The novel’s blend of suspense, Gothic undertones, and dreamlike quality creates an atmosphere of unease and mystery that lingers throughout the narrative. Stella Franklin or Miles Franklin is one of Australia’s best loved authors – she has not one, but two notable awards named after her. Flanagan details how the channel has become degraded, by a corrupt industry chasing nothing else but profit.

The Slap” by Christos Tsiolkas is a provocative and incisive novel that delves into the complexities of modern Australian society through the lens of a single incident: a man slapping a child at a suburban barbecue. Set in Melbourne, the book offers a multi-faceted exploration of relationships, cultural tensions, and personal values.Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the eponymous German Johann Ulrich Voss is crossing the Australian continent, on an adventure that can best be described as ill-advised. Sybylla’s candid narrative offers readers a window into her thoughts, dreams, and struggles as she navigates the expectations placed upon her as a woman. Torn between her desire for independence and her family’s financial difficulties, she grapples with societal norms, love interests, and the pursuit of her own passions.

Granted, the events of this novel is an example of taking things perhaps a little too far, but it reads as an important reminder of the healing power of a little empathy. The story revolves around a magical pudding named Albert, who can regenerate no matter how much is eaten by him. The pudding is owned by three friends: Bunyip Bluegum, a koala who is the story’s protagonist; Bill Barnacle, a sailor; and Sam Sawnoff, a penguin. These three companions embark on various adventures while trying to protect the pudding from a variety of characters who want to steal it for themselves. If you’re after something light, easy and entertaining, The Family Law could be the best Australian book for you.Colour-coded places chapters with detailed coverage of places and sights, presented in a points-of-interest structure This is a travel blog after all, so let’s start with a list of the best books about Australia, for those soon to explore this sunburnt country. BOOK CREDIT: Welcome to Country by Marcia Langton (Hardie Grant Explore, 2018) The story largely revolves around Voss and orphan Laura Trevalyan, niece of a wealthy Sydneysider sponsoring the expedition. There’s massacres, Settler Troopers, a murderous nun and a colonial administrator, known only as the Devil. With her final exams looming and her father suddenly on the scene, she grapples with first love, loss, friendship and long-buried family secrets, admist a trio of headstrong Italian women.