The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in history. Boston, 1869. Members of the Clan na Gael - agitators for an Irish republic - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote gaol on earth, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in history. Boston, 1869. Members of the Clan na Gael - agitators for an Irish republic - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote gaol on earth, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa, risking his life to rescue the men from the prison, known among the inmates as 'a living tomb'. What follows is one of history's greatest escape stories - a tale of courage and cunning that stands as an enormously significant event in the histories of no fewer than four nations.Americans were drawn to the story from the first, most particularly to its climactic moment. When the six escaped prisoners are found to be aboard an American whaler - The Catalpa.For Ireland, who had suffered English occupation for 700 years, a successful escape would be a call to arms. It would show the English that people capable of launching an escape on the other side of the world, really would stop at nothing. For the English the humiliation of an escape would mean the "Irish question" would not go away. And for the young Australia, the Catalpa Rescue was a demonstration that those seeking independence for their own country could triumph, that Great Britain was not unbeatable. Told with FitzSimons' trademark pace and verve, The Catalpa Rescue is a true story that has it all: adventure, politics, morality, colonialism, the fight for independence and, most importantly, the triumph of good men, against all odds.
The Catalpa Rescue: The gripping story of the most dramatic and successful prison break in Australian history
The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in history. Boston, 1869. Members of the Clan na Gael - agitators for an Irish republic - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote gaol on earth, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in history. Boston, 1869. Members of the Clan na Gael - agitators for an Irish republic - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote gaol on earth, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa, risking his life to rescue the men from the prison, known among the inmates as 'a living tomb'. What follows is one of history's greatest escape stories - a tale of courage and cunning that stands as an enormously significant event in the histories of no fewer than four nations.Americans were drawn to the story from the first, most particularly to its climactic moment. When the six escaped prisoners are found to be aboard an American whaler - The Catalpa.For Ireland, who had suffered English occupation for 700 years, a successful escape would be a call to arms. It would show the English that people capable of launching an escape on the other side of the world, really would stop at nothing. For the English the humiliation of an escape would mean the "Irish question" would not go away. And for the young Australia, the Catalpa Rescue was a demonstration that those seeking independence for their own country could triumph, that Great Britain was not unbeatable. Told with FitzSimons' trademark pace and verve, The Catalpa Rescue is a true story that has it all: adventure, politics, morality, colonialism, the fight for independence and, most importantly, the triumph of good men, against all odds.
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59 review for The Catalpa Rescue: The gripping story of the most dramatic and successful prison break in Australian history
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Judy –
A thoroughly engaging and well-researched account of a less well known incident in Australia's history. And this is not a dry account. It is easy to read, almost as though it is told by someone sitting around a campfire recollecting memories. Many references to documents, newspaper articles and letters bring the story to life. It is often told in the present tense to better involve the reader, and the reader is occasionally invited in to the story - e.g. "Ah. But look closer. See the glittering l A thoroughly engaging and well-researched account of a less well known incident in Australia's history. And this is not a dry account. It is easy to read, almost as though it is told by someone sitting around a campfire recollecting memories. Many references to documents, newspaper articles and letters bring the story to life. It is often told in the present tense to better involve the reader, and the reader is occasionally invited in to the story - e.g. "Ah. But look closer. See the glittering left eye of the distinguished gentleman inside the carriage closest to us." (P.37) FitzSimons does a great job of describing the passion and determination of the Irish patriots, their despair when in the confines of Fremantle prison, and the persistent efforts of their compatriots in America who worked so hard to rescue them. So many heroes, notably the American captain of the Catalpa, George Anthony, who was not bound by loyalty to Ireland, but in sympathy for humanity. This was an incident of which I knew nothing.But I feel all the wiser for having read this book. Highly recommended.
Dennis Rutzou –
I think that the account of the actual rescue of the Fenian prisoners off the coast of Western Australia is the most exciting writing I have ever read. Peter Fitzsimons can stir up controversy, which is his stock-in-trade, but the formula he has developed to his books works like very few others. The fantastic research, which is part of the Fitzsimons' formula, is a feature of this book. The story of the Catalpa Rescue is so amazing that I am surprised that I didn't know about it before and I fou I think that the account of the actual rescue of the Fenian prisoners off the coast of Western Australia is the most exciting writing I have ever read. Peter Fitzsimons can stir up controversy, which is his stock-in-trade, but the formula he has developed to his books works like very few others. The fantastic research, which is part of the Fitzsimons' formula, is a feature of this book. The story of the Catalpa Rescue is so amazing that I am surprised that I didn't know about it before and I found this book about it to be completely absorbing and recommend it to anyone who likes a good yarn.
Tricia –
This is an interesting read about the Catalpa rescue of prisoners fighting for a free Ireland from Fremantle prison. It is a story not well known on the eastern side of Australia, but is well known over in WA. The book is well researched and how they managed to pull this off is nothing short of a miracle. There were some quirks about the writing style that were a bit detracting but it is still something I would recommend to others.
Jill Mccann –
This is a great story and well researched but I found the writing style very irritating!
Vic Eyles –
This book was fascinating. I was expecting it to be purely focussed on the escape of Irish political prisoners from Fremantle Prison but it includes so much information about Irish struggles and back stories of those involved in the rescue. It was informative and interesting and I found myself emotionally attached to the characters.
Eric Thiel –
Excellent page turner from Fitzy. A gripping story that has all the elements of a classic prison break from a faraway land. A piece of Australian history that should be talked about a lot more now!
Rebekah Holland –
While this book is outside my usual genre and I did find it hard to continue reading, this had no impact on how masterfully FitzSimons wrote about the famous Catalpa Rescue. He has a unique way of writing that includes both first and third person perspectives and I have never come across such a different aspect of story telling. My rating of this book has nothing to do with the content or how Peter portrays the history, but more based on my actual enjoyment of the book. For me, I never been able While this book is outside my usual genre and I did find it hard to continue reading, this had no impact on how masterfully FitzSimons wrote about the famous Catalpa Rescue. He has a unique way of writing that includes both first and third person perspectives and I have never come across such a different aspect of story telling. My rating of this book has nothing to do with the content or how Peter portrays the history, but more based on my actual enjoyment of the book. For me, I never been able to focus on history and generally find it boring. However, in saying that, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience such great story telling and live the lives of historical figures through Peter's words.
Narelle –
Kept me entertained for two weeks in lockdown, so thank you for that!! And thanks for the excitement, and thorough research into the Catalpa Rescue story, bringing, to my amazement, the story behind the song that my husband and I have been singing, [as we are Australian folk musicians] for the last 30 years. A real and exciting escape for all.
Gabby Gibbs –
Bloody good read I have never read any of Peter's stories before but I am glad that I read this. A story set in my hometown I had never heard of it before . Peter's writing is so easy to read. He really knows how to hold your interest. The amount of research that has gone into the background is incredible. Bloody good read I have never read any of Peter's stories before but I am glad that I read this. A story set in my hometown I had never heard of it before . Peter's writing is so easy to read. He really knows how to hold your interest. The amount of research that has gone into the background is incredible.
Eileen –
Quite a bit of history.....of course. But it had to many characters for me to follow. When I focused on O'Reilly or Devoy I did better. I was interested in how the tide of public opinion about these men changed so much after their connection to America was established and secured. A testament to the determination of one man and his convictions. Quite a bit of history.....of course. But it had to many characters for me to follow. When I focused on O'Reilly or Devoy I did better. I was interested in how the tide of public opinion about these men changed so much after their connection to America was established and secured. A testament to the determination of one man and his convictions.
Christine –
This was indeed a thoroughly engaging story with lots of suspense, made all the more fascinating in the knowledge that it is part of our Australian history. What is even more amazing is that this daring escape happened when sailing ships plied the seas and communications between countries took weeks! Well researched and written.
Claire –
I’m a simple girl. I see a book described as “the true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks” that “splices Irish, American, British and Australian history together in its climactic moment” and I buy it immediately
Iarfhlaith O'Scannaill –
An interesting insight into Fenian efforts overseas...it is an aspect of Irish History that is not covered in great depth in secondary schools. Sending people the other side of the world was justifiable for people who were terrorists; but for stealing bread and other lower level charges?
Marianne Ezzy –
As with all Peter Fitzsimmon’s books - history brought to life. Having visited the Fremantle Prison in the daytime and nighttime and having been down in the tunnels, I found this book absolutely amazing.
Dave –
I really enjoyed the combination of Irish, Australian, US, and British history in the slice of time between the Civil War and WWI. Brutal time for freedom in one country vs hope provided by another.
Sharon –
History I’d not known, written with a brilliance and human touch unique to Peter FitzSimmons. No longer dry history but people and The Struggle brought to life
patrick dunne –
Absolutely brilliant a must read And a true story
Mike Taverner –
Why had I not heard of this tale before? It is an amazing piece of our history and I can engage with PF's telling of it Why had I not heard of this tale before? It is an amazing piece of our history and I can engage with PF's telling of it
Charles Hickey –
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Fantastic story of a jailbreak from Freemantle Prison by Irish political prisoners via an American Whaler to a heroes welcome in the US. Great story written with bias unfortunately.
Shakti Burke –
Straight from Booktopia (why reinvent the wheel?) The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in Australian history. New York, 1874. Members of the Clan-na-Gael - agitators for Irish freedom from the English yoke - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote prison in the British Empire, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa to rescue the men Straight from Booktopia (why reinvent the wheel?) The incredible true story of one of the most extraordinary and inspirational prison breaks in Australian history. New York, 1874. Members of the Clan-na-Gael - agitators for Irish freedom from the English yoke - hatch a daring plan to free six Irish political prisoners from the most remote prison in the British Empire, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. Under the guise of a whale hunt, Captain Anthony sets sail on the Catalpa to rescue the men from the stone walls of this hell on Earth known to the inmates as a 'living tomb'. What follows is one of history's most stirring sagas that splices Irish, American, British and Australian history together in its climactic moment. Moi: Why this story is not a staple of Australian history beats me. It puts Ned Kelly and Burke & Wills in the shade, with their dreary loser narratives. Catalpa is full of verve and nerve, inspiration and excitation ... rollicking adventure and gorgeous men. Loved it. Will read again asap.
Hugh Maclean –
3 stars is being generous as I normally like Pete’s books, but this on is pretty average. It’s long, takes forever to get to the escape, the runs out of puff promptly thereafter. Fitzsimons is a prolific writer, but maybe he needs to slow down some, this book is riddled with repetition, meandering prose, and long winded dialogue. I learnt about the Fenian’s and their struggles which was interesting enough, and colonial Fremantle is well described, but too much filler to keep me interested.
Mark Rugless –
A story of Irish defiance to the British through the Fenians. I excellent yarn told well in most parts by FitzSimons, who leverages his Irish heritage. His does go to excesses on a number of occasions. Just tell the story and leave your republican biases out of it Fitzy !
Attila Lendvai –
Such an obscure and unbelievable part of our Australian tale brought to light in Fitzsimmons unique style. A must not just for historians but for all who love to hear how the marginalised and downtrodden can sink the boot into the establishment.
Mike Davies –
Great story, easy read
Douglas –
Read for Book Club
Richard Forshaw –
Superb. If you have the slightest Irish heritage, you must read this book. A great story of history well recounted by Peter FitzSimons. I couldn't put it down once I started. Superb. If you have the slightest Irish heritage, you must read this book. A great story of history well recounted by Peter FitzSimons. I couldn't put it down once I started.
Alison Morris –
Loved it- couldn’t put it down! With a smattering of Irish & convict ancestry to the Western Australian colony, from that era, I couldn’t help but be fascinated.
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