The Potato Factory is a 1995 fictionalised historical novel byBryce Courtenay,[1] which was made into a four-part miniseries in Australia in 2000. The book is the first in a three-part series, followed byTommo & Hawk andSolomon's Song.The Potato Factory has been the subject of some controversy regarding its historical accuracy and its portrayal ofJewish characters.
The book is based onIkey Solomon, known as the "Prince of Fences" and the basis of theFagin character in theCharles Dickens novelOliver Twist. Courtenay states that it is a fictional historical novel based on extensive research, but it depicts fictionalised versions of the characters. Author Judith Sackville-O'Donnell, who wrote another book on Solomon, claimed that the book was inaccurate andanti-Semitic.[2]
The book's other main characters are Solomon's wife, Hannah, and his (fictional) mistress, Mary Abacus. Abacus goes from serving girl, to prostitute, to high-class madam, to prisoner transported to Tasmania, to successful businesswoman. She gets her name for her outstanding ability to use anabacus.
The story starts inLondon in the early 19th century. Abacus and Ikey Solomon start working together as business partners. It follows them as they are separately sent to Tasmania, apenal colony at the time.
Abacus takes up the art of brewing and establishes a pub called The Potato Factory while raising her children by Solomon. Meanwhile, Hannah, who also has children, views Abacus as her bitter rival. The book tells of Hannah's attempts to destroy Abacus.
A four-part miniseries filmed in New South Wales, Australia, first aired in July 2000.[citation needed]