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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interesting Irish history

Narration is clear, undemonstrative, but good enough. Story. Mercy, but what these Irish patriots went was cruel nearly beyond measure.