Ikey Solomon is very successful indeed, in the art of thieving. Ikey's
partner in crime is his mistress, the forthright Mary Abacus, until
misfortune befalls them. They are parted and each must make the harsh
journey from 19th century London to Van Diemens Land. In the backstreets
and dives of Hobart Town, Mary learns the art of brewing and builds The
Potato Factory, where she plans a new future. But her ambitions are
threatened by Ikey's wife, Hannah, her old enemy. The two women raise
their separate families. As each woman sets out to destroy the other,
the families are brought to the edge of disaster.