A LIFE OF PROSE

Day: 4 June 2025

  • Courage And Australian Historical Fiction

    Courage And Australian Historical Fiction

    Breaking Free from Colonial Storytelling

    Australian historical fiction has a unique twang to it, which seem quite confusing to other nationalities, but to a local—even though we acknowledge its weirdness—it often takes up a special place in our hearts. Yet, while some of these stories are more than endearing, others can seem, well… off. And it took me several years to understand what was missing: authentic voices… as opposed to quirky Aussie-ness. That’s not a knife…anyone?

    When you think about the country’s history, it’s incredible to consider that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history spans an amazing 65,000 years, yet most of our Australian historical fiction has focused on just the last 235 years. Or, since European colonisation began in 1788? This imbalance tells its own story about whose histories we have valued, but in more recent years, we’re beginning to see meaningful change.

    Even after Patrick White became our first Nobel Prize winner for Literature back in 1973, Australian historical fiction novels struggled with authentic representation. Many stories glorified colonial settlement while overlooking Indigenous perspectives or… at worst… parodied and stereotyped said characters. But here’s the kicker: we’re witnessing a real transformation. For instance, three out of four Australians (of those tested) hold negative unconscious biases towards First Nations peoples… which is why it’s so important that Australian historical fiction authors continue using their platforms to challenge these biases through more nuanced storytelling.

    I’ve been following this shift closely, especially the pushback from those unwilling to accept this change. Just mention ‘welcome to country’ and try not get your face chewed off. But it’s also been eye-opening to learn how… somewhere such as the Australian Museum has gathered input from 805 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents to create a more authentic narrative.

    The familiar ANZAC spirit is one that Australian’s hold near and dear—and rightly so, too. It’s a story which has dominated so many novels, but… we’ve failed to share the literary stage with stories addressing the denial of Indigenous treatment and the frontier wars.

    Let’s explore how Australian historical fiction is breaking free from its colonial roots and embracing a more truthful, inclusive approach to our shared past, and I’d love to take you on this journey with me!

    The Colonial Roots of Australian Historical Fiction

    People have always felt uncomfortable with how Australian historical fiction began, and for good reason. But for all the good we’ve achieved (to a point where we should be extremely grateful for what our country has developed into) much of it’s built on a troubling foundation. White Australia Policy is a glaring example of that, and although it’s not easy to admit, this uncomfortable truth has shaped our early narratives in ways that still influence our literary landscape today.

    Early Narratives and the Glorification of Settlement

    When I first began reading Australian literature, I was struck by how early Australian historical fiction primarily celebrated British colonisation as an achievement rather than acknowledging its devastating impacts. Works like Eleanor Dark’s: The Timeless Land tried to depict first contact between Captain Arthur Phillip and Aboriginal leader Bennelong, but even these more nuanced works approached history through a distinctly European lens.

    You will notice how fiction from this period often portrayed Australia as an empty continent awaiting civilisation. Reads such as Dark Emu go a long way into proving this couldn’t be further from the truth, but these stories also help to challenge the myth of terra nullius—a false idea that the land belonged to no one before Europeans arrived.

    The concept of settlement rather than invasion has also dominated Australian narratives. This isn’t just a matter of word choice… it’s a fundamental mischaracterisation of historical events to position colonisers as builders rather than conquerors. But for me, as a fourth generation Australian, this offers a clear juxtaposition, because these people did build the country—which I know and recognise today—but in the same breath, they destroyed a much older one.

    And, for many Australians, I’m betting this is where much of the conflict lies, because, until the late 1980s, this ‘builder’ perspective was taught in schools, creating generations of Australians (me included) raised on sanitised versions of our history.

    The Absence of Indigenous Voices in Early Works

    The erasure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives from early Australian historical fiction isn’t merely an oversight, either. And… more-so, it has been a form of cultural malevolence.

    I was profoundly affected by Eualayai/Gamillaroi scholar Larissa Behrendt’s observation that colonial storytelling often moulded Aboriginal cultural practices into mechanisms for conflict, mystery, and terror, prioritising white audience engagement over cultural respect.

    This appropriation extended to the theft and distortion of Indigenous stories themselves. When I discovered collections like C.W. Peck’s: Australian Legends (1925), I was troubled to learn how he gathered these stories without proper cultural context or permission. Despite these stories originating from cultural knowledge shared by Indigenous elders like Ellen Anderson (daughter of Dharawal Elder Biddy Giles), Peck’s relationship with the Anderson family quickly soured, yet he still published fifty-two stories with minimal understanding of their cultural significance. Screw you, Peck!

    Do you find it disturbing how these early narratives reinforced harmful stereotypes that portrayed Indigenous Australians as either obstacles to progress, noble savages, or people needing white salvation? Well… this pattern created what Henrietta Fourmile described as Aboriginal people becoming captives of the archives, where their histories were recorded… and interpreted through a colonial lens.

    The Turning Point: Indigenous and Multicultural Perspectives Emerge

    I’ll never forget attending a literary festival in 2018 where I first heard Aboriginal authors reading from their historical fiction. The power of those stories was enough to bring a tear to the eye… not only because it represented a new era in Australian historical fiction as Indigenous, but their voices finally began to break through in the literary landscape.

    Thankfully, as the 21st century progressed, Blak (sic) voices have been emerging in academia and literature, and more stories are being told their way. This shift stands for more than just diversity in authorship—it signals a fundamental reimagining of Australia’s historical narrative.

    Rise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Storytelling

    Have you considered how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling traditions extend back 65,000 years? These narratives have been preserved through oral traditions that substantiate Indigenous perspectives about past, present, and future. Speaking remains the primary form of communication in these cultures, with concepts and beliefs passed on from generation to generation through specific cultural practices, traditions, languages, laws and family relationships.

    Impact of Multicultural Migration on Historical Fiction

    At the same time, Australia’s multicultural reality began reshaping its historical fiction. Following the dismantling of the White Australia Policy in the 1970s, the literary landscape gradually reflected the nation’s diverse heritage, and… I’ve watched with excitement as Australian historical fiction authors started examining themes previously absent from mainstream narratives.

    The resulting transformation has produced Australian historical fiction novels that consciously resist what Kate Kruimink identifies as white supremacy as a founding principle.

    Jane Harrison’s: The Visitors, reimagines the First Fleet’s arrival through Aboriginal eyes, and… it’s a story I couldn’t put it down, because it provides a vital portrayal of that first moment of permanent settlement by the British from perspectives that weren’t written down, despite it being passed through oral tradition.

    Additionally, writers—such as I—from various ethnicities increasingly contribute to Australian historical fiction, addressing themes like refugee experiences and migrant stories. These Australian historical fiction writers enrich the genre through what Kim Scott (the first Aboriginal Australian to win the Miles Franklin Award) and others show as stories that survive cultural brutalism while offering authentic alternatives to nationalist myths.

    Modern Australian Historical Fiction: Breaking Stereotypes

    I’ve been collecting Australian historical fiction for several years now, and I’m thrilled to see how contemporary works are breaking new ground by challenging conventional storytelling modes. A vibrant transformation has swept through the genre, moving beyond traditional historical narratives toward more abstract interpretations of our past.

    New Generation of Australian Historical Fiction Writers

    According to the Chair of the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize, Tony Maniaty, many Australian historical fiction writers are emboldened to break the boundaries of conventional historical fiction. I’ve embraced this shift myself… and my debut novel spreads to that, but… these authors are moving away from classic focus on historical movements to giving strong voice to characters often left out of official records. Their approach invites us to consider notions of our nations past in fresh ways.

    Have you discovered notable Australian historical fiction authors like Kim Scott, Melissa Lucashenko, and Lucy Treloar? Their narratives directly confront Australia’s colonial myths… in ways that’ll keep you burning the midnight oil. Their works explore fashion, art, architecture, and landscape as alternative entry points into historical storytelling. This creative evolution comes from both established and emerging voices, with a quality of writing that can only be described as exceptional.

    Themes of Resistance, Survival, and Truth-telling

    I find it powerful that modern Australian historical fiction books prominently feature themes of resistance, survival, and truth-telling. I found myself moved by Melissa Lucashenko’s work… which notably torches Queensland’s colonial myths, while reimagining an Australian future. Many Australian historical fiction novels now address what anthropologist Bill Stanner identified as the Great Australian Silence being the deliberate omission of Aboriginal truths from Australia’s historical narrative.

    These works challenge what has been termed the cult of forgetfulness by revealing truths about colonial violence and dispossession. They recognise that historical fiction can provide truths about the past that inform our understanding of what happened, even as they acknowledge that fiction isn’t history.

    What I find most valuable is how contemporary Australian historical fiction serves a broader social purpose by drawing comparisons between past and present issues. Through meticulous research and immersive storytelling techniques, these authors allow us to travel in someone else’s shoes… further aiding in creation of narratives that acknowledge structural violence while advancing reconciliation and healing.

    Notable Australian Historical Fiction Novels Redefining the Genre

    Several Australian historical fiction novels have earned permanent spots on my bookshelf for their groundbreaking approaches. Jane Harrison’s: The Visitors reimagines the First Fleet’s arrival through Aboriginal eyes, presenting seven Elders of the Eora nation who gather on Gadigal country to witness and respond to European ships. I couldn’t stop thinking about this perspective-shifting novel, long after I finished reading it.

    In contrast, reading Mirandi Riwoe’s: Stone Sky Gold Mountain, which explores Queensland’s 1870s goldfields through the eyes of Chinese siblings… exposing the complex racial dynamics where the Chinese are certainly oppressed, but then the white people and Chinese people are united in their brutalism of Aboriginal people. It’s a challenging but essential read.

    Alongside these, Fiona McFarlane’s: The Sun Walks Down, set in South Australia in 1883, uses multiple viewpoints to examine colonialism through the search for a missing child. And I can’t recommend Tara June Winch’s: The Yield highly enough. It’s a story which moves between time periods to tell a compelling story of dispossession and survival, earning multiple awards for its innovative approach.

    Authors Leading the Change: A Look at Australian Historical Fiction Authors

    Finally, I’ve been fortunate enough to live in a time where several Australian historical fiction authors, and their diverse perspectives are increasingly reshaping historical narratives. Indigenous writers like Kim Scott have been instrumental in this transformation. His novel: That Deadman Dance—set in early 1800s Western Australia—portrays what was once called: the friendly frontier. Through multiple perspectives, it’s a story which sets about challenging simplistic colonial narratives and, hopefully, there is many more like to follow.

    Conclusion

    Australian historical fiction has undoubtedly evolved from its problematic colonial roots toward a more truthful portrayal of our nation’s complex past. I’ve witnessed this journey firsthand, from the traditional narratives that once glorified settlement while erasing Indigenous perspectives to today’s authentic storytelling that acknowledges our full history. The genre now stands at an exciting crossroads where diverse voices contribute to a richer, more nuanced understanding of Australia’s historical tapestry.

    The emergence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, alongside writers from varied cultural backgrounds, has fundamentally reshaped what Australian historical fiction means today. These authors challenge what Bill Stanner called: the Great Australian Silence by crafting powerful counter-narratives that confront colonial myths head-on. As readers, we now engage with stories that acknowledge both structural violence and cultural resilience, offering pathways toward reconciliation rather than reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

    Looking at the prize-winning works I’ve discussed; one thing becomes clear: Australian historical fiction no longer serves merely as entertainment but functions as a vital tool for truth-telling. Authors like Jane Harrison, Kim Scott, and Melissa Lucashenko prove how fiction can illuminate historical truths that official records often overlook or deliberately erase. Their works encourage us to question simplified narratives and consider multiple perspectives on events that shaped our nation.

    The transformation of Australian historical fiction reflects broader societal shifts toward acknowledging our full history. Though this journey is still unfinished, each new work that challenges colonial storytelling brings us closer to a literary landscape that honours all 65,000 years of human experience on this continent. After all, when historical fiction breaks free from colonial constraints, it doesn’t just change how we view the past… it opens new possibilities for how we might imagine our shared future.

    What historical fiction novels have challenged your understanding of your nation’s past? Have you discovered any Indigenous authors whose work has shifted your perspective? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!

  • How Easy Are Book Clubs Shaping Bestsellers

    How Easy Are Book Clubs Shaping Bestsellers

    The Hidden Power of Reader Communities

    The very first time I made a trip to a local book club, I had absolutely no idea there was book clubs shaping bestsellers lists; however, that visit completely changed my perspective on several types of fiction reads—especially across the genres I wouldn’t normally read—if I hadn’t otherwise attended.

    Sure, I’d enjoyed attending writers’ groups, workshops in the past, but you wouldn’t normally see me at one of these events. I’m more about learning the craft of writing, rather than how a story affected you… on a deep and personal level.

    But after one hour of passionate discussion over wine and discussing a local Brisbane author, Steve MinOn’s: First Name; Second Name—a title and author I’d never heard about—I became obsessed. So… that’s where it hit me. Right in the book feels. That’s because these clubs aren’t just social gatherings; they’re literary matchmakers.

    Book clubs, and reviews significantly influence what we read and—who would have guessed—what becomes tomorrow’s bestseller. When folks gather to discuss literature, they’re not just sharing opinions; they are starting literary trends—literally.

    Those books which resonate with you the most potentially end up on bestseller lists; suggesting that what we think about books holds more power than we can fathom.

    Have you noticed how some bookstores are now transforming based on book club recommendations? It’s a real thing. And whether you’re struggling to find time for reading or feeling disconnected from the literary world, book clubs come to the rescue.

    And you can find them in many forms; from celebrity book clubs championing diverse voices, to neighbourhood groups searching for 5-star books for book clubs, right down to your local community’s book club. They are now all influencing publishing decisions in ways that weren’t possible before.

    The rising popularity of micro-reading and audiobooks also affects the publishing landscape. And, as we embrace short-form content—because our lives are now so hectic—this change in habits directly influences which books trend (or even published), via book club discussions.

    How Book Clubs Work and Why They Matter

    Beyond their growing popularity, book clubs are a fascinating blend of social gathering and literary exploration, plus… they give you an excuse to escape the house for a wine… or three. But what is a book club exactly?

    At its core, a book club is a reading group where people gather to discuss books based on agreed-upon reading lists. These literary cliques typically consist of several individuals who read the same book separately, but simultaneously. Then they meet again to share their thoughts and perspectives, thus providing the environment for readers to engage with literature more deeply. Which, in turn, fosters both an intellectual growth as well as social connections.

    Despite the often dismissal as gossip groups, or drinking and eating sessions (and yeah, I’ve been to a few that fit this trope), research shows how book clubs play a significant social role in any community. They create safe spaces for testing ideas and discussing political, moral, and ethical issues raised in literature. These are all outlets that might not exist elsewhere in many people’s lives.

    And if you’re finding it hard to make meaningful connections in our increasingly digital and discombobulated world, book clubs might be the answer you’re looking for. They combine intellectual stimulation with genuine human interaction. Which is something many humans are craving more of in 2025.

    Types of Book Clubs: Local, Online, and Celebrity-Led

    Book clubs come in various formats, each offering unique experiences.

    Traditional local clubs meet in person at members’ homes, libraries, cafés, or bookstores, like Avid Reader in West End, QLD.

    My first book club met at a tiny café… on a Sunday morning and, instead of reading the same book, we’d each bring in a different book to swap.

    These types of groups foster face-to-face interactions and often develop deep friendships over time. Many local clubs are also organised around shared interests, geographic locations, or specific demographics.

    Online book clubs have gained tremendous popularity, especially through platforms like Goodreads, and these digital communities additionally allow readers to take part regardless of location.

    This makes literary discussions more accessible for parents of young children, people with mobility issues, or those with unpredictable work schedules, plus… it opens doors to topics you might not have considered before.

    Celebrity book clubs have transformed how many people approach reading. Figures like Reese Witherspoon, Emma Watson, and Oprah Winfrey use their influence to create massive reading communities, and these clubs often amplify diverse voices and introduce readers to books they would not normally discover at their local Big W.

    How Do Book Clubs Work in Practice?

    Most book clubs meet monthly, giving members adequate time to finish reading—and some even suggest homework. Typically, though, the process involves selecting a book, individual reading, and then gathering for discussion. During meetings, members share opinions, analyse themes, and relate the material to individual experiences.

    For successful book clubs, organisation and inclusion are essential, and for many groups this means setting up ground rules to ensure respectful boundaries aren’t crossed, and where everyone has opportunities to contribute.

    In my current club, we have a no interrupting rule that’s made our conversations so much more valuable, because there’s nothing worse than someone trying to talk-over you as you try to articulate some present idea.

    But, as one experienced facilitator once told me: It’s important to set some ground rules about the kind of language and tone members should use to ensure that everyone’s views and perspectives are heard.

    Book selection methods vary widely. From taking turns choosing books, to group consensus decisions, or even random selections, but this all depends on the group’s dynamics.

    My book club also uses a nomination and voting system that keeps everyone engaged. Others—especially if it’s hosted by a bookstore—might select reads based on ‘new arrivals’ etc (so they can sell them of course). Furthermore, meeting formats can range from highly structured discussions with prepared questions to casual conversations that organically explore the tome.

    The Reader’s Role in Shaping Book Success

    When readers gather to share said perspectives, they create a collective power that can make or break a book’s journey to success. Reading becomes a social experience through book clubs, where the opinions can be expressed, not only freely, but also in an impactful way.

    How Discussions Influence Perception of a Book

    Book club conversations fundamentally alter how readers interpret literature, too. And, through collective examination, readers often discover themes, symbols, and messages they might miss when reading alone. Which happens to me often because I miss the point on the first read-through of most books.

    According to literary theorists, group discussions create what’s called: interpretive communities, where meaning is negotiated collectively rather than determined solely by the author’s intent.

    Book club members often notice that their opinion of a book changes after a discussion, and their first negative reactions often dissipate when exposed to alternate viewpoints. That is because literary narratives often reveal hidden complexities via a group analysis, and therefore, the books that members discuss often becomes a different entity from the one they individually read.

    Emotional Connection and Word-of-Mouth Power

    The emotional bonds formed through shared reading experiences create powerful marketing forces. Book clubs near you, and those worldwide, function as genuine recommendation engines that publishers increasingly recognise as marketing goldmines.

    Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of new releases?

    You are not alone. And don’t even ask me what the official numbers are, but… that is the exact reason the authentic recommendations from book clubs have become so valuable. They cut through the chaff and highlight books that are worth your precious reading time.

    The authenticity of these recommendations makes them particularly effective, too. But, unlike spammy marketing material, a friend’s passionate endorsement carries exponential weight, especially when it’s strengthened by shared experiences.

    Consequently, books that spark emotional connections among readers tend to benefit from organic promotion through:

    • Personal recommendations to friends and family
    • Social media sharing and online reviews
    • Requests at local libraries and bookstores

    This phenomenon explains why certain titles—often those with discussion-friendly themes—spread rapidly through book clubs. 5-star books for book clubs typically feature morally complex situations, relatable characters, or culturally relevant themes that trigger conversation. Moreover, online book clubs amplify this effect by extending conversations beyond geographic boundaries.

    From Living Rooms to Bestseller Lists

    The humble living room discussion has proven its power to launch books into literary stardom. Celebrity book clubs have changed the publishing landscape dramatically in ways few predicted, too, and I’ve watched this happen in real-time since attending my first book club, many years ago.

    Case Studies: Books That Became Hits Through Book Clubs

    The Oprah Effect transformed publishing fortunes—beginning in 1996 —with her selections collectively selling over 55 million copies. Eg, Toni Morrison’s: The Bluest Eye jumped from a few thousand copies to 800,000 after Oprah’s endorsement.

    But even Oprah’s influence has now been surpassed.

    Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks sold approximately 23 million print copies in 2023 alone, dwarfing other celebrity book clubs. Her choice of: Where the Crawdads Sing early after its publication catapulted it to the #1 bestseller spot before it became a film. In fact, Reese’s picks often stay on bestseller lists for months or even years, sometimes increasing sales multiple times beyond their initial projections.

    Are you struggling to find your next great read? You might want to check out these book club favourites.

    The Rise of 5 Star Books for Book Clubs

    Today’s most successful book club selections tend to share common characteristics. Among the top picks on book club platforms:

    • Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
    • The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
    • The Women by Kristin Hannah
    • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    I’ve read all four and can personally attest to why they’ve become discussion favourites.

    Interestingly, about 70% of Reese’s Book Club picks are selected before the book is released. This shows how publishers can now position titles specifically for book club appeal.

    This also explains the growing trend of: Book Club Questions appearing in the back of new releases—something I’ve noticed in several novels I’ve bought this year.

    How Book Clubs Near Me Are Influencing Local Bookstores

    Local book clubs kick off this tiny ripple effect throughout community reading ecosystems; sometimes turning them into big, big waves. As one book club founder noted: We made a club that is about reading, about talking, about having more friends, but also made it a community within our community.

    Beyond bestseller impacts, these groups serve as grassroots marketing engines for independent bookstores. Clubs foster intergenerational conversations and bring readers into third party spaces like pubs and cafés, expanding literature’s reach beyond traditional academic settings.

    Have you noticed how your local bookstore has changed its displays to accommodate book club trends? Next time you visit, take a moment to see how prominently they feature the latest celebrity book club picks, or even where they locate their book club space.

    The Future of Book Clubs in a Digital World

    The digital revolution has transformed traditional book clubs into dynamic online communities which transcend physical limitations. Virtual platforms now connect readers worldwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for literary engagement and influence.

    The Growth of Online Book Clubs and Virtual Meetups

    Virtual book clubs gained tremendous momentum during the pandemic as people yearned for connection because they were feeling isolated. These digital gatherings require less commitment, too. And participants simply log on rather than traveling to specific locations. Furthermore, platforms like Zoom and Skype put an end to geographical constraints, allowing members from different regions to connect and share their perspectives.

    How Social Media Amplifies Book Club Picks

    Social media has breathed new life into book discussions, with platforms like TikTok amassing over 35 million #BookTok posts. Facebook Groups, Instagram Live, and Twitter-based discussions (#brownbagdc) provide real-time engagement spaces for members to analyse chapters, share insights, and even host author Q&As.

    I recently took part in a live TikTok discussion about: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow that brought together readers from five different countries. This would have been unimaginable several years ago!

    Notably, celebrities have used these platforms to create massive reading communities. Figures like Dua Lipa and Kaia Gerber have launched their own clubs, introducing fresh voices into the literary conversation. And, throughout this evolution, hashtags like #Bookstagram connect like-minded readers, effectively creating micro-communities within larger social networks.

    Why Publishers Are Paying Attention to Reader Communities

    Publishers have had no choice but to sit up and take notice, and these communities blossom into valuable marketing channels because of reader power.

    Author Linda Poitevin notes that from her community-building efforts, she has seen an exponential increase in sales. Likewise, their traditional audience development strategies are losing effectiveness. Go book clubs.

    Conclusion

    Book clubs undoubtedly stand at the crossroads of literary culture and commercial success.

    Throughout this exploration, we’ve seen how these reading communities, from living room gatherings to celebrity-endorsed empires shape tomorrow’s bestsellers through authentic discussion and passionate word-of-mouth recommendations.

    Notably, publishers have recognised this influence, increasingly tailoring their marketing strategies toward these powerful reader communities. The staggering success of selections from figures like Reese Witherspoon, whose picks sometimes see sales increases of 10,000 times their first projections, showing the tangible impact of these discussions.

    And, once limited by geography, book clubs now thrive in digital spaces, connecting readers across continents and amplifying diverse voices previously excluded from mainstream literary conversations.

    This democratisation of literary discussion means anyone can take part in shaping cultural narratives, regardless of their location.

    What began as simple gatherings around books has evolved into a significant force guiding publishing decisions, bestseller lists, and even film adaptations. So, next time you discuss a book with friends or your local book club, remember… your opinions might help decide which stories reach wider audiences.

    The power of readers collectively engaging with literature continues to grow, making book clubs not just social gatherings but influential shapers of our literary landscape.

    Are you part of a book club yet?

    If not… I encourage you to find one that matches your interests. Whether that be online, or… in person. Your voice deserves to be part of the conversations shaping tomorrow’s bestsellers. And if you’re already in a book club, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. What’s been your group’s favorite read so far this year?