A Brief Biography of Peter Carey (Australian Writer).

 An Advantageous for JRF, NET, GSET, GATE, PG, UG Aspirants.

PARAMAR BHAVESH G.

PhD (PURSUING), M.A. (ENG)

JRF, NET, GSET, GATE 2022/23.




Peter Philip Carey (1943)



 







Peter Carey, who was born on May 7, 1943, in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia, has made a significant contribution to the literary world. Peter Philip Carey was born into a household that valued books and storytelling.

He attended Geelong Grammar School before attending Monash University in Melbourne, where he majored in science. Despite his scientific studies, he was always drawn to writing. Carey worked in advertising for several years after finishing his education, both in Australia and in London. This event influenced his writing later on, since he frequently examined topics relating to consumerism and media manipulation. Carey's writing career got off in 1981, when his first novel, "Bliss," was published. The novel was well appreciated by critics and marked the start of his busy literary career.

Following works that mixed historical events with inventive narration earned him international acclaim. Carey's examination of Australian identity, historical events, and societal challenges has had a significant impact on how regional literature is understood and appreciated on a global scale. Carey was granted dual citizenship in Australia and the United States. In the 1990s, he moved to New York City, where he has since continued to live and work. Carey has taught creative writing at universities such as New York University in addition to writing.

He has been an outspoken supporter of literature and creativity. Peter Carey's legacy goes beyond his literary accomplishments. His imaginative narrative and thought-provoking ideas have left a lasting mark on Australian and international literature.

In 1998, Carey was accused of snubbing Queen Elizabeth II by declining an invitation to meet her after winning the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Jack Maggs (1997).

In April 2015 he, alongside Michael Ondaatje, Francine Prose, Teju Cole, Rachel Kushner and Taiye Selasi, withdrew from the PEN American Center gala honouring the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo with its "Freedom of Expression Courage" award.

Carey has won the Miles Franklin Award three times and is usually mentioned as Australia's next Nobel laureate. J. G. Farrell, J. M. Coetzee, Hilary Mantel, and Margaret Atwood are the only five writers who have won the Booker Prize twice. Carey received his first Booker Prize in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda, and his second in 2001 for True History of the Kelly Gang. He was shortlisted for the Best of the Booker Prize in May 2008.

 

His Style.

Peter Carey is noted for his distinct and varied writing style, which has changed over his career. His writing is distinguished by its inventiveness, vivid imagery, and fusion of historical, political, and personal topics. 

Here are a few highlights of Peter Carey's writing style:

Narrative Experimentation:  In his novels, Carey frequently engages narrative experimentation, experimenting with form, perspective, and voice. To produce a deep and layered reading experience, he may employ several narrators, non-linear timeframes, and unorthodox storytelling strategies.

Distinctive Characters: Carey's characters are frequently complicated and unique, with flaws and eccentricities that appeal them to readers. He investigates their personality, motivations, and inner problems in depth.

Linguistic Playfulness: Carey's work is linguistically playful, merging several registers of language, accents, and voices to represent the varied linguistic landscape of his places and people..

Humor and Satire: Carey's writing frequently employs satire and humour to remark on cultural conventions, consumerism, politics, and other important topics. His wit and irony improve his narration.

Historical Fiction with a Twist: Carey's novels are mostly historical fiction, in which he reimagines and fictionalises genuine historical events and individuals. He mixes historical accuracy with innovative storytelling, frequently presenting new views on well-known events or people.

Sense of Place: Carey's works, whether set in Australia, London, or elsewhere, immerse readers in a deep sense of location. He deftly describes landscapes, cityscapes, and environments, fitting them into the tale.

Cultural and Historical References: Carey's work usually includes cultural references, historical occurrences, and literary allusions. This improves the reading experience and enables readers to explore new levels of meaning.

Exploration of Identity: Personal and national identity are common themes in Carey's works. He frequently investigates the complex aspects of Australian identity, particularly as they relate to colonial history and cultural diversity.

Social and Political Commentary: Carey's writings are frequently used to make social and political points. He addresses modern concerns through fictional stories, providing thought-provoking insights into society and power dynamics.

"I do not know what way you will look at this story. In a way that it is true, or in a way it is not true. I tell you I do not care. I will tell you only what happened."

                                                                             -  The True History of the Kelly Gang

Important Literary Works of Peter Carey.











"Oscar and Lucinda" (1988): This novel earned the Booker Prize and demonstrated Carey's narrative ingenuity. It depicts an unexpected love connection between two eccentric people in nineteenth-century Australia.













"True History of the Kelly Gang" (2000) : This work, also a Booker Prize winner, is a fictionalised chronicle of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in Kelly's own voice.













"Jack Maggs" (1997): This novel, based on Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," reimagines the story in 19th-century London and Australia.


Notable Works. 
  • Novels.
  •  Bliss (1981)
  •  Illywhacker (1985)
  • Oscar and Lucinda (1988)
  •  The Tax Inspector (1991)
  •  The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith (1994)
  •  Jack Maggs (1997)
  •  True History of the Kelly Gang (2000)
  •  My Life as a Fake (2003)
  • Theft: A Love Story (2006)
  •  His Illegal Self (2008)
  •  Parrot and Olivier in America (2010)
  •  The Chemistry of Tears (2012)
  •  Amnesia (2014)
  • A Long Way From Home (2017)

  • Short story collection.
  • The Fat Man in History (1974)
  • War Crimes (1979)
  •  
  •  Non-fiction.
  •  A Letter to Our Son (1994)
  • 30 Days in Sydney: A Wildly Distorted Account (2001)
  • Letter from New York (2001)
  •  Wrong about Japan (2005)

 

No comments: