The Potato Factory

by Bryce Courtenay | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 9780143004561 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingDeepswampwing of Björkhagen, Stockholm Sweden on 12/24/2009
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2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingDeepswampwing from Björkhagen, Stockholm Sweden on Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Potato Factory is a 1995 historical-novel by Bryce Courtenay, which was made into an Australian miniseries in 2000. The book is the first in a three-part series, followed by Tommo & Hawk and Solomon's Song. The Potato Factory has been the subject of some controversy regarding its historical accuracy and its portrayal of Jewish characters.

The book is based on Ikey Solomon, the so-called "Prince of Fences", and the basis of the Fagin character in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. Courtenay states in the book's introduction that it is a historical novel based on extensive research. Author Judith Sackville-O'Donnell, who wrote another book on Ikey Solomon, claimed that the book was inaccurate and anti-Semitic. (News Article)

The book's other main character is fictional, a woman named Mary Abacus. Abacus goes from serving girl, to prostitute, to high-class madam, to prisoner transported to Australia, to successful businesswoman. She gets her name for her outstanding ability to use an abacus.

The story starts in London in the early 1800s. Mary and Ikey start working together as business partners. It follows them as they are separately sent to Australia, a penal colony at the time.

The book was made into a four-part miniseries that aired in Australia in 2000.

A christmas gift from my daughter 2009!

Journal Entry 2 by wingDeepswampwing at Oskarshamn, Småland Sweden on Sunday, April 8, 2012
Since I never seem to get started with this book, it is better that it moves! I found the audio book and listen now on.
Exciting and interesting!

Journal Entry 3 by wingDeepswampwing at Djupeträsk in Oskarshamn, Småland Sweden on Sunday, April 8, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (4/11/2012 UTC) at Djupeträsk in Oskarshamn, Småland Sweden

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Ville röra på sig!


Journal Entry 4 by wingmariabokmalwing at Oskarshamn, Småland Sweden on Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Hittad i Djupeträsk

Journal Entry 5 by wingmariabokmalwing at Malmö, Skåne Sweden on Saturday, July 20, 2013
Once I got started on this very thick book, I read it surprisingly fast. I liked it a lot, and will see if I can get hold of the sequels (maybe the aduiobook versions would be a good idea...)

Journal Entry 6 by wingmariabokmalwing at Rastplats vid E22 och Emån in Påskallavik, Småland Sweden on Saturday, July 19, 2014

Released 9 yrs ago (7/19/2014 UTC) at Rastplats vid E22 och Emån in Påskallavik, Småland Sweden

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