Parrot and Olivier in America

*Parrot and Olivier in America* reimagines Alexis de Tocqueville's journey through the United States in the early 19th century. Peter Carey's novel follows French aristocrat Olivier de Garmont and his English servant John "Parrot" Larrit as they navigate the landscapes and culture of the young American democracy. The narrative alternates between two distinct voices: Olivier, a sheltered nobleman shaped by the French Revolution's aftermath, and Parrot, a working-class survivor with artistic talents and a complicated past. Their unlikely partnership evolves as they document their observations of American society, politics, and customs. Through the intertwining perspectives of these two men - one privileged, one common - Carey examines the nature of democracy, class divisions, and the promise of the New World. The novel raises questions about freedom, equality, and the complex relationship between European traditions and American ideals.

Readers found the book humorous but challenging to follow, with many noting the complex dual narratives and dense historical references. Multiple reviews mention needing to push through the first 100 pages before becoming engaged. Readers praised: - The witty dialogue and comedic moments - Rich period details of early America - The complex relationship between the main characters - Carey's prose style and vocabulary Common criticisms: - Slow-paced opening chapters - Confusing shifts between narrators - Too many tangential plot threads - Historical references that require outside research Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (120+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) "The writing is brilliant but the story meanders," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "It takes work to get into it, but the payoff is worth it." Several readers compared it unfavorably to Carey's other novels, particularly Oscar and Lucinda.

Democracy: An American Novel by Henry Adams A behind-the-scenes account of American politics in the 1870s presents parallel insights to Carey's exploration of early American democracy through the lens of an outsider.

Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon The story of two 18th-century British surveyors in America captures the same period of American transformation through European eyes that Carey depicts.

The Known World by Edward P. Jones This examination of power structures in pre-Civil War America mirrors Carey's interest in class relationships and social hierarchies in early American society.

Arthur & George by Julian Barnes The parallel narratives of two men from different social classes in Victorian England reflect Carey's dual-perspective structure and exploration of class divisions.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell A European outsider's journey through an unfamiliar culture presents themes of cross-cultural observation and social commentary that echo Carey's work.

🔹 The book was inspired by Alexis de Tocqueville's seminal work "Democracy in America," published in 1835, which remains one of the most influential analyses of American society and politics. 🔹 Peter Carey is one of only four authors to have won the prestigious Booker Prize twice - for "Oscar and Lucinda" (1988) and "True History of the Kelly Gang" (2001). 🔹 The character of Parrot was partly inspired by John Soulby, a real English printer and forger who lived in the early 19th century. 🔹 The novel was shortlisted for the 2010 Miles Franklin Award, Australia's most prestigious literary prize, reflecting Carey's status as one of Australia's most celebrated authors. 🔹 Like Tocqueville, the character of Olivier travels to America ostensibly to study its prison system, but his journey becomes a broader examination of American democracy and society.