Illywhacker by Peter Carey. Summary of the book.

by

Illywhacker by Peter Carey

Illywhacker is a 1985 novel by the Australian author Peter Carey. It was published in the United States as Illywhacker: A Novel. The novel tells the story of Herbert Badgery, a con artist, thief, and self-proclaimed “illywhacker” (a term referring to an itinerant swindler or a horse-trader). The novel follows Badgery through his various adventures, both legal and illegal, as he attempts to make a living in early 20th century Australia.

Plot summary

Illywhacker follows the life of Herbert Badgery, a con artist and thief. Badgery, who is also known as Illywhacker, is a man of many trades, including horse-trading, snake-oil salesman, and even a fake spiritualist. Badgery is a master of deception, often taking advantage of naive townsfolk with his powers of persuasion. As the novel progresses, Badgery’s life is seen through the eyes of his family, including his son, his daughter, and his granddaughters. Through the years, the Badgerys experience many ups and downs, from the joys of family life to the tragedies of poverty, illness, and death. As the novel draws to a close, Badgery is revealed to be a man of many contradictions, both generous and selfish, good and bad.

Themes

Illywhacker is a story about survival and family. The novel explores the idea of the American Dream, and how it can be both an impetus for success and a source of misery. The novel also examines issues of morality and the cost of deception. Badgery is a man who is constantly in search of a better life, and is willing to take risks and bend the rules in order to achieve that goal. The novel is also a commentary on the Australian society of the time, and on the struggles of the working class in the face of poverty and inequality.

Interesting facts about Illywhacker

  • Illywhacker was the first novel by Peter Carey to be published in the United States.
  • The novel won the 1985 Miles Franklin Award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1986.
  • The novel was adapted into a film in 1985, starring Jack Thompson.
  • The novel was adapted into a stage play in 2004, and has been performed in various cities around Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Illywhacker about?

Illywhacker is a novel by Peter Carey that tells the story of Herbert Badgery, a con artist and thief. Badgery, who is also known as Illywhacker, is a man of many trades, including horse-trading, snake-oil salesman, and even a fake spiritualist. The novel follows Badgery through his various adventures, both legal and illegal, as he attempts to make a living in early 20th century Australia.

Who is the main character in Illywhacker?

The main character in Illywhacker is Herbert Badgery, also known as Illywhacker. Badgery is a con artist, thief, and self-proclaimed “illywhacker.”

What awards has Illywhacker won?

Illywhacker has won the 1985 Miles Franklin Award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1986.

Has Illywhacker been adapted into other media?

Yes, Illywhacker was adapted into a film in 1985, starring Jack Thompson, and a stage play in 2004, which has been performed in various cities around Australia.

Related books:

  1. True History of the Ned Kelly Gang by Peter Carey. Summary of the book.
  2. Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey. Summary of the book.
  3. The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary. Summary of the book.
  4. A horse on me by Noel M. Loomis. Summary of the book.
  5. The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak (2005). Summary of the book.
  6. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Summary of the book.
  7. Dune by Frank Herbert (1965). Summary of the book.
  8. Peter Pan by J.M/ Barrie (1904). Summary of the book.
  9. A Work in Progress — Life Love Fun Living in Australia (Part 1) by Beverly Dowdell. Summary of the book.
  10. The Girl with all the Gifts by M.R. Carey (2014). Summary of the book.
  11. Gratuito Libro en Español para niños: Camelea como una gaviota by Suzanne Gohier. Summary of the book.
  12. Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie. Summary of the book.
  13. Cómo despertar todos los días con los pies sobre la tierra by Roxana Rangel V.. Summary of the book.
  14. Seven Sisters: Spiritual Messages from Aboriginal Australia by Laine Cunningham. Summary of the book.
  15. Whose Body? A Lord Peter Wimsey Novel by Dorothy L. Sayers. Summary of the book.
  16. Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg. Summary of the book.
  17. Hidden Symbolism of Alchemy and the Occult Arts by Herbert Silberer. Summary of the book.
  18. Slouching Towards Kalamazoo by Peter De Vries. Summary of the book.
  19. Black Beauty by Anne Sewell (1877). Summary of the book.
  20. Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974). Summary of the book.
  21. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (2006). Summary of the book.
  22. Unnatural death by Dorothy L. Sayers. Summary of the book.
  23. Whose Body? by Dorothy L Sayers. Summary of the book.
  24. The stainless steel rat by Harry Harrison. Summary of the book.
  25. Letters of Abelard and Heloise by Peter Abelard and Héloïse. Summary of the book.
  26. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce (1916). Summary of the book.
  27. Roget’s Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget. Summary of the book.
  28. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (1972). Summary of the book.
  29. Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Peter Mark Roget. Summary of the book.
  30. Woodworking Tools 1600-1900 by Peter C. Welsh. Summary of the book.
  31. Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham. Summary of the book.
  32. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty (1971). Summary of the book.
  33. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco. Summary of the book.
  34. Joy in the Morning by PG Wodehouse. Summary of the book.
  35. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (2008). Summary of the book.
  36. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Summary of the book.
  37. According to Queeney by Beryl Bainbridge. Summary of the book.
  38. Gambler’s dollar by W. C. Tuttle. Summary of the book.
  39. The Art Book by Phaidon Press (1997). Summary of the book.
  40. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.
  41. White Noise by Don DeLillo. Summary of the book.
  42. The Tree of Man by Patrick White. Summary of the book.
  43. A Short History of the World by H. G. Wells. Summary of the book.
  44. The Mask of Dimitrios by Eric Ambler. Summary of the book.
  45. The Island of Dr Moreau by HG Wells. Summary of the book.
  46. Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card (1998). Summary of the book.
  47. Tono Bungay by HG Wells. Summary of the book.
  48. Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand (1999). Summary of the book.
  49. Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain. Summary of the book.
  50. High Five by Janet Evanovich (1999). Summary of the book.

Leave a Comment