The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay

Set in the gritty underbelly of 19th-century London, this gripping tale follows the intertwined lives of Ikey Solomon, a cunning and resourceful criminal mastermind, and his two protégés, Mary Abacus and Hannah. As they navigate the treacherous world of crime and survival, their paths lead them from the bustling streets of London to the harsh penal colonies of Australia. The story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of the human spirit's capacity to endure and adapt in the face of adversity.