SOURCE: Jones, Thomas. “Full Tilt.” London Review of Books 23, no. 3 (8 February 2001): 24-5.

In the following review, Jones provides a detailed plot summary of True History of the Kelly Gang and examines Carey's narrative style in the novel.

In the penultimate chapter of David Copperfield, David and Agnes, after ten years of uneventful but blissful marriage—‘I had advanced in fame and fortune, my domestic joy was perfect’—are sitting by the fire in their house in London, one night in spring, when they receive a visit from an elderly stranger. This man turns out to be Mr Peggotty, who emigrated to Australia with what remained of his family ten years previously, together with the Micawbers. And they have all ‘thrived’: Em'ly has recovered her virtue; Martha has married; even Mrs Gummidge has received a proposal; and Mr Micawber has not only paid off all his debts but been...