One of the top Australian fiction books is 'Schindler's Ark' by Thomas Keneally. It's a fictionalized account of Oskar Schindler's real - life efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust, though it's also very much an Australian work as Keneally is Australian. 'Looking for Alibrandi' by Melina Marchetta is also popular. It's a coming - of - age story that deals with an Italian - Australian teenager's search for her identity. And then there's 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas, which is a controversial book that looks at the consequences of a man slapping a child who is not his own at a barbecue.
Among the top 10 Australian fiction books could be 'The True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey. It gives a different perspective on the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Carey as well, which is a complex love story set in colonial Australia. Also, 'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin is a significant work. It was written by a young woman and tells the story of a girl with big dreams in rural Australia. It's a story that has resonated with many over the years for its exploration of female ambition and the Australian landscape.
Among the top ten Australian fiction books could be 'For the Term of His Natural Life' by Marcus Clarke. This novel gives a vivid picture of the harsh convict system in Australia. 'They're a Weird Mob' by Nino Culotta is a humorous take on an Italian immigrant's experience in Australia. 'The Tree of Man' by Patrick White is also a classic, exploring the relationship between man and the Australian landscape through the story of a couple.
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.
There's 'The Lieutenant' by Kate Grenville. It's set in early colonial Australia and explores the relationship between the settlers and the indigenous people. 'All That I Am' by Anna Funder is also a great Australian fiction book. It weaves together different stories of resistance against the Nazis. 'The Secret River' by Grenville as well, which delves into the dark history of the colonization of Australia and the impact on the Aboriginal people.
Australian farming fiction books often feature the vast and diverse Australian landscape. They might describe the unique flora and fauna that are part of the farming environment. For example, the eucalyptus trees and kangaroos that are often seen in the outback where farming takes place.
They also tend to explore the complex relationships between different groups in Australian history. For example, the relationship between the European settlers and the Aboriginal people is a common theme, like in 'The Secret River'. This includes the cultural clashes, power dynamics, and attempts at co - existence. Moreover, Australian historical fiction may touch on the development of Australian society from a colonial outpost to an independent nation, showing how values, traditions, and social structures have evolved over time.
Australian historical fiction often features the unique landscape of Australia. The vast outback, the coastal areas, and the harsh environment play important roles in the stories. For example, in 'The Thorn Birds', the outback is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, influencing the lives and fates of the characters.
Many Australian rural fiction books also tend to have a slower pace compared to urban - centric stories. This allows for in - depth exploration of the characters' inner lives and their relationships with each other and the land. It gives readers a chance to really soak in the rural atmosphere and understand the values and traditions that are part of rural Australian life.
Many of the best Australian fiction books also explore the relationship between the settlers and the native Australians in different ways. Some may be more subtle, while others are more direct in depicting the cultural clashes and the attempts at understanding and co - existence.
They often feature the harsh and beautiful landscapes of the outback. For example, in many books, you'll read about vast deserts, unique wildlife, and extreme weather conditions.
Some classic Australian fiction books include 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' by Joan Lindsay. It's a mysterious and evocative novel set in the Australian bush. Another is 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough, which tells a sweeping family saga across generations in the Australian outback.