The Catalpa Rescue

The Gripping Story of the Most Dramatic and Successful Prison Break in Australian History

By: Peter FitzSimons

Narrated by: Michael Carman

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.

For Ireland, who had suffered English occupation for 700 years, a successful escape was an inspirational call to arms. For America, it was a chance to slap back at Britain for their support of the South in the Civil War; for England, a humiliation. And for a young Australia, still not sure if it was Great Britain in the South Seas or worthy of being an independent country in its own right, it was proof that Great Britain was not unbeatable.

Told with FitzSimons' trademark combination of arresting history and storytelling verve, The Catalpa Rescue is a tale of courage and cunning, the fight for independence and the triumph of good men, against all odds.©2019 Peter FitzSimons (P)2019 Hachette Australia Audio

A well-written, well-narrated, gripping story

This may be the single best audiobook I've listened to, and one of the best (true) stories I've ever heard. I can't recommend it enough.

Words cannot convey…

Words cannot convey how incredible this book and narration is. I couldn't stop listening. I will not reveal why, but you must also fully listen to the epilogue. Enjoy, as I am certain you will.

Wonderful story

This was a great book and so far I have loved every story told by Mr. FitzSimons. The narrator is great and I feel like he gives it a certain swashbuckling feel.

Daring Rescue

Michael Carmen was incredible as always. At times I felt he had to carry the story. The story is daring and brave. However I felt a lot of the book was over-detailed in parts that had no purpose for the narrative. Still a must listen. Solid 4 stars.

Terrific yarn

As always, Peter Fitzsimons tells a great story. I don’t know how historically accurate most of his stories are but honestly does it matter? Peter makes history come alive and gives the characters purpose

My main criticism is minor, but it’s real. While Michael Carman did a great job narrating, the way Peter writes I can hear his voice in my head throughout. He’s a born storyteller and I just wish he’d narrate his own stories.

Overall very good

I liked the book but it was slow. Certainly a story I had never heard of. One of the most amazing rescues ever attempted. These men had a true love for Ireland and the hero's that apposed the realm. Well done Finnian's

Amazing and unbelievable

Fascinating story beautifully told and wonderfully narrated!
I've been fascinated by this story for a long time, and this book was a great narrative . It was so interesting to see where the rescue started, what made it necessary, and what happened to everyone when it was over. So many of the events leading up to the rescue were so outlandish that I wouldn't have believed them otherwise. I don't think you can make some of that stuff up.

Thanks Pete

A good source of history that will put into perspective the Irish pride and grudge for those who don't really know. The American whaler captain is a favorite...

Brilliant account of human perseverance

Amazing narration and dialogue of a little known story of triumph over tyranny. The author does a brilliant job of recreating dialogue and building the story of real life historical figures.

Passionate narrator does horrible job

...on Irish county names, butchers traditional family names and Irish language and mixes up regional accents. Northern Ireland accents for histirical figures from southern counties. They sound like Gerry Adams. This native Irish person couldnt tackle this anymore had to stop listening. Even a Brit would do better, have them try to say Cavan...