Parrot and Olivier in America is a captivating novel that explores the unsteady fabric of democracy. Peter Carey transfixes readers with the witty and inventive accounts of the picaresque adventures of Olivier and Parrot. Recommended for readers eager to explore democracy in theory and practice, through the perspective of two travelers from opposing backgrounds and experiences.

Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also find in-stock similar reads linked by topic and genre here!

• Booker Prize Nominee (2010)
• New South Wales Premier's Literary Award Nominee for Christina Stead Prize for Fiction (2011)
• Victorian Premier's Literary Award Nominee for Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction (2010)
• National Book Award Finalist for Fiction (2010)

Olivier is a French aristocrat. the traumatized child of survivors of the Revolution. Parrot the son of an itinerant printer who always wanted to be an artist but has ended up a servant. Born on different sides of history. their lives will be brought together by their travels in America. When Olivier sets sail for the New World. ostensibly to study its prisons but in reality to save his neck from one more revolution Parrot is sent with him. as spy. protector. foe and foil. As the narrative shifts between the perspectives of Parrot and Olivier. and their picaresque travels together and apart in love and politics. prisons and the world of art Peter Carey explores the adventure of American democracy. in theory and in practice. with dazzling wit and inventiveness.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.