NED KELLY: THE STORY OF AUSTRALIA'S MOST NOTORIOUS LEGEND

Written by Peter FitzSimons Published 2013 Reviewed by Jason King

I’ve just finished the monumental task of listening to Peter FitzSimons’ NED KELLY: THE STORY OF AUSTRALIA'S MOST NOTORIOUS LEGEND, a 30-hour audiobook I started on August 17th. As I mentioned back then, I’ve shifted to audiobooks exclusively, alternating between fiction and non-fiction. Since my stroke in 2020, traditional reading puts me to sleep almost immediately.⁣⁣

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This was my first FitzSimons book, and while it sometimes felt like a school textbook, something to study Ned Kelly by, the depth of insight was extraordinary.⁣⁣

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I’ve always admired Ned, and I’ve long considered him a hero. But FitzSimons’ account highlighted just how mistreated he and the Kelly family were, victims of corrupt police and powerful local families. Ned was exceptionally intelligent; in a more privileged family, he might have become a general or a leader in another field. His military acumen, horsemanship, and sharpshooting skills were unparalleled. He was inherently fair, avoiding violence whenever possible, yet decisive when threatened. He is no golden boy by any means; he was a cop killer, but it did start with a posse of cops donning plain clothes and heading into the bush to execute him. Before that, the most he had done was steal a horse.⁣⁣

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One of his last wishes was for the police to investigate corruption within the Victorian Force — which they did, and wrongdoers were held accountable. Ned’s entire bushranging career stemmed from police fabrications and the unjust imprisonment of his mother, which he would not tolerate. He was a gentleman and a bushranger, never swearing in front of women, often acting in a Robin Hood-like manner, and generously sharing his gains with entire towns. He was a man of his word, and I would have loved to meet him.⁣⁣

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As for the narrator, Richard Aspel, it took me about 10 hours to adjust to his style. I’m not his biggest fan, and now I’ve learned he narrates BATAVIA as well - a book I have been told I must read by FitzSimons. Dammit!!⁣⁣

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Overall, I’m glad I completed it. Next up: a lighter, more entertaining work of fiction. ⁣⁣

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️