Plot summary, “Parrot and Olivier in America” by Peter Carey in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Parrot and Olivier in America" is a novel written by Peter Carey, an Australian author known for his innovative storytelling and exploration of complex themes. The novel was published in 2009 and draws inspiration from the life and writings of Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian known for his observations on American society in the 19th century.
The novel is a historical fiction that reimagines Tocqueville's journey to America, but with a twist. The story is told through the perspectives of two main characters: John "Parrot" Larrit, a young Englishman, and Olivier-Jean-Baptiste de Clarel de Barfleur de Garmont, a French aristocrat known as Olivier. These characters are loosely based on Tocqueville and his friend Gustave de Beaumont, who traveled to America to study its penal system and social structure.
Parrot is a young and resourceful Englishman who serves as Olivier's secretary and travel companion. Olivier is a sheltered aristocrat who struggles to understand the complexities of American society. The novel explores the stark differences in their backgrounds, perspectives, and attitudes as they embark on their journey across America.
Through Parrot's narrative, the novel offers a glimpse into his past, detailing his experiences in England and his eventual journey to America. Olivier's sections of the novel provide insight into his aristocratic upbringing and his observations of American culture and politics. As the characters encounter various individuals and situations, the novel explores themes of freedom, class struggle, democracy, and the tension between the Old World and the New.
"Parrot and Olivier in America" is known for its intricate narrative structure, switching between the perspectives of Parrot and Olivier. The novel skillfully weaves historical elements with fictional storytelling, offering a unique perspective on America's history and society during the 19th century.
Peter Carey's novel uses humor, wit, and deep insight to examine the complexities of individual identity, societal structures, and the clash of cultures. It provides a thought-provoking exploration of how individuals from different backgrounds perceive and interact with a changing world.