True History of the Kelly Gang

by Peter Carey
True History of the Kelly Gang cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 639
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Ned Kelly's true confession, written on the run for his infant daughter, offers a panoramic view of 19th-century Australia. This masterpiece by Peter Carey, a Booker Prize winner, brings to life the story of a man who was both a hero to his people and a villain to the authorities. Kelly, a son of Irish immigrants, is portrayed as a devoted son, loving husband, and loyal friend, whose exploits and travails embody tragedy, perseverance, and freedom. With vivid detail and a classic Western flair, Carey's novel captures the essence of Ned Kelly's life, from his bushwhacking skills to his ingenious bank robberies. The story is a powerful blend of history and fiction, offering a unique perspective on a figure who transcends borders and time.

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.

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