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January 25, 2005
Carey and Courtenay
Is it really possible to compare Peter Carey and Bryce Courtenay? Simon Casterton in "The Age" seems to believe so. And he makes a fair argument for it.
It all revolves around the point that "They may work different sides of the publishing street, but Courtenay and Carey are equally effective at getting their message across."
So it is really all about marketing and positioning oneself in front of the customers/readers? Probably, and both came from advertising backgrounds originally so past experience is a major help. In addition:
Courtenay appeals to that part of Australian culture that is perhaps more overtly populist, nationalist and materialist. Carey, on the other hand, appeals to a more rarefied, cosmopolitan stratum, and has an additional appeal to overseas readers and literary prize givers. Courtenay is an immigrant made good, while Carey is a well-connected expatriate. Each, though, comes across as "good bloke", which is the acme of social acceptability in this country. Neither is as challenging to the general reader as, say, a Patrick White, or perhaps a J. M. Coetzee.
I've talked about Patrick White here recently and have decided that I have to read at least one of his books this year. But is Carey not as challenging as Coetzee? It's not a question that has occurred to me before.
Courtenay's books sell very well in this country - I believe he was the top-selling local writer last year - but I haven't read anything by him. Maybe it's about time I did.
God, not more books to add to the list.
Posted by larrikin at January 25, 2005 11:41 AM
Comments
Carey and Courtenay????...nah, I don't think so. Some interesting parallels, but for me, the main difference that Casterton identifies - "the fact that Carey is simply a much better
writer than Courtenay" overshadows the similarities of author background and literary influences. I've only read "The Potato Factory" but that was enough for me.
And like you, I suspect that Carey and Coetzee are in a similar league in terms of demands on the reader.
I'm pleased to have found your blog- I often go to your Larrikin Australian literature page.
Best wishes,
Janine
Posted by: Janine at January 25, 2005 04:55 PM