minds of those young men who fought so bravely against insurmountable odds, while also facing the Turks defending their homeland.

This trilogy is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in historical novels. It is a masterful work that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the events and the people involved.

From start to finish, it is a captivating and emotional journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Don't miss out on this incredible trilogy by a master of the historic novel genre.
July 15,2025
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Bryce left the best for last, although extremely somber.

He had a collection of memories that he had carefully curated over the years. Some were filled with joy and laughter, while others were tinged with sadness and loss.

As he sat alone, reflecting on his life, he knew that this final memory was the most precious of all. It was a moment that had changed him forever, a moment that he would carry with him until the end.

Despite the pain and heartache that accompanied it, he was grateful for the experience. It had taught him valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of珍惜 the present.

Bryce took a deep breath and allowed himself to fully embrace the memory. He knew that it was a part of him, and that he would never forget it.

With a sense of peace and acceptance, he closed his eyes and let the emotions wash over him. This was his final goodbye, but it was also a new beginning.
July 15,2025
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Solomon's Song is the third and final book in Bryce Courtenay's Potato Factory Trilogy. It holds a special place in my heart as it is my absolute favorite.

The story unfolds mainly on the peninsula of Gallipoli in Turkey, during the years 1915 - 16. I have had the privilege of visiting Gallipoli, and seeing the very places where the New Zealand and Australian military sacrificed their lives while supporting the English. This experience allowed me to vividly picture the intense and tragic scenes of those battles.

Over the past year, the families of Ikey and Mary, as well as Tommo and Hawk, have been with me through my MP3 player. Whether I was working around the house or driving in the car, their stories accompanied me.

I am truly sorry to reach the end of this remarkable trilogy. I have thoroughly enjoyed Courtenay's work, and his ability to bring these characters and their experiences to life has been nothing short of extraordinary.
July 15,2025
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I cried on the train. The journey seemed endless, and my emotions just overwhelmed me. The gentle swaying of the train and the passing scenery outside the window only added to my melancholy.

I thought about all the things that had led to this moment of tears. Maybe it was the stress from work, the difficulties in my relationships, or just the general feeling of being lost in this big world.

As I sat there, tears streaming down my face, I felt a sense of release. It was as if all the pent-up emotions were finally finding their way out.

The other passengers on the train probably wondered what was wrong with me, but in that moment, I didn't care. I just needed to let it all out and allow myself to feel.

Eventually, the tears stopped, and I felt a little bit better. The train continued on its way, and I knew that I had to face whatever lay ahead. But for now, I was content to just sit there and let the moment pass.
July 15,2025
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I'm truly overjoyed that I happened to come across this trilogy. It's such an astonishing story that is brimming with historical details. I firmly believe that every Australian ought to read it in order to glean a few insights into the birth of this nation.

The final book was somewhat distinct. As the narrative progresses, it draws us nearer to the atrocities of war and the hardships endured by the men who served in it. However, despite this, it is exquisitely written. The author has managed to vividly描绘 the chaos and destruction of war while also delving into the emotions and experiences of the soldiers.

It's a powerful and moving account that makes you appreciate the sacrifices made by those who came before us. This trilogy is not only a great read but also an important piece of historical literature that should be cherished and passed on to future generations.
July 15,2025
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It has been a long and arduous journey to get through this series, but at last, I managed to do it. However, out of the three books, this one is the one I liked the least. For some reason, it seemed rather disconnected from the "real story". And the ending left me in a rather strange state.

Well, let's just say it was a bad ending. There were so many questions left unanswered, and so much sadness left unresolved. Yes, I understand that life is sometimes like that, but really, I wanted something different than what I got. I'm not sure exactly what it is yet. Maybe something more satisfying, something that involves Hawk more directly. I guess I'll have to wait and see if it comes to me in a few days. Right now, I just feel kind of empty inside, as if a part of me is missing.

I hope that in the future, there will be some kind of resolution or continuation that will make up for this lackluster ending. Until then, I'll just have to try to move on and find other books to fill the void.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished the initial two volumes of Courtenay's Australian Trilogy.

In "The Potato Factory" and "Tommo and Hawk", the reader was able to form a genuine acquaintance with the principal characters (Ikey, Mary, Tommo, Hawk) and gain an understanding of the evolution of each character.

However, in this final installment, not only are Tommo and Mary deceased, but I sense that Hawk is adrift within the narrative and is supplanted by Victoria and Ben. I never really felt that I came to know these new characters deeply.

These characters had fragmented aspects of the former ones, yet they lacked the same degree of depth and originality.

The commencement of the book and the growth of Ben and Victoria are presented in a rushed manner, and then the war portion is overly protracted (even though this was the segment of the book that I derived the most enjoyment from).

Joshua could have been an intriguing character to explore more thoroughly, but his role was insufficient.

The book struck me as being unbalanced, and after perusing a total of 1400 pages of this trilogy, I did not feel a sense of sadness upon reaching the conclusion.

I simply experienced a lack of closure, particularly with regard to Hawk and the Potato Factory, which had defined Mary as a powerful female character.

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