Thomas Keneally
Thomas Keneally is an Australian author best known for his novel 'Schindler's Ark,' which won the Booker Prize and was adapted into the film 'Schindler's List.' He has written numerous works of fiction and non-fiction, often focusing on historical themes.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Schindler's List
The book tells the true story of a German businessman who saves more than a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The protagonist's transformation from a greedy high living war profiteer to a savior of lives forms the crux of the narrative. It offers a chilling yet inspiring account of the horrors of the Holocaust, human resilience, and the power of one individual to make a significant difference.
The 1028th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Confederates
This novel is a gripping tale set during the American Civil War, focusing on the lives of soldiers and civilians caught in the tumult of conflict. It explores the harrowing experiences of the Confederate soldiers as they navigate the brutal realities of war, alongside the stories of their families who endure their own struggles on the home front. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral complexities of war, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through vivid characterizations and rich historical detail, the book offers a compelling examination of one of the most divisive periods in American history.
The 4165th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Playmaker
"The Playmaker" is a historical novel set in the late 18th century, revolving around the lives of British convicts transported to the penal colony in New South Wales, Australia. The narrative focuses on a lieutenant who is tasked with directing a play featuring the convicts as actors, as part of a rehabilitation and morale-boosting effort. The story delves into the transformative power of theater, the complex relationships between the officers and convicts, and the harsh realities of life in the colony. Through the process of staging the play, the characters confront their pasts, their identities, and the rigid class and power structures of their society, all against the backdrop of the unforgiving Australian landscape.
The 11275th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. The Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith
Set in the early 20th century, this gripping narrative follows the life of a young half-Indigenous man in Australia, who struggles against the oppressive forces of racism and social injustice. As he attempts to assimilate into white society, he faces relentless discrimination and exploitation, leading to a tragic series of events that culminate in a violent rebellion. The story explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the devastating impact of colonialism, painting a poignant picture of a man caught between two worlds and driven to desperate measures in his quest for dignity and justice.
The 17151st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon