We of the Never-Never by Jeannie Gunn:This classic novel offers a romanticized account of life on a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory at the beginning of the 20th century, focusing on the experiences of the author and her husband as they navigate the challenges of the Australian outback. While it depicts some interactions with Indigenous Australians, it does so from a perspective of white superiority and paternalism.
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough:A sweeping saga of family and romance set against the backdrop of the Australian bush, this novel, while popular and widely read, often presents a romanticized and sometimes stereotypical view of rural life, with limited engagement with Indigenous Australian experiences.
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute:This novel follows the story of a young woman who survives a brutal Japanese prisoner-of-war camp and later returns to Australia, establishing a new life and community. While it touches on themes of resilience and survival, it primarily focuses on the experiences of the European protagonist and her fellow settlers.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman:This novel tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who find an abandoned baby and raise it as their own. While the novel explores themes of love, loss, and morality, it largely centers on the perspectives and experiences of the European couple, with limited exploration of the impact of their actions on the Indigenous community.
The Secret River by Kate Grenville:While Grenville’s novel grapples with the complexities of colonial history and the brutal treatment of Indigenous Australians, it is still largely told from the perspective of the white convict protagonist, William Thornhill. The novel has been praised for its exploration of colonialism, but it also has been critiqued for its limitations in fully representing the Indigenous perspective.
