What are the best Australian books in 2018 fiction?

Many of the best Australian fiction books also explore the relationship between the settlers and the native Australians in different ways. Some may be more subtle, while others are more direct in depicting the cultural clashes and the attempts at understanding and co - existence.

One of the great Australian historical fiction books is 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough. It tells a multi - generation love story set against the backdrop of the Australian outback. Another is 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey. It's a complex tale that delves into the relationship between two very different characters in the 19th - century Australia. And 'The Secret River' by Kate Grenville is also excellent. It explores the early days of white settlement in Australia from the perspective of an English convict.

One of the best is 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough. It tells a multi - generational story set in Australia, exploring themes like love, family, and the harsh Australian outback. Another great one is 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey. It's a story about an unlikely friendship and a glass church. Also, 'The Secret River' by Kate Grenville is a remarkable work that delves into the early colonial history of Australia, showing the complex relationships between settlers and indigenous people.

Peter Temple's works are also among the best - selling Australian crime fiction. His books often feature tough, morally ambiguous characters and gritty, realistic settings in Australia. For example, his 'Truth' is highly regarded for its in - depth exploration of the seedy underbelly of Melbourne.

One of the top Australian fiction books is 'Schindler's Ark' by Thomas Keneally. It's a fictionalized account of Oskar Schindler's real - life efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust, though it's also very much an Australian work as Keneally is Australian. 'Looking for Alibrandi' by Melina Marchetta is also popular. It's a coming - of - age story that deals with an Italian - Australian teenager's search for her identity. And then there's 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas, which is a controversial book that looks at the consequences of a man slapping a child who is not his own at a barbecue.

Well, 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' by Joan Lindsay is quite famous. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the schoolgirls makes it a very engaging read. And 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey. It gives a different perspective on the infamous Ned Kelly.

Sure. 'The Life to Come' is a great pick. It has well - developed characters and a plot that keeps you hooked. The way it weaves different storylines together is really interesting.

Australian farming fiction books often feature the vast and diverse Australian landscape. They might describe the unique flora and fauna that are part of the farming environment. For example, the eucalyptus trees and kangaroos that are often seen in the outback where farming takes place.

They also tend to explore the complex relationships between different groups in Australian history. For example, the relationship between the European settlers and the Aboriginal people is a common theme, like in 'The Secret River'. This includes the cultural clashes, power dynamics, and attempts at co - existence. Moreover, Australian historical fiction may touch on the development of Australian society from a colonial outpost to an independent nation, showing how values, traditions, and social structures have evolved over time.

Australian historical fiction often features the unique landscape of Australia. The vast outback, the coastal areas, and the harsh environment play important roles in the stories. For example, in 'The Thorn Birds', the outback is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, influencing the lives and fates of the characters.