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.
The best Australian crime fiction often features complex relationships. This could be between the characters themselves, or between the characters and the Australian environment. The environment can be both a hindrance and a help in solving the crimes. For instance, in 'Mystery Road', the Aboriginal connection to the land is an important part of the story. Also, these stories are not afraid to show the darker side of Australian life, from small - town secrets to big - city crime. And they usually have a well - crafted mystery that keeps the readers guessing until the very end.
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.
Often, they have a strong sense of place. For example, the Australian landscape, be it the outback or the coastal areas, plays a big role in the stories. The characters are also usually complex and diverse, representing different aspects of Australian society.
Some new Australian crime fiction that stands out is that which focuses on the seedy underbelly of big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Authors are exploring the criminal networks that operate in these urban landscapes.
Tim Winton's novels are also prominent. His 'Cloudstreet' is a beloved Australian classic. It weaves together the stories of two families living in the same house, exploring themes of family, love, and the Australian landscape, with vivid descriptions that really bring the Perth setting to life.
One of the great Australian historical fiction books is 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough. It tells a multi - generation love story set against the backdrop of the Australian outback. Another is 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey. It's a complex tale that delves into the relationship between two very different characters in the 19th - century Australia. And 'The Secret River' by Kate Grenville is also excellent. It explores the early days of white settlement in Australia from the perspective of an English convict.
One of the best is 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough. It tells a multi - generational story set in Australia, exploring themes like love, family, and the harsh Australian outback. Another great one is 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey. It's a story about an unlikely friendship and a glass church. Also, 'The Secret River' by Kate Grenville is a remarkable work that delves into the early colonial history of Australia, showing the complex relationships between settlers and indigenous people.
I really like 'Truth' by Peter Temple as well. His works often deal with complex moral and social issues within the framework of detective stories. The way he portrays the Australian setting adds a unique flavor to the detective fiction genre. His characters are multi - dimensional, and the mysteries are engaging, making his books some of the best in Australian detective fiction.
Some well - known works in 'Best New Australian Fiction' could include novels that explore the unique Australian landscape and culture. For example, books that deal with the outback, Aboriginal stories, or the experiences of immigrants in Australia.