THE POTATO FACTORY

In the tradition of Charles Dickens, Courtenay creates a unique cast of characters from the outset of this epic novel. The author’s distinct descriptions and snappy dialogue bring each individual to life effortlessly and offer a three-dimensional portrait of nineteenth-century England and Australia. Humphrey Bower’s performance is a marvel. He tackles each character with vigor, gliding from silken voice to raspy growl as he delivers countless accents and dialects. Each character’s background is woven throughout the plot, making this one of those rare books with a sweep of characters the reader comes to care about deeply. Bower’s reading makes each one a living, breathing entity. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]