By Patrick White

"Voss" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1957. The novel tells the story of a German explorer named Johann Voss who leads an expedition into the Australian interior in the mid-19th century.

The novel is known for its complex and multi-layered narrative structure, as well as its vivid descriptions of the harsh Australian landscape and the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Voss is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic figure, struggling to come to terms with his own identity and his place in the world.

The novel explores a wide range of themes, including the conflict between civilization and wilderness, the struggle for personal identity, and the impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It has been praised for its poetic language, its intricate plot, and its exploration of complex philosophical and psychological themes.

"Voss" is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian novels of the 20th century, and has been translated into multiple languages. It was awarded the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1957.

Sydney Aus. Random House. Vintage. 1957. 462p.

By Murray Bail

"Eucalyptus" is a novel by Australian author Murray Bail, first published in 1998. It tells the story of a man named Holland, who lives in a remote part of New South Wales and is famous for his collection of rare eucalyptus trees. When his daughter, Ellen, reaches marrying age, Holland decides that she will only marry the man who can name all of the trees on his property.

Ellen is not initially pleased with her father's plan, as she longs for a more conventional romance, but as suitors arrive and fail to name all the trees, she becomes increasingly intrigued by the challenge. The novel follows Ellen's relationships with various suitors, as well as her growing appreciation for her father's unique passion for eucalyptus trees.

The novel is celebrated for its lyrical descriptions of the Australian landscape, as well as its themes of love, family, and the tension between tradition and modernity. It has been compared to fairy tales and fables for its whimsical and magical tone, and has been praised for its exploration of the deep connection between humans and nature.

Melbourne Australia. Text Publishing. 1998. 254p.

By Miles Franklin

"My Brilliant Career" tells the story of Sybylla, a headstrong young woman living in rural Australia in the late 19th century. She dreams of a life beyond the narrow expectations of her social class and gender, but struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with the pressure to marry and conform to traditional gender roles. The novel is noted for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, as well as its frank depiction of Sybylla's rebellious spirit and the social constraints that limit her opportunities.

"My Career Goes Bung" picks up Sybylla's story several years after the events of the first novel. She has moved to the city and is working as a governess, but continues to struggle with the tension between her desire for independence and the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The novel continues to explore themes of class, gender, and the limitations imposed on women in turn-of-the-century Australia, and is notable for its witty and irreverent tone.

Both novels are widely regarded as landmarks of Australian literature, and are celebrated for their feminist themes, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and their pioneering portrayal of a young woman's struggle for independence and self-determination. Miles Franklin herself was a pioneering figure in Australian literature and a passionate advocate for women's rights, and the Miles Franklin Literary Award, one of Australia's most prestigious literary prizes, is named in her honor.

Sydney Australia. Harper Collins. 1901 & 1946. 448p

By Rosalie Ham

Sydney. Duffy and Shellgrove. 2000. 302p.

"The Dressmaker" is a novel by Australian author Rosalie Ham, first published in 2000. The book tells the story of Tilly Dunnage, a talented dressmaker who returns to her hometown in rural Australia after years of living abroad. As she settles back into her old life, Tilly must confront the demons of her past and navigate the complex social dynamics of a small town that has never fully accepted her.

The novel is a darkly comic satire that skewers the hypocrisies and prejudices of small-town life. Ham's vivid descriptions of the characters and setting bring the town to life, and her use of irony and satire add a sharp edge to the story's humor. At its heart, though, "The Dressmaker" is a story about the power of self-expression and the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of opposition from others.

By Jane Shemilt

London. Penguin. 2014. 342p.

"The Daughter" is a novel by Australian author Jane Shemilt, first published in 2014. The book tells the story of a successful doctor named Jenny, whose daughter Naomi disappears one day without a trace. As Jenny searches for her daughter and tries to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, she must confront the painful secrets and hidden truths that have been simmering beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect family.

The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. Shemilt's skill as a writer is evident in her deft handling of the novel's multiple narrative threads, as well as her ability to create a sense of tension and unease that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

B y Tim Winton

Penguin Books. 2018. 266p.

"The Shepherd's Hut" is a novel by Australian author Tim Winton, published in 2018. The novel follows the story of Jaxie Clackton, a young Australian boy who flees his abusive father and sets out on foot into the Western Australian outback.

Jaxie's journey takes him through a harsh and unforgiving landscape, where he must fend for himself and face his own inner demons. Along the way, he encounters a mysterious old man named Fintan MacGillis, who lives alone in a remote shepherd's hut.

As Jaxie and Fintan form an unlikely bond, they both confront their pasts and grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and redemption. The novel explores themes of masculinity, violence, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.

Winton's prose is spare and poetic, capturing the beauty and brutality of the outback landscape and the emotional turmoil of his characters. The novel has been praised for its powerful storytelling, evocative language, and exploration of important contemporary issues.

By Michelene Lee

Melbourne, Australia.Black Publishing. 2016. 293p.

As Aunty Party's family and friends gather for a weekend of prayer and healing rituals, the novel explores themes of faith, family, and the complex relationships that exist within communities. It also delves into issues of culture, identity, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities in Australia.

Through the character of Aunty Party, the novel explores the role of faith and spirituality in providing comfort and guidance to individuals and communities facing difficult challenges. It also raises important questions about the intersection of traditional indigenous beliefs with Western religious practices, and the ongoing impact of colonization on the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous Australians.

By Bernard Conners

NY. British American Publishing. 1983. 360p.

The novel explores the vibrant subculture of dancehall music and its influence on the lives of young black people in London during that time. It also delves into issues of identity, race, gender, and class, as Yvette navigates her way through a complex and sometimes hostile world.

As Yvette begins to explore her sexuality and her desire for independence, she confronts the challenges and contradictions of growing up as a young black woman in a society that often fails to recognize her worth and potential. Through her experiences, the novel explores the ways in which racism and sexism intersect, and the impact they have on the lives of marginalized individuals and communities.

By Rohinton Mistry

With a compassionate realism and narrative sweep that recall the work of Charles Dickens, this magnificent novel captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India. The time is 1975. The place is an unnamed city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers--a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village--will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future.

As the characters move from distrust to friendship and from friendship to love, A Fine Balance creates an enduring panorama of the human spirit in an inhuman state.

NY. Vintage. 1997. 603p.

By William Handel Richardson

'The Getting of Wisdom' is a compelling and frank account of a young girl's coming of age. It tells the story of Laura Rambotham and her struggle to be accepted by her peers at a new school.

Henry Handel was the pseudonym of Ethel Florence Lindsay Richardson. She was born in 1870 in Victoria. Her family was fairly well-off in the early days, but fell on hard times, after her father died. She attended the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Melbourne from age 13 – 17.

The Getting of Wisdom was written in 1910, but was set in 1890’s Melbourne & loosely followed Richardson’s own experiences at boarding school. Curiously none of the girls (or women) in The Getting of Wisdom are very likeable. They’re mean, snobbish, selfish & bitchy. Even Laura, who you empathise with at the start, never learns from her mistakes. And in fact, her self-deception, lying, cheating & self-absorption at the expense of others grew worse with time. At the end, while wondering “wisdom, what wisdom?”, Richardson did have some interesting things to say about conformity, creativity, moderation, honesty, integrity & the status of women in Victorain society, via her characters.

London. Heinemann. 1910. 209p.

By Jonas Jonasson. Translated by Rod Bradbury

A larger-than-life old man with a fondness for vodka goes on an unexpected adventure in this whimsical novel -- perfect for fans of Forrest Gump and A Man Called Ove.. The international publishing sensation -- more than six million copies sold worldwide! A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert) decides it's not too late to start over . . .

After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he's still in good health, and in one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn't interested (and he'd like a bit more control over his vodka consumption). So he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).

It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Allan has a larger-than-life backstory: Not only has he witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, but he has actually played a key role in them. Starting out in munitions as a boy, he somehow finds himself involved in many of the key explosions of the twentieth century and travels the world, sharing meals and more with everyone from Stalin, Churchill, and Truman to Mao, Franco, and de Gaulle. Quirky and utterly unique, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared has charmed readers across the world.

NY. Hachette. 2009, 2012. 381p.

By Alex Miller

Following the sudden end of her marriage, Annabelle Beck returns from Melbourne to the sanctuary of her old family home in North Queensland. There, on an archaeological survey, she discovers that the aboriginal field officer, Bo Rennie, knows her from her childhood. Initially intrigued by his old-fashioned manners, she finds herself increasingly captivated by his modest assurance that he holds the key to her future. Eventually she sets out with him on a path of discovery that leads back to her childhood and to the uncovering of family secrets that have lain buried for a generation or more, secrets that will challenge their future together and force them to question whether their love can survive the terrible knowledge they have come to possess.

NSW. Aust. Allen and Unwin.2002. 327p.

Edited By Aviva Tuffield

Proving that the short story is alive and well in Australia, this eclectic anthology of previously unpublished and uncollected vignettes showcases some of the finest authors from Down Under—from seasoned practitioners to rising and emerging stars of the short story firmament. At once poignant, tender, introspective, and funny, the volume includes a wide variety of genres, from humor and romance to drama and mystery. Capturing whole lives in just a few satisfying pages, this lively compendium is ideal for dipping into and perfect for those seeking inspiration and escape.. This eclectic anthology of new stories showcases some of our finest writers, and proves that the short story is alive and well in Australia.

From seasoned practitioners of the form through to emerging stars of the short-story firmament, New Australian Stories 2 caters for all tastes. There's humour, mystery, drama, and even some delusion and deceit. Ideal for dipping into, and perfect for those seeking inspiration and escape, this collection is designed for your reading pleasure.

Full list of contributors: Debra Adelaide, Claire Aman, Jon Bauer, Melissa Beit, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Tony Birch, Georgia Blain, Patrick Cullen, Sonja Dechian, Brooke Dunnell, Peggy Frew, Julie Gittus, Marion Halligan, Jacinta Halloran, Karen Hitchcock, Anne Jenner, Myfanwy Jones, Lesley Jorgensen, Cate Kennedy, Zane Lovitt, Scott McDermott, Fiona McFarlane, Jane McGown, A.G. McNeil, Susan Midalia, Jennifer Mills, Meg Mundell, Peta Murray, Ruby J. Murray, Mark O'Flynn, Ryan O'Neill, Paddy O'Reilly, Kate Ryan, Emma Schwarcz, Jane Sullivan, Chris Womersley.

Melbourne Scribe. 2009. 339p.

By Bianca Pitzorno Translated by Brigid Maher.

The irresistible story of a young woman seeking freedom and happiness.


Born into poverty, the seamstress spends her days sewing in the houses of wealthy families. Her work is simple and honest; taught by her nonna, she skilfully prepares nightgowns, undergarments and children's clothes, leaving the finer work of dressmaking to the ateliers in Paris.


Her story weaves in and out of the lives of the people she works for, whose secrets and scandals she is privy to. Some are kind and generous, others blinded by their desire to climb the social ladder. She dreams of freeing herself from the hardscrabble life she has inherited but can't help being pulled back in by the love of the people around her.


Set at the dawn of the twentieth century, The Seamstress of Sardinia follows the girl as she grows into a woman, strives to educate herself and falls in love-always fighting for her independence in a world dominated by men and old social conventions.

Melbourne. Text Publishing. 2018. 292p.

By Markus Zusak

The Dunbar boys bring each other up in a house run by their own rules a family of ramshackled tragedy their mother is dead their father has fled they love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world. It is Clay, the quiet one, who will build a bridge; for his family, for his past, for his sins. He builds a bridge to transcend humanness. To survive A miracle and nothing less. Markus Zusak makes his long-awaited return with a profoundly heartfelt and inventive novel about a family held together by stories, and a young life caught in the current: a hoy in search of greatness, as a cure for a painful past. “‘Brilliant and hugely ambitious...the kind of book that can be life changing.” The New York Times. “‘Unsettling, thought-provoking, life affirming, triumphant and tragic, this is a novel of breathtaking scope, masterfully told.” Guardian. ‘Zusak’s novel is a highwire act of inventiveness and emotional suppleness’ The Australian.

Australia. Picador Macmillan. 2018. 581p.

By Tim Winton

In the 1990s Tim Winton made his mark through tough spare stories about youth and promise; of early age parenthood and the challenges of loyalty. Now almost 20 years since his last collection he returns to the form with 17 overlapping stories of second thoughts and mid-life regret set in the brooding small town world of coastal WA. Brilliantly crafted and as tender as they are confronting these ellagic stories examine the darkness and frailty of ordinary people and celebrate the moments when the light shines through.

Picador. Australia. Pan Macmillan. 2004. 317p.

By Woody Allen

From the cover. In Getting Even Woody Allen revenges himself upon such significant subjects as death, obe­sity, organized crime, the invention of the sandwich, adult education, laundry lists of famous people, and Latin American revolu­tionaries. Here is Woody Allen at his philo­sophical deepest: •    "... Death is an acquired trait.'' •    "If man were immortal, do you realize what his meat bills would be?" •    "Why pork was proscribed by Hebraic law is still unclear, and some scholars believe that the Torah merely suggested not eating pork at certain restaurants." •    "Eternal Nothingness is OK if you're dressed for it." •    "My mind can never know my body although it has become quite friendly with my legs."

NY. Random House. 1978. 124p.

By Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Translated from the Russian by Michael Guybon. “*The First Circle asks to be compared to Dostoevsky. Solzhenitsyn is in the great story-telling tradition. When he introduces a character, he fills in the complete background. His portrait of a Soviet prosecutor and his family circle is unforgettable. So are chapters devoted to the brooding Stalin. A future generation of Russians will be able to come to terms with their history through books like Dr. Zhivago and The First Circle.'“ David Pryce-Jones, Financial Times.

London Collins. Fontana Books. 1970. 680P.

By Phillip Crocket Thomas.

Abolition Science Fiction is a new, free collection of sci fi short stories written by activists and scholars involved in prison abolition and transformative justice in the UK. The stories are not all explicitly about prison abolition, but all of them explore the underlying question of how we can live well together, tackling complex topics like violence, revenge, responsibility, care, and community. As such they can help us imagine a future where we respond to harm without exclusion and punishment, illustrating Ruth Wilson Gilmore’s contention that ‘abolition requires that we change one thing: everything.’ Alongside the stories are extracts from discussions from the workshops where we wrote and shared the stories. There are also creative writing exercises and discussion prompts, included to help readers explore ideas about abolition and transformative justice in creative ways. The book is aimed both at those curious about abolition and at seasoned activists who want to explore abolition through creative writing. The book is free and can be downloaded below. There is a limited number of print copies available, to request one please email abolitionscifi [at] gmail [dot] com.

Abolition Science Fiction. 2022. 94p.

By Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Translated from the Russian by Ralph Parker. With an Introduction by Marvin L. Kalb. Foreword By Alexander Tvardovsky. From the cover: This extraordinary novel is one of the most significant and outspoken literary documents ever to come out of Soviet Russia. It is both a brutally graphic picture of life in a Stalinist work camp and a moving tribute to man's will to prevail over relentless dehumanization. A masterpiece of modern Russian fiction, ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF IVAN DENISOVICH first brought to world attention the work of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, brilliant author of THE CANCER WARD and THE FIRST CIRCLE.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn was born in 1918, a year after the Bolsheviks stormed to; power through­out Russia. He studied at the University of Rostov and served with distinction in the Russian Army dur­ing World War II. In 1945 he was arrested and im­prisoned in a labor camp for eight years because he allegedly made a derogatory remark about Stalin. He was released in 1953 after the death of Stalin, but was forced to live in Central Asia, where he remained until Premier Khrushchev’s historic “secret speech” denounced Stalin in 1956. Rehabilitated in 1957, Solzhenitsyn moved to Ryazan, married a chemistry student, and began to teach mathematics at the local school. In his spare time, he started to write. This novel is his first published work.

NY. A Signet Classic from New American Library. 1963. 158p.