Illywhacker
Illywhacker
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
Beta569
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1910s-1980s
2004
Adult
18+ years
1070L
Super Short Summary
Illywhacker by Peter Carey follows Herbert Badgery, a charismatic 139-year-old con artist in Australia. The novel explores his myriad tales of deception, love, and survival across the country, offering a rich tapestry of characters and stories that reflect the evolution of Australian society and identity.
Gritty
Humorous
Fantastical
Mysterious
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
3,167 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Peter Carey's Illywhacker is celebrated for its vibrant storytelling and inventive narrative, capturing the spirit of a century in Australia. Critics praise Carey's unique prose and rich character development. However, some find its length and episodic structure challenging. Overall, it's a masterful blend of myth and reality, showcasing Carey's literary prowess.
Who Should Read Illywhacker?
Readers who enjoy Illywhacker by Peter Carey are likely fans of satirical, imaginative storytelling with rich, larger-than-life characters. They appreciate narratives like Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, which blend magical realism and social commentary.
3,167 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
569
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1910s-1980s
2004
Adult
18+ years
1070L
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