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Peter Carey: True History of the Kelly Gang (2002, Vintage Books) 4 stars

“I lost my own father at 12 yr. of age and know what it is …

Review of 'True History of the Kelly Gang' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Written as supposed letters to his infant daughter this story of Ned Kelly moves slowly and the detail and nature of the dialogue don't seem like they could actually be a series of letters - so I think the conceit ultimately fails. The story is reminiscent of the mid-20th century American criminals who became celebrities. There is some excellent Irish-Australian slang, e.g. fizgig - a flirtatious girl, but also a police informer.