6 great Australian writers you should read
Australia has produced some amazing authors over the years, from Miles Franklin to Tim Winton. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest Aussie writers of all time and the books you simply must read.
Tim Winton
Winton has been prolific in the Australian literature scene, producing 27 books and countless short stories. His honest and accessible writing style has made him an Australian treasure. Winton has also become quite an environmental activist, pushing for greater care of our beautiful landscape and marine life.
Must-read: Cloudstreet
Miles Franklin
We simply had to include Franklin on our list, as she is widely regarded as being responsible for much of what we think of today as Australian literature. Her 1901 novel My Brilliant Career established Franklin as an Aussie icon. Her legacy continues thanks to the Miles Franklin Award, a literary prize awarded every year since 1957.
Must-read: My Brilliant Career
Richard Flanagan
Flanagan has had an illustrious career as not only an author but as a journalist, essayist and screenwriter. He has released 6 novels, starting with his 1994 debut Death of a River Guide which won two awards and was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Prize. Flanagan is credited as a co-writer for the 2008 film Australia as well as the 1998 film adaptation of his novel The Sound of One Hand Clapping.
Must-read: The Sound of One Hand Clapping
Christos Tsiolkas
Though he had success with early novels Loaded and Head On (which was turned into a movie starring Alex Dimitriades), Tsiolkas shot to fame in 2008 with The Slap, a novel about the repercussions one man experiences after publically slaps a friend’s son. The book won 4 awards and was adapted into a TV miniseries both in Australia and in the US.
Must-read: The Slap
Colleen McCullough
McCullough sadly passed away last year, but she has left behind a legacy of incredible work. She is well known for many individual novels as well as the Masters of Romeseries and the Carmine Delmonico series. Her book The Thorn Birds was exceptionally popular, having been adapted into a US TV miniseries featuring Barbara Stanwyck and Christopher Plummer.
Must-read: The Thorn Birds
Thomas Keneally
Perhaps one of Australia’s most successful literary exports, 80-year-old Keneally famously penned Schindler’s Ark, which was adapted into Steven Spielberg’s Best Picture-winner Schindler’s List. His other works include The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Confederates and The Playmaker. He has won the Miles Franklin award twice.
Must-read: Schindler’s Ark
Who’s your favourite Australian author? Tell us in the comments below!
Related links:
20 most touching lines in literature
5 crime books you need to read
10 books every Australian should read