Can you name some novels that are contenders for 'The Great Australian Novel'?

Well, 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey is a notable one. It's a complex story about two characters. 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey as well. It gives a different perspective on the famous bushranger Ned Kelly. And 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' by Richard Flanagan, which is set against the backdrop of the Second World War in Australia.

Sure. 'Moby - Dick' is one. Its exploration of obsession, nature, and the human condition is deep and complex. 'Jane Eyre' is also a strong contender. It tells a story of love, independence, and self - discovery with a very engaging narrative. And 'Don Quixote' is a classic that has influenced countless other works with its satirical look at chivalry and human folly.

Sure. One of the well - known ones could be 'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton. It beautifully depicts the lives of two families sharing a large house in Perth. Another might be 'The Harp in the South' by Ruth Park, which gives a vivid picture of the working - class life in Sydney.

Sure. 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is a strong contender. It paints a picture of a future society that is totalitarian. The citizens are numbered and have no real privacy. It was a forerunner to other dystopian works like '1984'.

One contender is 'The Canterbury Tales'. It dates back to the 14th century. Chaucer's work has a diverse range of characters each with their own stories, which is a key feature of novels. There's also a sense of a journey, both physical and moral, which is often found in novels.

Another excellent contemporary Australian novel is 'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton. It tells the story of two families who live together in a large house on Cloudstreet in Perth. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of Australian life, the characters' hopes, dreams, and the power of family and community.

One great modern Australian novel is 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas. It explores the aftermath of a single incident, a slap at a suburban barbecue, and delves into the complex relationships and cultural values within modern Australian society.

Some great Australian novels include 'Voss' by Patrick White. It's a complex exploration of the character of Ludwig Leichhardt - like figure Johann Ulrich Voss and his journey into the Australian interior. 'Oscar and Lucinda' by Peter Carey is great too. It focuses on the relationship between the two title characters and is set in 19th - century Australia. Also, 'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin is a semi - autobiographical work that gives insights into the life of a young woman in rural Australia.

Possibly 'Dune' by Frank Herbert could have been a contender, although it's not certain. It was a very influential science fiction novel with complex world - building and deep themes.

Well, 'A Contract with God' by Will Eisner is often considered one of the first graphic novels. It had a more complex and serious story compared to typical comics at the time, which makes it a strong candidate for being among the first of its kind.