Parrot and Oliver in America by Peter Carey

The BBC’s first degustation for 2011 consisted of Parrot and Oliver in America, delicious Beef Bourguignon, Gratin Dauphinois and Apple Tarte with custard, washed down with an array of delectable French and New World Reds.

Parrot and Olivier, Peter Carey’s 11th novel, begins in France in the early years of the 19th century and within its 480 pages spans three continents. The story is shared by two characters, a French aristocrat Olivier, and an older English servant with a Dickensian past, John Larrit, known as Parrot because of his skill of mimicry. Each tell their tale in alternate chapters; Parrots voice is strong, earthy, cynical but compassionate whereas the aristocratic Olivier is infuriatingly verbose, moody and aloof. Central to the novel is the evolving relationship between these two men with initial prejudice and loathing mellowing into affection and friendship, despite divisions of class.

Loosely following Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy of America, Olivier, like Tocqueville before him, is accompanied by Parrot (as well as his mistress and her mother) to the new world. Parrot has been sent by his one armed master, Monsieur, to spy on the young lawyer. How America tests Olivier’s assumptions about the world, order and servants is a compelling theme of the novel. For all its vitality and promise, America proves too raw and democratic for the privileged European. In contrast, Parrot finds his second true home on the Hudson River (the first was in New South Wales) with his Parisienne artist lover, Mathilde.

Other reviewers have labelled Carey's novel a tour de force; so what did the BBC think of P &O?

Kevin, who chose the book, liked it but thought it needed more flavour- However, the illustrations of a young America (pigs rooting around Broadway etc) justified a score of 6 ½

Andy didn’t finish the book and didn’t really care. He liked the spices, but didn’t like the main ingredients and the snobbery of Olivier could not allow a score greater than 6;

Dennis, finished the story and liked the book of characters and the Dickensian feel of Parrot’s early childhood, but thought the stream of consciousness required more narrative glue;6.

Alena, thought the narrative leapt around about which left the reader confused and the book lacking structure- but thought the composition in the hands of another author would have been much less palatable; 7

Leanne, thought Peter Carey is a gifted wordsmith and through his attempt to retell Tocqueville’s tale as a novel, provided an education about the times of early America and revolutionary France. Ultimately, the novel was not a page turner, and therefore a 7 was assigned.

Mark, didn’t like the first 10 pages, but loved the apple pie.

So despite, its comic and extravagant tale, Parrot and Olivier’s overall score was a mediocre 6 ½.

April’s instalment will consist of Murakami’s the Wind Up Bird Chronicle perfectly styled by Dennis, the purveyor of fluffy sheets.

Blog post by Alena - you angel you!