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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OMG, that's all I can say after reading all three books in this series.

The storylines were simply captivating, drawing me in from the very first page. Each book had its own unique charm and plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. Their emotions and struggles were palpable, making it easy for me to empathize with them.

The world-building was also top-notch. The author created a vivid and immersive universe that I didn't want to leave.

Overall, this series is a must-read for any fan of the genre. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
July 15,2025
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Finishing this book felt like a significant accomplishment. It was an extremely long read, and initially, I had great trouble remembering all the characters and how they were related to each other.

This was my second Bryce Courtenay book in a row. While I did enjoy aspects of this one, I have to admit that I preferred the previous one. One of the main reasons for this was that so many of the characters in this book were rather unlikeable. It made it a bit of a struggle to fully engage with the story at times.

However, it must be said that Courtenay writes about warfare incredibly well. His descriptions are vivid and detailed, really bringing the horrors and chaos of war to life on the page. Despite the flaws in the characters, his writing about the war scenes was truly captivating and added a great deal of depth to the overall story.

Overall, while this book had its drawbacks, it was still an interesting read, especially for those who are interested in historical fiction and well-written war scenes.
July 15,2025
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I read this ages ago.

It is a great series to listen to. However, this particular installment was not my favorite of the three-part series.

The story had its moments, but it didn't quite capture my attention as much as the others.

Maybe it was the pacing or the character development that felt a bit off.

Nonetheless, the overall series is still worth checking out.

The world-building is quite interesting, and there are some exciting plot twists along the way.

If you're a fan of the genre, you might enjoy it.

Just don't expect this one to be the absolute best.

Give the whole series a try and see which part you like the most.

You might be surprised.
July 15,2025
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I truly despised this book. Among the three that I had read, it was by far the worst.

The author seemed to place an excessive amount of emphasis on the landing of Gallipoli. It felt as if this particular aspect was overly detailed and drawn out, to the point where it became rather tiresome.

Moreover, the ending was extremely anticlimactic. After all the build-up and anticipation throughout the story, the conclusion was lackluster and failed to provide the satisfying resolution that I had been hoping for.

Overall, this book was a major disappointment, and I would not recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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Just finished this trilogy and I am beyond heart broken that it had to end.

It feels as if a part of my world has come to a close. I have fallen in love with these characters so deeply that they will stay with me forever after.

Each character is so vividly portrayed, with their own distinct personalities, dreams, and flaws. They have become like old friends, and I have laughed and cried with them throughout the story.

This is truly a unique and moving set of novels. The author's writing is so engaging that it draws you in from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very end.

The story is filled with twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and moments of great beauty and sadness. It is a journey that I will never forget, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good book.
July 15,2025
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Solomon's Song is the third installment in the Potato Factory trilogy penned by Bryce Courtenay.

It seamlessly continues from where Tommo & Hawk left off in the previous book. The story commences in Sydney Town, where Tommo is hell-bent on hunting down Sparrer Fart for the tragic death of his brother Hawk's beloved Maggie Pye. A body is discovered washed up on the shore, lacking a head and adorned with a Maori medal around its neck and Tommo's wallet in the clothing pockets. Mary and Hawk are summoned to the Alexandria morgue to identify the body, and Mary confirms it as that of her son Tommo. However, it later transpires that Tommo had concocted a shrewd plan. He had found and killed Sparrer Fart but changed the identity to his own at the eleventh hour, thereby halting further investigations.

Tommo has fled to New Zealand, where his daughter, Hinetitema, resides and has been raised by the Maori chief. Hawk pursues Tommo to New Zealand and is by his side in the final days before Tommo succumbs to the illness caused by the wound in his head.

Hinetitema, now 21, is as strong-willed and stubborn as her father. Hawk attempts to persuade her to travel to Auckland to meet her grandmother Mary Abacus, but she refuses, as she aspires to be a nurse and continue living in New Zealand to assist the poor.

Hinetitema is working as a nurse in New Zealand when she succumbs to the effects of alcohol. Hawk, during one of his annual visits, discovers she is missing and finds her in a disheveled state. He cleans her up and brings her back to Hobart with him. Despite their similar and extremely stubborn personalities, Mary and Hinetitema get along splendidly.

Mary, now quite elderly, is desperate for an heir to take over The Potato Factory. With Tommo gone and Hawk without a partner, her only hope lies in Hinetitema. Mary sends numerous suitors for Hinetitema to consider, but none pique her interest. Mary takes a risky step and arranges for a former flame of her niece's, an alcoholic and card shark, to come to Hobart.

The gamble pays off, and Hinetitema marries the Dutch man and conceives two children, Ben and Victoria.

Twenty years later, Ben has joined the Anzacs and gone to Gallipoli, while Victoria is learning the ropes of the Potato Factory under the guidance of her Uncle Hawk.

This is an absolute must-read for every Australian. Bryce has vividly detailed the story of Gallipoli in a heart-rending and descriptive manner, making you feel as if you are right there with the soldiers, fearing for your life. Ensure you have a box of tissues handy when reading this book.

It is an outstanding story that merits 10 stars and will stay with you forever.

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July 15,2025
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Sometimes it is truly hard to read due to the overwhelming sadness that pervades the story. However, the characters are so incredibly engaging that they draw you in and make you feel deeply connected to their fates.

It is with a heavy heart that I watch this series come to an end. Each character has their own unique charm and personality, and their stories have touched my heart in ways I never expected.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a world that is both beautiful and tragic, and I will surely miss spending time in it.

Although the ending may be bittersweet, I am grateful for the journey that this series has taken me on. It has made me laugh, cry, and think, and for that, I will always be appreciative.

I can only hope that the author will continue to create such wonderful works in the future, and that I will have the opportunity to experience more of their stories.
July 15,2025
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I can't recommend this trilogy enough! It is truly a remarkable set of books that has left a lasting impression on me.


All three books in this trilogy had me completely hooked from start to finish. The stories were so engaging that I found myself laughing out loud at some points and shedding tears at others.


The characters were well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their lives. The plotlines were full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what would happen next.


Whether you're a fan of fiction, drama, or simply a good story, I highly recommend giving this trilogy a try. You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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This is, I think, the final chapter of the trilogy.

Please correct me if I’m wrong. I was deeply moved and even shed tears whilst reading the letters home from the soldiers in WW1.

Although Bryce may ramble on a bit at times, in my opinion, the 3 books are truly wonderful.

They are not only entertaining but also highly believable and realistic.

The vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the stories make you feel as if you are right there with the characters.

If you haven't read Bryce C before, I would highly recommend this trilogy.

It is well worth the effort as it offers a unique and engaging perspective on a significant historical period.

You will be captivated by the tales of love, loss, and courage that unfold within the pages of these books.

July 15,2025
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This is another excellent chapter in this series.

I had no prior knowledge about Gallipoli or Australia's participation in it.

If all of my history classes could have been as engaging as this, I most likely would have retained a great deal more information.

The details provided in this chapter have opened my eyes to a significant event that I was previously unaware of.

It has made me realize how important it is to have interesting and captivating history lessons.

Perhaps if more history teachers adopted a similar approach, students would be more interested in learning about the past.

This chapter has not only educated me but also sparked my curiosity to learn more about Gallipoli and Australia's role in it.

I look forward to reading the next chapter in this series and further expanding my knowledge.

July 15,2025
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I'm just 20 pages away from being done with this book, and I'm feeling so sad.

I really want to stop reading, but I know I won't because I have to know how it ends.

I find myself wishing I could ask the author why all his characters seem to go through hell, why good things so rarely happen to good people.

But in truth, I know the reasons. It's because in real life, such things don't occur often enough.

His tragedies are truly devastating, but these events play a crucial role in explaining the molding of a person and her dynasty.

I'm extremely grateful to this author for enriching my life and transporting me to places I could never have imagined otherwise.

Finally, I finished it. And I have to say, I didn't expect the last 2 pages at all. Wow!

I guess this was the perfect ending for the last book in the trilogy. But still, wow..... Gosh, I love Bryce!

July 15,2025
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This book was truly a beautiful ending to an amazing trilogy.

It's been an incredible journey through these three books, filled with captivating stories, well-developed characters, and a world that felt so real.

I'm extremely glad that my mum encouraged me to persevere when I wanted to quit in the first quarter of the first book. At that time, I was perhaps a bit overwhelmed or maybe not fully engaged, but her words gave me the push I needed to continue.

And boy, am I glad I did! The author's writing is simply beautiful. The descriptions are vivid, the dialogue is engaging, and the pacing is perfect. It makes for a wonderful read that I couldn't put down.

This trilogy will definitely stay with me for a long time, and I can't wait to recommend it to others.
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