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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There is a time in the life of an avid reader when one discovers an author that moves them. Bryce Courtenay is one such author for me and I have long enjoyed his books. After moving to Australia many years ago, Courtenay decided to write a ‘thank you’ story for his new country, wanting to pull on all its nuances. He did so in three volumes, the first of which is this book. Filled with wonderful 19th century history of the types of people who made their way to the shores of Australia, then a penal colony, Courtenay provides the reader with a sensational novel about Ikey Solomon and Mary Klerk, two completely different people whose lives in England are shaped such that they need a new start. What follows is an epic tale about their choices and the future they build for themselves, with literally nothing in their pockets. Bryce Courtenay’s best with more to come.
Ikey Solomon has made quite the name for himself in London as a highly successful thief and counterfeiter. His business dealings leave many in awe and with empty pockets, though Ikey is keen to stay one step ahead of the law whenever he can. His wife, Hannah, tries to keep track of him, especially with a growing family, but is unable to do so. However, in all his dealings, Ikey has discovered the art of upsetting others in the realm of criminal activity, which earns him a reputation. When one such thief decides to strike against Ikey, the plan sees the great thief in front of a judge and there is no way out. Could Ikey Solomon have finally met his match?
Mary Klerk has her own life journey to discover. A smart woman who has a passion for knowledge, Mary soon discovers that while her father taught her well, it is not much appreciated in the working world. Mary tries to score a position as a clerk in a number of businesses, but is strong armed by the men who vie for the positions as well, taking Mary and her unique means of calculating sums—an abacus—as their largest threat. They abuse her, leaving Mary gnarled and broken, forced to work menial jobs, though she also meets the famed Ikey Solomon during this time. While Mary and Ikey grow closer, there are some who dislike this team, primarily Hannah, and seek to tear them down. When she is brought before a judge for a long-ago indiscretion, Mary is sentenced to an Australian penal colony and shipped abroad.
As both Ikey and Mary find themselves headed to Van Diemens Land, a penal colony in Tasmania, they try to make the most of their new adventures. Mary connects with those aboard her ship and makes a strong name for herself in the world of medicine and business. Ikey, in his own way, continues to try working the angles to ensure that he will not be left behind, even in a new land. When Mary decides to take up a new craft, that of brewing, she learns the ins and outs of the business in a country that is still rife with entrepreneurial spirit. She creates The Potato Factory, in hopes of starting fresh and ensuring that she can make something of herself. However, Hannah has other ideas and remembers a hidden fortune Ikey spoke of back in England. Hannah begins plotting her own revenge, in hopes of ensuring that Ikey and anyone in his sphere fails horribly. All the while, Ikey comes upon two boys from the most unusual circumstance, adopting them with Mary and watching them grow. Tommo and Hawk accept the Solomon name, but this is only the start to their adventures.
Whenever I read a book by Bryce Courtenay, I am pulled into the middle of an epic story that captivates my attention. I cannot get enough of the setting, the characters, or the many plot twists that Courtenay injects into the piece, all of which prove highly entertaining. The foundation for this novel is the time spent from the streets of London to the arrival on Tasmania, as well as the journey the protagonists make to get there. As usual, Bryce Courtenay offers stellar guidance through his slick narrative, leading the reader on adventures while history emerges at the most opportune moments. Strong characters emerge and provide the reader with something stellar, especially Mary Abacus (Klerk) and Ikey Solomon. They are two pillars in this story and will prove to be essential as the series progresses. As with most Bryce Courtenay books, the types of characters are plentiful, enriching both the story and the humorous aspects of the narrative in equal measure. Plot twists are what keeps the momentum in this piece, which is how Courtenay keeps the reader’s attention. He provides wonderful direction before things fork at different occasions, only to surprise the reader repeatedly. I can only hope that the rest of the series will be as stunning as this opening novel. Long chapters and detailed descriptions provide a smorgasbord for the reader, allowing them to feast on true greatness!
Kudos, Mr. Courtenay, for delivering another winner. The world lost a great writer when you passed.
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I'm so impressed with this plot line and its end. Not to much at how long it takes to get there. Awesome book, but a bit too long in some parts.
I was sucked in to start with but my intense dislike of Hannah had me lose momentum. I returned after a long break and picked up all the storylines again and really enjoyed it. An epic read!