Bliss

A great story both in its content and the telling.

Peter Carey's first novel betrays his root in advertising as well as genre fiction, but cunningly passes it off as magical realism. This is the only book of his that I've really, really enjoyed because it tries to be so many things and largely succeeds. It is the story of Harry Joy, who dies for a few minutes after a heart attack and comes back thinking he has gone to Hell. His discovery...more

Peter Carey's first novel betrays his root in advertising as well as genre fiction, but cunningly passes it off as magical realism. This is the only book of his that I've really, really enjoyed because it tries to be so many things and largely succeeds. It is the story of Harry Joy, who dies for a few minutes after a heart attack and comes back thinking he has gone to Hell. His discovery could possibly have taken a little longer, making the impact even more incredible - instead it is glossed over which makes the novel seem even more wity, ironic and post-modern than it really is, which is a shame because it is a great story, beautifully told. I love it, for all its faults, which I am very conscious of because I haven't enjoyed any of the Carey novels i have read since which is my problem, not Carey's.   hide

My favourite Australian novel. Carey's first book and still one of his best - a funny, caustic rendering of a family and a country in thrall American values.

john.smith@yahoo.com