A very well-written, cleverly structured, thoughtful
historical novel. Lots of insight into character, but also into big issues like
the meaning and values of democracy. It’s a sort of fictionalised account of De
Tocqueville’s visit to America, but with more fun and adventures, and tension
between the two very different narrators. I usually enjoy Peter Carey’s work,
and this one makes up for the awful ‘True History of the Kelly Gang’.
I found the last few pages particularly poignant, especially
since it’s the insights of the anti-democratic aristocrat that turn out to be
the more astute and prophetic.
No comments:
Post a Comment