#48 True History of the Kelly Gang, by Peter Carey
Booker Prize: WINNER 2001 Plot Time and Place : Australia, 1870's Opening sentence : "I lost my own father at 12 yr. of age and know what it is to be raised on lies and silences my dear daughter you are presently too young to understand a word I write but this history is for you and will contain no single lie may I burn in Hell if I speak false." Plot summary : This is a fictional account of Ned Kelly, the famed Australian bushranger. This is the captivating tale of an outlaw who was considered a national hero. Standing up for the underdog and defying the corrupt powers of the time, Kelly robbed banks, stole horses and murdered police officers with the help of his gang of outlaw misfits. (from thebookerprizes.com) Review : Well written, fun to read and full of adventures, but I thought it was too long and at times just felt like more of the same. Rating : 3/5