There could be stories about Australian wildlife that are really good. The unique animals and how they adapt to the Australian ecosystem. The story of the kangaroo's evolution and its significance in Australian culture is likely to be one of the best in 'Best of Australian Story'.
Well, some might be the ones that depict the unique outback life. The tales of the Aboriginal culture are often great, like their ancient traditions and connection to the land.
Stories about the early settlers could be among the best. Their struggles and how they built the foundation of modern Australia. For example, the stories of building farms in the harsh Australian environment are both inspiring and educational.
One of the best Australian stories is 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'. It's a mysterious tale set in the Australian bush that has intrigued readers for decades. The story's atmosphere and the enigma of the disappearing girls make it a classic.
Among the 10 best Australian novels, 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey stands out. It offers a different perspective on the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas is also notable as it delves into contemporary Australian society and family values. Also, 'The Book Thief' (while Markus Zusak is of Austrian - German origin, the story is set in Australia during the war) is a powerful novel that shows the impact of war on people and their love for books.
Characteristics of the best Australian short stories include a focus on the relationship between humans and nature. Given Australia's unique flora and fauna, stories might explore how people interact with kangaroos, snakes, or the eucalyptus forests. Another aspect is the portrayal of the underdog. Australian culture has a certain admiration for those who overcome difficult odds. So, short stories often feature characters who are facing tough situations, whether it's poverty, discrimination, or the unforgiving environment, and manage to find a way forward. Moreover, humor is also a common element. Australian humor, which can be dry and self - deprecating, is often used to lighten the mood in otherwise challenging stories.
Many of the stories in it often feature the Australian landscape, like the vast outback, which becomes an important part of the setting and sometimes even a character in itself.
Many best Australian novels often have a strong connection to the Australian landscape. For example, in 'The Thorn Birds', the outback is almost like a character itself, shaping the lives and loves of the people. They also tend to explore themes like isolation and the struggle between different cultures, as seen in some works that deal with the relationship between the Aboriginal and non - Aboriginal Australians.
One of the best Australian fiction books in 2018 could be 'The Life to Come' by Michelle de Kretser. It delved into complex relationships and the immigrant experience in Australia in a really engaging way.
Well, 'Voss' by Patrick White is considered among the best. It's a complex exploration of the Australian landscape and the human psyche. The story of Johann Ulrich Voss, an explorer, is intertwined with themes of love, ambition, and the vastness of the Australian continent. Then there's 'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin. This semi - autobiographical novel gives insights into the life of a young woman in rural Australia, her dreams and struggles. Also, 'The Harp in the South' by Ruth Park is a great Australian novel that shows the working - class life in Sydney's slums.
Many best Australian novels often feature the unique Australian landscape. For example, the vast outback, the coastlines, etc. They are used not just as a backdrop but also as a character in a way. They also tend to explore the Australian identity, which is a mix of the indigenous heritage and the colonial influence.
One more to mention is 'The Book of the Unnamed Midwife' by Meg Elison. It's a dystopian fantasy set in a world where most of the population has been wiped out by a plague. The midwife in the story is a strong and complex character, and the book offers a unique take on survival in a harsh and changed world.
I don't know the details of this story. It could be about Dr James's adventures, his contributions to Australia, or some personal experiences he had in Australia.