‘A Long Way From Home’ by Peter Carey

My Review (4 stars out of 5)

Speed-loving Irene Bobs and her car-salesman husband embark on the Redex Trial, a ruthless car race around 1950s Australia, over bad roads and in terrible conditions. Along with their neighbour—former school-teacher-turned-navigator, Mr Bachuber—they aim for the prize. But things don’t go the way they planned, not least when Irene’s unpleasant father-in-law joins in the race…

I’ve read several novels by Peter Cary, including Oscar and Lucinda, Bliss and The True History of the Kelly Gang—all superb reads. With this one, however, I’m not entirely sure what Carey is trying to do. As always, the writing is excellent and his characters – if occasionally irritating, and sometimes outrageous—are well-rounded and realistic. As the story moves along, the author focuses on Australia’s history and its difficult relationship with its own culture, which is also fascinating but feels a little like he’s gone off on a tangent, forgetting about the plot. 

Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating book and I’ll certainly be reading more of Mr Carey’s work.

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