The Greatest British "Historical fiction, Australia" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Australia

The "Australia" category for books would encompass literature that is set in or explores the culture, history, and geography of Australia. This could include works of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and travelogues that showcase the unique characteristics of the country, such as its diverse landscapes, indigenous cultures, and colonial history. The category would appeal to readers interested in learning more about Australia and its people, as well as those seeking engaging stories set in this fascinating part of the world.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

British

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

    "A Town Like Alice" is a novel about a young Englishwoman, who is captured by Japanese forces during World War II and forced to march with other women and children across Malaya. During her ordeal, she meets an Australian prisoner of war, whom she later seeks out in Australia after the war. With the help of an unexpected inheritance, she uses her entrepreneurial spirit to transform a desolate Australian town into a thriving community, similar to a quaint English village she once knew, hence creating a 'town like Alice'.

    The 1176th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Rites of Passage by William Golding

    "Rites of Passage" is a historical novel that explores the journey of a young aristocrat, Edmund Talbot, who is traveling from England to Australia in the early 19th century. The story is told through Talbot's journal entries, which provide a detailed account of life aboard the ship, including the social dynamics, the harsh conditions, and the psychological struggles faced by the passengers and crew. The novel also delves into themes of class, power, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic event that forces Talbot to confront his own prejudices and assumptions.

    The 2004th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Last Inch by James Aldridge

    The novel revolves around the gripping tale of a young boy's unwavering determination and resilience. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the protagonist, a teenage boy, embarks on a perilous journey across war-torn Europe in a desperate attempt to reunite with his family. Facing numerous challenges and navigating through the dangers of a continent engulfed in conflict, his journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. Through his eyes, readers experience the horrors of war, the complexity of human emotions, and the indomitable will to survive against all odds.

    The 3212th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. It Is Never Too Late To Mend by Charles Reade

    This novel is a Victorian tale of justice and reform, focusing on the experiences of a man wrongfully imprisoned due to the machinations of a rival. Within the grim walls of the prison, he endures harsh treatment and witnesses the corruption and brutality of the penal system. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for redemption, as the protagonist's friends work tirelessly to clear his name. Throughout the story, the author exposes the flaws of the contemporary justice system and advocates for social change, emphasizing the moral that it's never too late to correct a wrong and seek to improve oneself and society.

    The 6304th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker

    Set in the late 18th century, the narrative revolves around a group of British convicts and their naval officers sent to an Australian penal colony. Amidst the harsh conditions, an ambitious young lieutenant decides to put on a play with the convicts as a means to rehabilitate them and raise morale. The story explores themes of redemption, the transformative power of art, and the complexities of the human condition as the convicts rehearse and navigate their personal struggles, social dynamics, and the rigid class structures imposed by their captors. The play within the book becomes a catalyst for change, challenging the characters' perceptions of punishment, civilization, and what it means to be a 'good' person in a society that has branded them as outcasts.

    The 8387th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. English Passengers by Matthew Kneale

    Set in the 19th century, this novel follows a group of Englishmen who, driven by different motivations, set off on a voyage to Tasmania. The group includes a vicar who believes Tasmania is the site of the Garden of Eden, and a doctor who is interested in studying the 'inferior' races. When they arrive, they encounter the harsh realities of British colonial rule and the near-extinction of the native population. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including that of a Tasmanian man, which provides a broad view of the cultural and social complexities of the era.

    The 10934th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download