True History of the Kelly Gang

by Peter Carey
True History of the Kelly Gang cover
Good Books rating 4.26
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 639
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9780571267071
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2011-02-03
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

In 'True History of the Kelly Gang,' Peter Carey masterfully brings the infamous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly to life. Through a series of letters and narratives, Carey crafts a vivid and unfiltered account of Kelly's life, from his early years to his notorious exploits. The novel is a dazzling act of ventriloquism, capturing the voice and spirit of Kelly in a way that blurs the lines between history and fiction. /n/n The story is not just about the crimes Kelly committed but also about the man behind the legend. Carey delves into the social and political context of 19th-century Australia, exploring themes of justice, identity, and the struggle of the common people against authority. The novel is a powerful exploration of Australian history and culture, told through the lens of one of its most iconic figures.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-09-18
vivid 4.00

The novel is beautifully written with vivid characterizations. The unique sentence structure and phrasing enhance the storytelling.

The reviewer is captivated by the beautiful writing and the vivid characterization of the Kelly Gang. They appreciate the unique sentence structure and phrasing, which add depth to the characters and the narrative. The reviewer finds the story incredibly alive and engaging, making it a standout read. The novel's ability to bring the characters to life is particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    Beautifully written. I loved this telling of the Ned Kelly/Kelly Gang story, they all felt incredibly alive to me as I read it.

    This was great writing. Really interesting sentence structure and phrasing to further develop the cast of characters.

    The novel is a tour-de-force examining the life and times of Australia's infamous antihero.

ANZ LitLovers · 2022-05-11
complex 4.75

Ned Kelly is portrayed as a complicated man who defies simplistic labels. The novel is praised for its depth and complexity.

The reviewer appreciates the nuanced portrayal of Ned Kelly, who is depicted as a complex figure that resists easy categorization as either a demon or a folk hero. They highlight the novel's depth and complexity, making it a very fine read. The reviewer also notes that the novel is a worthy winner of the Booker Prize, emphasizing its literary merit and impact.

Quick quotes

    Carey's Ned Kelly is a complicated man who defies both demonisation and folk hero status.

    This is a very fine novel indeed, and it was a worthy winner of all those literary prizes.

    The novel is a tour-de-force examining the life and times of Australia's infamous antihero.

The Guardian · 2020-08-02
heartbreaking 4.50

The odds are stacked against everyone, making it a deeply emotional read. The novel breaks hearts on every page with its raw and compelling narrative.

The reviewer highlights the emotional intensity of the novel, noting how the odds are stacked against the characters, making the story deeply moving. They appreciate the raw and compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The novel's ability to evoke strong emotions is praised, making it a standout read. The reviewer also mentions that the story defies simple categorization, adding to its complexity and appeal.

Quick quotes

    In Carey's take on the enduring Australian myth, the odds are stacked up so highly against everyone your heart gets broken on every page.

    This is a fine addition to the genre.

    We fathers crave the approval of our children.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
beautiful 3.80

The book is beautifully written, making the characters feel alive and vibrant. The reviewer loved this retelling of the Ned Kelly story.

Goodreads reviewers consistently praise the book for its beautiful writing and the vivid portrayal of the characters. They note that the characters feel incredibly alive, making the story deeply engaging. The reviewer loved this retelling of the Ned Kelly story, finding it to be a standout piece of historical fiction. They appreciate how Carey brings the characters to life, making them feel real and relatable. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to capture the essence of the time period, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Beautifully written, I loved this telling of the Ned Kelly/Kelly Gang story.

    They all felt incredibly alive to me as I read it.

    It's a standout piece of historical fiction that captures the essence of the time period.

Appears in Lists