In 'Oscar and Lucinda', Peter Carey weaves a captivating tale of two unlikely lovers, each burdened by their own obsessions. Oscar, a timid yet principled bishop, wrestles with the constraints of his faith, while Lucinda, a daring glass manufacturer, defies societal expectations with her unconventional dreams. Their paths intertwine in a quest to build a glass church in the Australian outback, a symbol of their shared aspirations and romantic tensions. As they navigate the challenges of their respective worlds, the story explores themes of faith, chance, and the true nature of love. Will their passionate venture lead to salvation or demise?
By Peter Carey
Published: 2015
""The soul has many facets, much like the intricacies of a glass cathedral; it shatters easily but can also reflect the light in the most unexpected ways.""
Oscar Hopkins, the hydrophobic, noisy-kneed son of a preacher, renounces his father's stern religion in favour of the Anglican Church. Lucinda Leplastrier, a frizzy-haired heiress, impulsively buys a glass factory with the inheritance forced on her by a well-intentioned adviser. When the two finally meet, on board a ship to New South Wales, Australia they are bound by their affinity for gambling and risk, their loneliness, and their awkwardly blossoming mutual affection. Love will prove to be their ultimate gamble.
Peter Carey is an acclaimed Australian novelist and two-time winner of the Booker Prize, known for his distinctive narrative style and rich character development. His notable works include 'Oscar and Lucinda,' 'True History of the Kelly Gang,' and 'The Chemistry of Tears.' Carey's writing often blends historical fiction with elements of magical realism, reflecting themes of identity, Australian culture, and the complexities of human experience. His innovative storytelling and masterful prose have established him as one of the leading voices in contemporary literature.
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“"The soul has many facets, much like the intricacies of a glass cathedral; it shatters easily but can also reflect the light in the most unexpected ways."”
Oscar and Lucinda
By Peter Carey
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