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Jack Maggs

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Jack Maggs

Written by: Peter Carey
Narrated by: Steve Shanahan
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About this listen

A thrilling story of mesmerism and possession, of dangerous bargains and illicit love.

London, 1837.

Jack Maggs, raised and deported as a criminal, has returned from Australia in secret and at great risk. What does he want after all these years, and why is he so interested in the comings and goings at a plush townhouse in Great Queen Street? And why is Jack himself an object of such interest to Tobias Oates, celebrated author, amateur hypnotist and fellow burglar - in this case of people’s minds, of their histories and inner phantoms?

Winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Miles Franklin Award, Peter Carey's Jack Maggs is dazzlingly entertaining.

©1997 Peter Carey (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing Historical Fiction Fiction
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Many may find this 1997 novel evokes the works of Charles Dickens by its themes, its characters and its plot as well of course as being set in London in the late 1830’s. Indeed, though its storyline is completely different, it was apparently inspired by some characters in “Great Expectations”. Vocabulary is at times much more explicit than Dickens’ and situations are now and then much bolder, some may say more realistic. Suspense is present throughout, in a low-key manner, and the dénouement could easily have been different had the author chosen so at the last minute.

As with other novels set in the 19th century, prior knowledge of the era is useful, for example as to the role of various specific servants : butler, cook, footmen, etc. References to specific locations in London are abundant and readers may find it enjoyable to spot them on Google Streetview. A few anachronisms may be noted, such as a reference to Christmas trees which in fact were introduced in England only a few decades after the time the work is set.

Peter Carey, the author, is Australian and a significant connection to his native land appears eventually. He hints now and then as to what will occur way in the future and innovates occasionally in writing style, for example repeating a given scene in succession with the same dialogue but a different point of view.

Overall, this work is highly enjoyable and recommended to all interested in Charles Dickens’ era.

Outstanding!

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