Books: the True History of the Kelly Gang and the Ottoman Motel

Is it wrong that I kept falling asleep while reading True History of the Kelly Gang? That's a rhetorical question, because I'm answering - no, it isn't. You try reading a book imagining it's Ned Kelly (aka Heath Ledger) whispering into your ear in rugged Irish monotone and not drift off.

For those who haven't read it, which I think is more of a Queensland thing, because as far as I can tell southerners are forced to read it vis-a-vis highschool English, the story is told by Ned in letters written to his daughter. Hence the above mentioned intimate feeling. Also there's a lot of homo undertones, what with it being a thing for guys to sometimes wear dresses while riding horseback, and the natural tendency for men living, working, and dying together to get a little bit Brokeback Mountain-y. I'll stop there. 

The book was surprising, which isn't that surprising really, considering Peter Carey always approaches his subjects from fantastic angles. Ned Kelly's fall into criminal life and ascent to legend is told with lyrical beauty and an absolutely believable story. As per the author's intention, it feels like the true history, and for the next 24 hours without Wikipedia, it will be for me.

The Ottoman Hotel feels like one of the only books written by a Brisbane author that I've ever read. Oh aside from John Birmingham's He Died With a Felafel in his hand, which is requisite reading for any Brisvegan with an arts-degree. I keep meaning to get to Nick Earls, but all I can imagine when looking at their front covers is verandahs, barbeques and men who are "a little slow" but with "hearts of gold." Shudder.

Christopher Currie's novel is set in a very different place. Eleven year old Simon, his mother and father arrive at an isolated town on the NSW North Coast. They check in to the Ottoman Motel. His parents go out for a swim. They don't come back.

What follows is part mystery part coming of age story, as Simon becomes drawn into the town and its murky history, he learns to look beyond the facades of children and adults alike. To be honest I picked most of the plot twists within the first few chapters, which is surprised me considering crime and mystery novels are not my forte. I was chuffed to have a Miss Marple moment (I don't have many). Then I considered that maybe the story gave too much away.


But what the novel may lack in narrative subtly is the finely drawn protagonist. Simon is a fantastic character. His mood swings, blind spots and insights are all well realised. In parts its haunting tone and childhood naivety reminded me of Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote. What makes it  special is Currie's captured certain shapes and textures that feel spot on for people "of a certain age", ,by which I mean Gen-Y.