Peter Carey, Australian novelist and short story writer

Peter Philip Carey, born on 7 May 1943, stands as one of Australia's most distinguished and internationally celebrated novelists. A recipient of the Order of Australia (AO), a prestigious national honour recognising outstanding achievement and service, Carey's literary career is marked by remarkable depth, innovation, and a unique narrative voice that often explores the complexities of Australian identity and history.

A Literary Icon: Awards and Accolades

Carey's profound impact on literature is underscored by an impressive array of awards. He has achieved the rare distinction of winning the Miles Franklin Award, Australia's most significant literary prize, an unprecedented three times. This consistent excellence has led many literary critics and readers alike to frequently name him as Australia's most prominent contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature, a testament to his profound influence and the universal resonance of his work.

Double Booker Prize Winner

Perhaps his most globally recognised achievement is his remarkable success with the Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the English-speaking literary world. Peter Carey is one of only five writers in the prize's history to have won it twice, placing him in an elite company alongside literary giants J. G. Farrell, J. M. Coetzee, Hilary Mantel, and Margaret Atwood. His first Booker triumph came in 1988 for his novel Oscar and Lucinda, a captivating tale of love, obsession, and glass church construction set against the backdrop of 19th-century Australia. He repeated this extraordinary success in 2001 with True History of the Kelly Gang, a vivid and visceral reimagining of the life of Australia's infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, narrated in a distinctive first-person voice. In May 2008, his enduring legacy was further recognised with a nomination for the 'Best of the Booker Prize,' a special one-off award commemorating the prize's 40th anniversary, which aimed to celebrate the finest work from its four-decade history.

Beyond Fiction: Screenwriting and Academia

While primarily known for his novels, Carey's creative reach extends into other artistic and academic realms. He ventured into screenwriting, collaborating with the acclaimed German director Wim Wenders on the screenplay for the thought-provoking 1991 science fiction film Until the End of the World. This collaboration showcased his versatility and ability to contribute to different narrative forms. Furthermore, he dedicates his expertise to fostering new literary talent as the executive director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Hunter College, a distinguished institution within the City University of New York system. In this academic role, he plays a crucial part in shaping the next generation of writers, sharing his invaluable experience and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was Peter Carey born?
Peter Philip Carey was born on 7 May 1943.
What are Peter Carey's most significant literary awards?
He is a three-time winner of the Miles Franklin Award and a two-time winner of the Booker Prize. He was also nominated for the 'Best of the Booker Prize'.
Which novels earned Peter Carey his Booker Prizes?
He won his first Booker Prize in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda and his second in 2001 for True History of the Kelly Gang.
How many authors have won the Booker Prize twice?
Peter Carey is one of only five writers to have won the Booker Prize twice. The others are J. G. Farrell, J. M. Coetzee, Hilary Mantel, and Margaret Atwood.
Is Peter Carey involved in fields other than novel writing?
Yes, he collaborated on the screenplay for the film Until the End of the World with Wim Wenders and serves as the executive director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Hunter College, CUNY.
What does 'AO' stand for after his name?
AO stands for Officer of the Order of Australia, a national honour recognising Peter Carey's significant service to literature.