In a dazzling act of ventriloquism, Peter Carey gives Ned Kelly a voice so wild, passionate and original that it is impossible not to believe that the famous bushranger himself is speaking from beyond the grave. True History of the Kelly Gang is the song of Australia, and it sings its protest in a voice at once crude and delicate, menacing and heart-wrenching. Carey gives us Ned Kelly as orphan, as Oedipus, as horse thief, farmer, bushranger, reformer, bank-robber, police-killer and, finally, as his country's beloved Robin ...
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In a dazzling act of ventriloquism, Peter Carey gives Ned Kelly a voice so wild, passionate and original that it is impossible not to believe that the famous bushranger himself is speaking from beyond the grave. True History of the Kelly Gang is the song of Australia, and it sings its protest in a voice at once crude and delicate, menacing and heart-wrenching. Carey gives us Ned Kelly as orphan, as Oedipus, as horse thief, farmer, bushranger, reformer, bank-robber, police-killer and, finally, as his country's beloved Robin Hood.
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I've almost finished this novel, and it is extraordinary--a wonderful job of presenting an Australian outlaw who became a sort of Robin Hood of the 19th century. Great characterization and a marvel of first person narration. Ned Kelly's voice is unforgettable. Not always an easy read, but certainly a worthwhile one.
Donovan S
Oct 20, 2011
Fantastic! Read the book cover to cover!
Never wanted to read this book until I came across a new article on the internet about finding the bones of Ned Kelly. Peaked my curiosity. Great book! I love the dialog, wonderful. You are there. I hated to reach the end of the story. One of those books you just read by chance and it turns out to be one of your favs.