Ex-Kingston Library book (no I didn't steal it! :-) I'm actually about 1/3 of the way through so far and really enjoying it so far.

I'm a bit sorry that I read 'Illywhacker' in such a short amount of time (2-3 days) because I really did enjoy this story and I wish I had more time to digest it properly. But time is money and I have a heap of other books to read in the next few weeks! I was taken in by this book from the start because it involves something that really interests me - the unreliable narrator. On the first page Herbert Badgery tells us that he's a compulsive liar - so what do we believe? Of course, I naturally just gobble up all of his narration, questioning none of his original and entertaining life story. The 'unreliable narrator' is not actually addressed that fully and is only bought up in the last 20% of the book when we finally get a short chapter from someone else's point of view that leads us to question what Badgery has been telling us. It's slightly unsatisfying that this isn't pursued further, as is the ending, which seems to develop only in the last few pages. I'm not sure how the final scenario of the 'Best Pet Shop in the World' really tied into the story of Badgery's life, although I guess there were hints of it appearing - particualy in the latter half that cover's his son Charles and daughter in law Emma.

But despite this, I reckon this is the Peter Carey novel that I've enjoyed most and I'm glad to have read it!

This book, finished at 6.30 pm, was given up at 7 pm at the Kingston BC Meetup!

Thought this book looked intriguing. Sorry to see KLL go after the meet up in Kingston tonight but must say a big thank you to her for the lots of very interesting books she has shared. I wish all all the best.