Peter Carey’s novel, True History of the Kelly Gang, marks its 25th anniversary this year, having made a significant impact on Australian literature since its publication in 1998. The novel has achieved remarkable success, going through 15 editions, winning 17 awards, including the prestigious Booker Prize, and receiving over 200 reviews and articles. Translated into 28 languages, it remains a staple on lists of must-read Australian novels.
At the heart of the story is Ned Kelly, a cultural icon in Australia, often regarded as a rogue and outlaw whose life has inspired countless interpretations across various media. Carey’s novel adds a unique dimension to Kelly’s legacy by employing his voice through a vernacular style inspired by the Jerilderie Letter, a manifesto penned by Kelly that articulated his grievances against the injustices faced by his family.
Carey’s work presents a fictional manuscript purportedly written by Kelly to his daughter, framed as a series of numbered text parcels, reminiscent of an archivist’s catalogue. This clever conceit not only captivates readers but also emphasizes the historical significance of the narrative. The novel draws extensively on historical records, incorporating known events and figures while exploring broader themes such as love, betrayal, oppression, and resistance.
In True History of the Kelly Gang, Carey depicts Kelly as the third of eight children born to impoverished Irish immigrants, John “Red” Kelly and Eileen Quinn. The narrative weaves through significant events in Kelly’s life, including his early encounters with law enforcement, the formation of his gang, and their infamous confrontations with police, culminating in the dramatic siege at Glenrowan in June 1880.
The Jerilderie Letter serves as a pivotal historical artefact that influenced Carey’s writing. During a bank robbery in February 1879, Kelly demanded that a local printer publish his 56-page manuscript, which detailed his family’s struggles against police corruption and governmental neglect. The letter went unpublished for decades, with its fiery content regarded as too controversial for public distribution.
Carey’s novel examines not only the events surrounding Kelly’s life but also delves into the complexities of storytelling and authorship. It raises questions about the ownership of narratives and the motives behind them, as characters like Sergeant O’Neill manipulate storytelling for personal gain. Through this lens, Carey critiques the dynamics of oral versus written tradition, illustrating how Kelly’s voice is filtered through various perspectives, potentially altering its intended message.
In exploring the interplay of fact and fiction, Carey’s narrative reflects the process of myth-making inherent in national identity. His depiction of Kelly embodies both a foundational figure and a symbol of resistance against oppression, particularly in the context of Australia’s colonial history. The novel’s portrayal of Irishness serves as a vehicle for forging a distinctive Australian identity, intertwining personal and collective histories.
As the novel celebrates its milestone, it also invites reflection on the historical context in which it was written. Released during a period of critical national reckoning, following significant legal and cultural shifts regarding Indigenous rights in Australia, Carey’s work illuminates the complexities of identity and belonging. Critics argue that the narrative, while compelling, lacks representation of Indigenous voices, presenting a predominantly white perspective that risks oversimplifying the historical landscape.
The enduring legacy of True History of the Kelly Gang lies in its ability to evoke empathy for its central character while also prompting readers to confront the broader implications of his actions and the myths that surround them. As the novel continues to resonate with audiences, it serves as a reminder of the powerful interplay between history, literature, and national identity.
In a contemporary landscape marked by growing inequality and social unrest, the themes explored in Carey’s work remain relevant. The myth of Ned Kelly, entwined with issues of justice and marginalization, reflects ongoing dialogues about power and representation within society. As the narrative unfolds, it challenges readers to consider the narratives we construct and the histories we choose to remember.
