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. 1. True History of the Kelly Gang

   

   This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

   The 1154th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Oscar and Lucinda

   

   "Oscar and Lucinda" is a novel that tells the story of two unconventional individuals, Oscar and Lucinda, who meet on a ship going to Australia in the mid-19th century. Oscar, a young English clergyman, and Lucinda, a teenage Australian heiress, bond over their shared love of gambling. Their mutual obsession leads to a high-stakes wager that will have lasting consequences for both of them. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and obsession against the backdrop of Victorian-era England and Australia.

   The 1561st Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Illywhacker

   

   The novel is a sprawling tale of deception, magic, and family history, narrated by a 139-year-old Australian con artist. He recounts his life's adventures, from snake handling to aircraft manufacturing, while weaving in the stories of his descendants. The narrative is a blend of historical fiction and tall tales, exploring themes of national identity, truth, and the art of storytelling itself. Through the protagonist's unreliable narration, the book challenges the reader to discern fact from fiction, all while painting a vivid picture of Australian society and its transformation over the 20th century.

   The 3888th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Wrong About Japan

   A Father's Journey with His Son

   

   In this travel memoir, a father and his anime-obsessed son embark on a journey to Japan in an attempt to understand the son's fascination with the country's pop culture. Their adventure leads them to meet manga artists, anime directors, and cultural commentators, through which they explore the nuances of Japanese animation and its historical contexts. As the father attempts to bridge the cultural gap and connect with his son, he confronts his own preconceptions and discovers the complexities of modern Japanese culture, which cannot be easily understood through the lens of Western perspectives. The narrative delves into themes of cultural exchange, the generational divide, and the search for authenticity in a land where the line between reality and fiction often blurs.

   The 10613th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Bliss

   

   A satirical exploration of modern life, the story follows Harry Joy, an advertising executive who experiences a near-death event that radically alters his perception of reality. Upon awakening, Harry becomes convinced that he is living in a personal hell, where his family and colleagues reveal their true, sinister natures. As he navigates this surreal world, Harry embarks on a quest for genuine happiness and truth, challenging societal norms and confronting the absurdities of existence. The narrative blends dark humor with poignant insights, ultimately questioning the nature of bliss and the human condition.

   The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time

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