By Charles Dickens

From Wikipedia: “In 1859 Dickens founded a new journal called All the Year Round, and the "Uncommercial Traveller" articles would be among his main contributions. He seems to have chosen the title and persona of the Uncommercial Traveller as a result of a speech he gave on 22 December 1859 to the Commercial Travellers' School in London,[1] in his role as honorary chairman and treasurer. The persona sits well with a writer who liked to travel, not only as a tourist, but also to research and report what he found visiting Europe, America and giving book readings throughout Britain. He did not seem content to rest late in his career when he had attained wealth and comfort and continued travelling locally, walking the streets of London in the mould of the flâneur, a "gentleman stroller of city streets". He often suffered from insomnia and his night-time wanderings gave him an insight into some of the hidden aspects of Victorian London, details of which he also incorporated into his novels.”

London: Chapman & Hall, Ld. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1905. 370p.

By Charles Dickens

The opening of “A Christman story”. I have been looking on, this evening, at a merry company of children assembled round that pretty German toy, a Christmas Tree.  The tree was planted in the middle of a great round table, and towered high above their heads.  It was brilliantly lighted by a multitude of little tapers; and everywhere sparkled and glittered with bright objects.  There were rosy-cheeked dolls, hiding behind the green leaves; and there were real watches (with movable hands, at least, and an endless capacity of being wound up) dangling from innumerable twigs; there were French-polished tables, chairs, bedsteads, wardrobes, eight-day clocks, and various other articles of domestic furniture (wonderfully made, in tin, at Wolverhampton), perched among the boughs, as if in preparation for some fairy housekeeping; there were jolly, broad-faced little men, much more agreeable in appearance than many real men—and no wonder, for their heads took off, and showed them to be full of sugar-plums; there were fiddles and drums; there were tambourines, books, work-boxes, paint-boxes, sweetmeat-boxes, peep-show boxes, and all kinds of boxes; there were trinkets for the elder girls, far brighter than any grown-up gold and jewels; there were baskets and pincushions in all devices; there were guns, swords, and banners; there were witches standing in enchanted rings of pasteboard, to tell fortunes; there were teetotums, humming-tops, needle-cases, pen-wipers, smelling-bottles, conversation-cards, bouquet-holders; real fruit, made artificially dazzling with gold leaf; imitation apples, pears, and walnuts, crammed with surprises; in short, as a pretty child, before me, delightedly whispered to another pretty child, her bosom friend, “There was everything, and more.”  This motley collection of odd objects, clustering on the tree like magic fruit, and flashing back the bright looks directed towards it from every side—some of the diamond-eyes admiring it were hardly on a level with the table, and a few were languishing in timid wonder on the bosoms of pretty mothers, aunts, and nurses—made a lively realisation of the fancies of childhood; and set me thinking how all the trees that grow and all the things that come into existence on the earth, have their wild adornments at that well-remembered time.

London. Chapman and Hall Christmas Stories edition, Volume 1, 1911. 69p.

By Charles Dickens

From Wikipedia. Nicholas Nickleby, or The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, is the third novel by Charles Dickens, originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839. The character of Nickleby is a young man who must support his mother and sister after his father dies.

London. Chapman and Hall. 1839. 954p.

By Charles Dickens

From Wikipedia: “The story concerns Paul Dombey, the wealthy owner of the shipping company of the book's title, whose dream is to have a son to continue his business. The book begins when his son is born and Dombey's wife dies shortly after giving birth. Following the advice of Mrs Louisa Chick, his sister, Dombey employs a wet nurse named Mrs Richards (Toodle). Dombey already has a six-year-old daughter Florence, but, bitter at her not having been the desired boy, he neglects her continually. One day, Mrs Richards, Florence, and her maid, Susan Nipper, secretly pay a visit to Mrs Richards' house in Staggs's Gardens so that Mrs Richards can see her children. During this trip, Florence becomes separated from them and is kidnapped for a short time by Good Mrs Brown, before being returned to the streets. She makes her way to Dombey and Son's offices in the City and there is found and brought home by Walter Gay, an employee of Mr Dombey, who first introduces her to his uncle, the navigation instrument maker Solomon Gills, at his shop The Wooden Midshipman. The child, named Paul after his father, is a weak and sickly child….”

London. Bradbury & Evans. 1848.

By Charles Dickens

“…When he came therefore to think of his new story for Christmas time, he resolved to make it a plea for the poor ... He was to try and convert Society, as he had converted Scrooge, by showing that its happiness rested on the same foundations as those of the individual, which are mercy and charity not less than justice…” (Wikipedia)

Chapman and Hall. 1844. 175p.

By Patrick White

"The Aunt's Story" is a novel written by Patrick White, an Australian author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. It was first published in 1948 and is considered one of White's most significant works.

The novel follows the character of Theodora Goodman, a woman who feels out of place in her conventional middle-class Australian upbringing. She travels to Europe to find a sense of purpose and belonging, but struggles to find her place in the world. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes, exploring Theodora's inner thoughts and perceptions of the world around her.

"The Aunt's Story" is noted for its lyrical and poetic writing style, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. The novel is also notable for its use of symbolism and metaphor, which are used to explore Theodora's psychological journey.

Mitcham, Austalia. Penguin. 1953

By Nevil Shute

"On the Beach" is a post-apocalyptic novel written by Nevil Shute, a British-Australian author. It was first published in 1957 and is set in the aftermath of a global nuclear war that has destroyed most of the northern hemisphere.

The story takes place in Melbourne, Australia, which has been spared from the immediate effects of the war due to its southern location. However, as the radiation from the northern hemisphere begins to spread southward, the people of Melbourne realize that their time is running out.

The novel follows a group of characters, including an American submarine captain, a young Australian woman, and a scientist, as they confront their mortality and the inevitability of their impending deaths. The story explores themes of hope, despair, and the futility of war.

London Heinemann. 1957. 310p.

By Robert Harris

"Pompeii" is a historical novel written by Robert Harris, a British author. It was published in 2003 and is set in ancient Rome, specifically during the final days of Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The novel follows the character of Marcus Attilius, a young aqueduct engineer who is sent to Pompeii to investigate the sudden loss of water in the city's aqueduct system. Attilius soon discovers that the problem is due to a blockage caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. As the eruption intensifies, Attilius becomes embroiled in a race against time to save the citizens of Pompeii from the impending disaster.

The story is a mix of historical fiction and thriller, with vivid descriptions of life in ancient Rome and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The novel is also notable for its accurate depiction of the engineering and technological innovations of the ancient Roman empire, particularly with regard to the aqueduct system.

London. Hutchinson. 2003. 347p.

By Tim Winton

"The Shepherd's Hut" is a novel by Australian author Tim Winton, first published in 2018. The story is narrated by Jaxie Clackton, a teenage boy who has run away from his abusive father and finds himself alone in the harsh Western Australian wilderness.

Jaxie is a tough and resourceful character who has learned to survive on his own. He comes across an old shepherd's hut and decides to stay there for a while, hoping to avoid being caught by the authorities who are searching for him.

While he is there, Jaxie meets a strange and reclusive man named Fintan MacGillis, who has been living in the wilderness for many years. Fintan takes Jaxie under his wing and teaches him how to survive in the harsh environment.

As Jaxie and Fintan spend time together, Jaxie begins to open up about his troubled past and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. Fintan, in turn, shares his own painful memories and the reasons why he has chosen to live in isolation.

The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the healing power of human connection. It also examines the complex relationship between fathers and sons, and the ways in which family history can shape our lives.

Australia. Penguin Random House.

By Frederick J. Thwaites

"They Lived That Spring" is a memoir by Frederick J. Thwaites, published in 1950. It chronicles his experiences as a soldier during World War II, including his training in the British army, his deployment to North Africa and Italy, and his return home after the war.

The book offers a personal account of the struggles and hardships of war, as well as the camaraderie and friendships that can develop in such circumstances. Thwaites' writing style is noted for its clarity and directness, and his descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered during his military service are particularly vivid.

"They Lived That Spring" has been praised for its honest portrayal of the realities of war, as well as for its engaging and accessible writing style. It provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a soldier in World War II, and offers valuable insights into the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole.

Sydney. F. J. Thwaites. 1946, 330p.

By Patrick White

"The Tree of Man" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1955. The novel tells the story of a couple named Stan and Amy Parker who settle on a small farm in rural New South Wales, Australia, in the early 20th century and raise a family there.

The novel explores the lives of the Parkers and their descendants over several generations, tracing the ways in which they adapt to the changing world around them while remaining rooted in their connection to the land. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

"The Tree of Man" is considered one of White's most important works and has been widely praised for its poetic language, its sensitive portrayal of human relationships, and its exploration of the themes of family, identity, and belonging. The novel won the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1956.

Melbourne. Penguin. 1984. 463p.

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.