I've read a lot of Peter Carey books; I think he is an amazing writer. I also think he writes the most despicable characters EVER. It is incredibly hard to like a Peter Carey character (that said, I haven't read 'Oscar and Lucinda', who sound less hate-worthy). However, neither Parrot nor Olivier fall into that category, and that shifts this book from one I can recommend to my literary minded friends, to just about anyone.
In some ways, Parrot and Olivier are almost caricatures. They are over the top representations of the French nobility, and the wily lower, servile classes. Olivier is odious, whining, arrogant... and fascinating. Parrot was a young lad who exhibited extraordinary talent, and met very little, if any of his potential due to a weak character- and yet we sympathise, rather than judge.
The novel follows these two unlikely partners through their early years, and then later through their experiences together in the newly independent America. Through flashbacks we learn more of their in-between years. Both characters surge through a series of projects, sideprojects, relationships, siderelationships and personal discoveries about themselves.
At times, Carey broaches Bryce-Courtenay-danger-zone in the sheer unlikeliness of coincidental meetings and links, and the breadth of the world Parrot seems to have traversed in his years. But he gets away with it far better than Courtenay; while it seems odd that Parrot would have, in 50 years, have built homes and careers in England, Australia, France AND America, the fact that he is at least consistent in his trade helps with the credibility factor. Just.
In the end, 'Parrot and Olivier in America' is highly readable, despite its intimidating size. It also has a BEAUTIFUL cover in the hardback, with embossed paper dustjacket and a gorgeous parrot print on the inner sleeves of which its printer-protaganist could be proud. If you've been scared off by Carey before, come back; if you're thinking of trying Carey out, start here. A thoroughly enjoyable jaunt.
