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Oscar and Lucinda
544 pages, 2015
On a slow ship bound for Australia, two gamblers find distraction and solace in a deck of cards. One, Oscar Hopkins, believes God encourages him to gamble; the other, Lucinda Leplastrier, is the heiress of a fortune and owner of glasswork. Together they will make a bet which will change both of their lives forever.
Peter Carey is one of the only writers to have twice won the Booker Prize - Oscar and Lucinda were his first book to do so. Both a moving love story and a historical tour de force, his tale of nineteenth-century Australia signaled the arrival of one of the great voices in contemporary literature.
Peter Carey's Oscar and Lucinda is a deep exploration of obsession. The two main characters, Oscar and Lucinda, are both obsessed with gambling. This obsession shapes their lives in profound and unexpected ways. It's a reminder of how our passions can control us, and the importance of understanding and managing them.
Religion plays a significant role in the book. Oscar's strict religious upbringing and his struggle to reconcile it with his gambling addiction is a key theme. It's a fascinating look into how our beliefs can conflict with our actions, and the internal turmoil that can cause.
Oscar and Lucinda's relationship is complex and unconventional. Their shared love for gambling brings them together, but it also creates tension and misunderstanding. The book shows that love is not always straightforward and can be filled with challenges and complications.
The book also explores the impact of societal expectations. Both Oscar and Lucinda struggle with fitting into the norms of their society, which leads to isolation and loneliness. It's a reminder to not let societal pressures dictate our lives and to stay true to ourselves.
Peter Carey beautifully blends history and fiction in Oscar and Lucinda. He paints a vivid picture of 19th century England and Australia, making the reader feel like they're right there with the characters. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll definitely want to check this book out.
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A novel of extraordinary complexity and vigor, Oscar and Lucinda is a masterpiece that will captivate readers.
Thomas Keneally - Schindler's List authorOscar and Lucinda is a tour de force, a complex narrative of love and obsession that is both enchanting and disturbing.
Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale authorPeter Carey's Oscar and Lucinda is a novel of stunning originality, wit, and poignancy.
John Updike - Pulitzer Prize winnerOscar and Lucinda is a triumph of storytelling, a novel of grand scope and intimate detail.
Salman Rushdie - Midnight's Children author