ABOUT
THE BOOK

Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs, set in London in 1837, is a thrilling story of mesmerism, of dangerous bargains and illicit love. Raised and deported as a criminal, Jack Maggs has returned from Australia in secret and at great risk. What does he want after all these years and why is he so interested in the activities at a plush townhouse in Great Queen Street? And why is Jack himself an object of such interest to Tobias Oates, amateur hypnotist, celebrated author, and fellow-burglar? Peter Carey was born in Australia in 1943 and lives in New York. He has written six novels, including Illywhacker, and Oscar and Lucinda,  winner of the 1985 Booker Prize.