Nature, culture, and diversity are ingrained in Australia, and these authors highlight these themes in each of their books. Some of these books are popular around the world, while a few are more well-known in Australia. Each of these authors brings powerful messages to the table and highlights the hardships that people can experience that are universal. The books all range in genre for any reader to enjoy. In this edition of the series, we are celebrating these authors that have their own story to tell.
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
Set in Brisbane in 1983, Eli is trying to survive in his complicated life. Eli’s mum is in jail, his stepfather is a heroin dealer, and his brother is mute. On Christmas day, Eli has to break into the jail to save his mum. This young adult novel combines themes of coming of age, love, and unlikely friendship and will rip your heart out and put it back together.
Dalton was born in Ipswitch, Queensland and later moved to Brassall where he grew up. He also spent years on the outskirts of Brisbane. Dalton has spent his whole life in different parts of Australia where he has lived with different relatives because of his complex relationship with his parents. The author still lives in Australia and writes what it is like living in the suburbs.
The Lost Man by Jane Harper
This suspenseful story is as captivating as the title implies, as it tells the story of two brothers trying to figure out what happened to their other brother, Cameron. In the outback of Queensland and the landmark of the stockman’s grave, Harper emphasizes the isolation of the unrelenting outback. Themes of grief and loss plague the brothers as they try to understand what had been troubling Cameron. The vastness of the outback, coupled with the grief of the brothers, leads to a mystery thriller that readers would not want to put down.
Harper was born in the UK and a few years later moved to Australia. She got Australian citizenship and moved back to the UK when she was a teenager. In 2008, Harper moved back to Australia and still currently lives there. The setting of her book is in Australia and shows her connection to the place.
Carpentaria by Alexis Wright
Two groups, Joseph Midnight’s Eastend mob, and the Phantom family, who lead the Westend Pricklebush people, battle with each other and with white officials from other towns. Myth and reality come together to create an imaginative story full of complex characters and deep themes that will resonate with any reader. Each character is distinct and unique, including Normal and Will Phantom, the rulers, and Elias Smith, the outcast savior. Themes of Indigenous tribes protecting natural resources and their sacred sites soar off the page as they fight assumptions about the other. Wright uses activism to weave a story of the complexities of one’s past and present, along with principles and politics, in a way that readers will gravitate toward.
Wright is a Waanyi or Aboriginal Australian and grew up in Cloncurry, Queensland. She is an activist for land rights in Australia. Wright currently lives in Australia and gives voice to indigenous people through her words.
That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott
In what is now Albany, Western Australia, the story shows in lyrical prose what the early interactions were between the first European settlers and the Noongar people at the beginning of the 19th century. Bobby Wabalanginy is a Noongar man who becomes close to the European settlers, hunts whales with them, and helps establish the fledgling colony. Bobby is soon accepted into a white family and falls for their daughter, Christine. Everything started to fall apart because people were not satisfied with the development of the colony. Caught in the middle, Bobby must decide what side he is on, if he wants to be with his new friends or stay with his ancestors and the new world or the old world. This historical fiction explores themes of belonging and the complexities of people deciding who they want to be.
Scott is an Aboriginal Australian and part of the Noongar people. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and lived with his family. Scott writes stories that breathe life into the complexity of indigenous people and their struggles.
Questions of Travel by Michelle de Kretser
After having traveled the world from an inheritance, Laura settles in Sydney and decides to work for a publishing company that focuses on travel guides. Ravi wishes to be a tourist but has to leave his home in Sri Lanka due to tragic events. Travel is what connects Laura and Ravi and leads them to Australia, both trying to figure out where they belong. These two characters’ stories lead into a double narrative following different characters and their own lives. Each character is complex and distinct, creating a compelling narrative of belonging that any reader can enjoy and relate to.
De Kretser was born in Sri Lanka and years later moved to Australia. She worked as an editor for a travel agency and during that time, wrote her novels. Her book highlight her knowledge of travel and the beauty of Australia.
These books remind us of the beauty of nature and that diverse stories are compelling and entertaining. The authors have shown Australian life in compelling stories that are unique in their culture and universal in their themes.
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