True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

9 posts / 0 new

Topic locked

Thu, 2002-03-14 17:31

About three quarters of the way through this Booker Prize winner (now out in paperback - get it at the Book Place!) and I'm stunned.

I didn't realise we had been through Haywards Heath on my train back to Brighton last night. It's difficult to get into as the punctuation is missing but once you have the rhythm it is totally engrossing.

I know we had a discussion about it when it won but now it's in paperback more of us have probably had the opportunity to read it.

I've loved everything by Peter Carey but this is a deserved winner, his best yet. He takes real chances and - rare in an established author - keeps taking them. More power to his elbow. I've read loads of stuff about early colonial days in Australia but this captures the mood and emotion with invention and humour.

I thought Ken Wiwa's In the Shadow Of The Saint would be my Book of the Year but it's going to be a close run thing!

Mon, 2002-03-18 11:29

Tony Cook

It is true! It's a brilliant piece of historical research as well as a brilliant piece of writing. If anyone hasn't read this then they should do so immediately!

Mon, 2002-03-18 16:29

Miles Fotherington

Well, if that's the case, curses to the person who belittled me for thinking it was true. *blushes with rage*

Mon, 2002-03-18 22:01

andrew pack

True-ish. The style is taken from a genuine historical document written by Kelly and the story is pieced together from what is known about him. The sad thing was, I kept reading it thinking - he dies in the battle, which is the most interesting thing of the story, so the ending can't be narrated by him, so it's going to be a letdown. Why do plots still matter so much to me ?

Tue, 2002-03-19 10:40

Miles Fotherington

Um... he doesn't die in the battle. He was hanged in Melbourne jail. (sorry if I just spoiled the story for you)

Thu, 2002-03-28 13:02

Tony Cook

But do you think that the style of the book works? It takes a while to get used to - the lack of punctuation etc. - but I felt that once I had the rhythmn it just flowed beautifully and gave an authentic feel and a real voice to the character. It's a hard thing to pull off but I felt that Carey did it and I'm just so glad that he's willing to take these chances. So many other 'established' authors just won't make those kind of leaps of faith in their own ability.

Fri, 2002-03-29 20:27

andrew pack

Sorry Miles - not being an Australian, I only know the bit of the story where he comes out in the armour for a shoot-out and I felt pretty sure that could only end one way (the Bonnie-and-Clyde ending). Maybe I should have persevered with the book. I did like the style, but it got a bit wearing. And as I've said, Saramago was doing it before and much better. But I would say a worthy winner, because at least it was an attempt to do something with the novel. McEwan's was completely looking to the great novels of the past, rather than attempting something to move on.

Thu, 2002-03-14 18:30

andrew pack

Liked it, but I made the mistake of putting it down for a few days and I could never get back into it. However, for the technique it was worth the prize (although Jose Saramago has been doing it for years, only more readable. )

Fri, 2002-03-15 10:52

Miles Fotherington

I thought it was true *blushes*

Topic locked