I didn't read the first two books in the trilogy. However, it was still a very engaging read.

Bryce Courtenay is an amazing writer. His ability to create vivid characters and a captivating storyline is truly remarkable.

Even without the context of the previous books, I was able to become immersed in the world he had created.

The writing was so engaging that I found myself unable to put the book down.

Each page was filled with excitement and anticipation, making it a truly enjoyable reading experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, regardless of whether they have read the first two books in the trilogy or not.

Bryce Courtenay's talent as a writer shines through in this book, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

This book in the trilogy doesn't quite reach the high standard established by the first two.

Although it's interesting to discover what occurs, the time gap between the beginning and the events at Gallipoli is rather large.

It seems as if the author felt compelled to incorporate Gallipoli by using the existing characters.

Perhaps it would have been more effective as a separate story.

The narrative might have flowed more smoothly and the connection between the different parts could have been stronger if it had been presented independently.

As it is, the large time gap makes it a bit disjointed and detracts from the overall reading experience.

However, it still has its moments and those who are invested in the trilogy will likely want to see how the story concludes.

Despite its flaws, it does offer some interesting insights and perspectives on the events and characters.

Hopefully, future installments in the trilogy will address these issues and bring the story to a more satisfying conclusion.

I've just completed the final page of this remarkable trilogy, and I find myself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face. There is no doubt in my mind that Solomon's Song stands as the absolute best of the three.

The first half of the book gracefully traverses through the generations of Mary Abacus, her children, grandchildren, and ultimately her great-grandchildren, Ben and Victoria. It paints a vivid picture of their lives, the joys and sorrows they experience, and the family bonds that are both strengthened and tested over time.

The second half of the book commences with the outbreak of World War I. We then spend the majority of the remaining pages following Ben as he enlists, undergoes training, and is deployed. As you progress through the chapters, a sense of unease gnaws at your stomach. You have an inkling of where this story is headed, and when you turn the pages to chapter 13, that dreaded word appears – the one you were hoping not to see... Gallipoli.

From that moment on, stopping reading becomes an impossible option. It's as if you have a moral obligation to those brave soldiers to continue reading, no matter how difficult the content may be. Courtenay brings the horrors of war to life with such vividness that it's almost palpable. The sacrifice and suffering are all too real, and although this may be a fictional book, the subject matter is based on a historical reality that we all know occurred. Ben's story could very well be the story of thousands of ANZACS.

I'm left feeling numb, not because of the story itself, but because the truth of what happened during the war is all too easily forgotten as life goes on. However, to forget is to dishonor those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. Lest we forget...

I truly and deeply enjoyed Tommo & Hawk to a much greater extent.

This remarkable book has had such a profound impact on me that it has left me with an intense longing and a sense of yearning. I find myself constantly wishing that there was a fourth installment in this series.

The story has captured my imagination and heart in such a way that I am eager to see an ending that, unfortunately, may never come.

The characters of Tommo and Hawk have become so real to me, and their adventures have kept me on the edge of my seat.

I have become completely invested in their journey and am desperate to know how it all concludes.

Despite the fact that there may not be a fourth book, the memories and emotions that this book has evoked in me will stay with me forever.

I will continue to cherish this book and hope that one day, somehow, an ending will be revealed.

What a remarkable series it is!

It features an incredibly diverse and captivating group of characters.

Each one is unique, with their own distinct personalities, motives, and storylines.

The series has managed to draw me in completely, making me feel as if I was a part of their world.

I have loved every single moment of it, from the very beginning to the very end.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I must admit that it's over.

The conclusion was bittersweet, tying up loose ends while also leaving me with a sense of longing for more.

I will truly miss this series and the wonderful characters that made it so special.

It will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm sure it will be remembered by many for a long time to come.

I thoroughly enjoyed the final instalment of Courtenay's Australian Trilogy.

However, I did find that the first quarter or so seemed to spend an excessive amount of time catching the reader up on characters and events that had occurred in the past two books.

Nonetheless, I really liked Ben's storyline. In fact, I thought the strongest part of the entire book was the section set in Gallipoli during WWI. The powerful language used made me feel as if I was actually on the battlefields and in the trenches with the Anzacs. It truly made me understand just how pointless the whole conflict was.

I'm still undecided as to whether I'm entirely satisfied with the ending or not. However, I do understand the reasoning behind why it finished when and how it did.

There were a few parts that angered me, and, similar to The Potato Factory and Tommo and Hawk, there were a few events that happened a little too conveniently for my taste. But overall, I still very much enjoyed the story. It was a captivating and engaging conclusion to the trilogy that left me with a lot to think about.

Each one of these books has had a moment where we drew out the time spent.

I feel like this one in particular, however, felt it had an abundance of ground to cover.

It seems as if there was just so much material that could have been explored in greater depth.

If nothing else, I truly wish we had an extra chapter toward the end.

This additional chapter could have potentially tied up some loose ends and provided more clarity on certain aspects.

Then again, I guess there is a certain charm and allure to having our imagination take over.

It allows us to fill in the gaps and create our own interpretations.

Still though, there are lots of unanswered questions that linger in my mind.

These unanswered questions keep me thinking and speculating long after I've finished reading the book.

They add an element of mystery and intrigue that makes the reading experience even more engaging.

Overall, while the book may have left some things unresolved, it has also managed to spark my imagination and leave a lasting impression.

This 3-book series is actually quite good.

However, one aspect that can be a bit of a drawback is that since the author always has to sell each book as a stand-alone title, there are always pages and pages dedicated to recounting the story from the previous two books.

This is done in order to bring the reader up to speed on all the background and lead-up events.

On one hand, it can be helpful for new readers who may not have read the previous installments. They can quickly get a sense of what has happened before and be able to follow the current story more easily.

On the other hand, for those who have read all the books in the series, this repetition can feel a bit tedious. They already know the story and may not need to have it retold in such detail.

Overall, while the series has its strengths, the way the author handles the background information could potentially be improved to provide a more seamless reading experience for all readers.

Not as eventful as the second one! This story focuses on Ben and Victoria and their lives after the death of their mother.

It takes us on a journey through their struggles, their attempts to come to terms with the loss, and the ways in which they grow and change.

The narrative doesn't end the way one might have expected. Instead of the anticipated epilogue of Victoria, it offers a different perspective that is perhaps even better.

It makes us think about how life doesn't always follow the paths we envision, and that sometimes the unexpected can lead to greater understanding and growth.

Overall, it's a story that leaves a lasting impression and makes us reflect on the nature of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.

Just love the way Bryce ties his stories together.

It's truly remarkable how he manages to create a seamless narrative that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish.

This final book in a series of three is no exception. It gives an excellent account of Gallipoli, painting a vivid picture of the events that took place during that fateful campaign.

We will remember them, those brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli. Their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds are an inspiration to us all.

Amen.

Let us never forget the lessons of history and always strive to make the world a better place in honor of those who came before us.

Amazing, enlightening and moving - these are just a few words to describe this remarkable book available on Audible.

Once you start listening, Gallipoli will cease to be just a mere spot on the map.

The story unfolds with vivid details that transport you back in time to the events that took place during that fateful campaign.

You'll be drawn into the lives of the soldiers, experiencing their hopes, fears, and sacrifices.

The narration is superb, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the already captivating tale.

Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a great listen, this book is not to be missed.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the events that shaped our world and the brave men and women who fought and died for our freedom.

So don't hesitate - download this book on Audible today and embark on a journey you'll never forget.

This is the third book of the The Potato Factory's series.

I didn't have high expectations about this book because the reviews were not kind. After all, it was the number three!

However, I really like the story. Even the very sad part touched me deeply.

The author couldn't avoid including the First World War in the story. So many young Australians died in a senseless war. It was truly heartbreaking.

Why do humans have to fight each other all the time? This question keeps lingering in my mind as I read this book.

The war brings nothing but destruction and pain. It takes away the lives of the innocent and leaves behind countless tragedies.

Despite the sadness, the story also shows the courage and perseverance of the characters. They face the difficulties and challenges of war with strength and determination.

Overall, I think this book is a great addition to the series. It not only tells a captivating story but also makes us think about the futility of war.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.