Books matching: australian outback setting
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- #1
A sweet, sexy, and refreshingly Aussie romance with heart, heat, and kangaroos - highly recommended for fans of contemporary MM love stories and found family vibes.
'Red Dirt Heart' by N.R. Walker is a romance novel set in the Australian Outback, featuring two main characters, Charlie and Travis, who work on a cattle farm. The story follows their journey of self-discovery, challenging beliefs, and finding happiness and contentment amidst the red dirt landscape. The book is praised for its sensual and intimate build-up of attraction between the characters, as well as the detailed descriptions of life on the station, showcasing the author's ability to transport the readers to the Outback.
Just on sundown, I got off the motorbike,kicked the stand down so the bike stood upright without me andclosed the gate. I’d been out all day in the South paddocks doing afinal check of fences and wate...2014•196 pages - #2
A thought-provoking, genre-bending journey that will delight the intellectually curious and literary-minded, but may leave those wanting a factual deep dive into Aboriginal culture or a linear travel narrative wanting more.
'The Songlines' by Bruce Chatwin is a fascinating exploration of the Aboriginal culture in Australia, focusing on the Dreaming Tracks and nomadic lifestyle. Chatwin weaves together his own experiences in Australia with reflections on the importance of movement, storytelling, and human connection to the land. The book combines elements of travelogue, memoir, and philosophical musings, offering a unique perspective on the history and traditions of the Aboriginal people.
The writing style of 'The Songlines' is described as immersive, thought-provoking, and occasionally disjointed. Chatwin's narrative shifts between fictionalized travel accounts, excerpts from his notebooks, and reflections on anthropology and nomadism. The book delves into the complexities of Aboriginal culture, the significance of Songlines, and the author's personal journey of discovery and understanding.
His father, Ivan Volchok, was a Cossack from a village near Rostov-on-Don, who, in 1942, was arrested and sent with a trainload of other Ostarbeiter to work in a German factory. One night, somewhere i...January 1987•322 pages - #3
Dark, raw, and brilliantly written, this is an unforgettable read that confronts hard truths about how women are treated - but it’s not for everyone. Expect discomfort - and lasting impact.
'The Natural Way of Things' by Charlotte Wood is a harrowing tale that follows a group of women who are kidnapped and imprisoned in a remote location in the Australian Outback. The women, all involved in sex scandals with powerful men, find themselves dehumanized and made to do arduous physical labor while being brutalized by their male captors. The book delves into themes of survival, empowerment, and friendship, as two of the women, Verla and Yolanda, form a fragile bond and attempt to subvert the conditions of their captivity. The narrative is rich with symbolism, alternating between lyrical grace and blunt descriptions of violence and degradation.
The story unfolds as the women navigate their new reality, facing cruelty, violence, and neglect within the confines of their prison. The book explores the psychological toll the ordeal takes on each character, as some break down while others learn to survive off the land they are stranded in. Despite the confronting subject matter, the novel is described as a compelling and haunting read, with a focus on the transformation of the main characters as they reject the misogynistic narrative that led them to their imprisonment.
SO THERE were kookaburras here. This was the first thing Yolanda knew in the dark morning. (That and where’s my durries?) Two birds breaking out in that loose, sharp cackle, a bird call before the sun...2015•320 pages - #4
A beautifully written, atmospheric mystery that simmers with tension and family secrets - perfect for readers who savor character depth and a true sense of place.
Jane Harper's The Lost Man is a mystery suspense novel set in the harsh Australian outback. The story follows the Bright family, focusing on the death of middle son, Cameron, and the unraveling of family dynamics and secrets following his mysterious demise. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, family relationships, and the unforgiving landscape of the outback, culminating in a slow-burning exploration of the characters and their past.
He had crested the rise, gripping the steering wheel as the off-road terrain tried to snatch control from his hands, and suddenly it was all there in front of him. Visible, but still miles away, givin...October 2018•375 pages - #5
An epic, emotional read that packs a punch - unforgettable but not for the faint-hearted. If you’re after a heart-wrenching family saga full of injustice and grit, Jessica delivers.
Jessica by Bryce Courtenay is a gripping tale set in the Australian outback during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Jessica, a strong-willed and independent young woman who faces adversities and social injustices of the time. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, racial discrimination, and the fight for justice, all against the backdrop of historical accuracy that vividly portrays Australian culture and attitudes of the era. Despite some readers finding the storyline depressing and tragic, the book is praised for its moving portrayal of Jessica's journey towards independence and resilience.
Out in the south-west along the banks of the Murrumbidgee the snakes come out at sundown to dance. The mulga, gwardar and the Eastern brown, the clumsy death adder, black-headed python and the harmles...1998•659 pages - #6
A Town Like Alice is a classic tale of survival, resilience, and starting over. It’s methodical, understated, and deeply optimistic, though very much a product of its time - warts and all. Worth it for fans of classic historical fiction and strong, practical heroines.
'A Town Like Alice' by Nevil Shute follows the story of Jean Paget, a young woman who becomes a prisoner of war in Malaya during World War II. Jean's journey, along with a group of British women and children, is narrated by an English solicitor named Noel. The story spans across different locations such as England, Malaya, and Australia, showcasing Jean's resilience and determination to make a better life for herself and others. The narrative delves into themes of love, survival, and self-reliance, providing a glimpse into the historical context of the post-war era.
He left the bulk of his money to his son Douglas. The Macfaddens and the Dalhousies at that time lived in Perth, and Douglas was a school friend of Jock Dalhousie, who was a young man then, and had go...October 1906•340 pages - #7Wakeby:
Wake by Shelley Burr is a gripping crime novel set in the Australian outback, focusing on the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn McCreery, narrated through the perspectives of Mina, Evelyn's twin sister, and Lane Holland, a private investigator. The story delves into the aftermath of Evelyn's vanishing, the impact on Mina's life, and the secrets that unfold as Lane delves deeper into the case, all against the backdrop of a desolate landscape filled with hidden dangers and long-held family mysteries.
The narrative unfolds slowly, revealing layers of hidden truths and character complexities, ultimately leading to a heart-wrenching yet expected conclusion. Burr's atmospheric writing style captivates readers, immersing them in a tale of family secrets, cold cases, and the haunting legacy of a past tragedy that continues to haunt the characters involved.
I LIVE IN that house you’ve seen on the news. We painted it robin’s egg blue the summer I turned sixteen, but in your mind it’s white. Two little pink bikes lean against the verandah, and one wall glo...August 2022•365 pages - #8
'Outback' in the series 'DS Walker Thriller' by author Patricia Wolf is a gripping crime novel set in the remote Outback of Queensland, Australia. The storyline follows D.S. Lucas Walker as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young German couple who vanish while backpacking in the desolate Outback. The narrative is described as intense and fast-paced, with multiple twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author expertly portrays the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Outback, creating a vivid and immersive setting for the unfolding investigation.
The writing style of the book is praised for its ability to captivate readers and immerse them in the story. The characters are well-fleshed out, their motivations and actions are logical, and the plot unfolds in a compelling manner. The descriptions of the Outback are evocative, painting a bleak yet intriguing picture of the remote and hostile landscape where the events of the story take place.
He pulls the car up on the double yellow in front of the main entrance. Grandma is sitting in a wheelchair by the door. Her face lights up in a smile when she sees him. ‘Take me home, Lucas, away from...November 2022•306 pages - #9
The Barrakee Mystery by Arthur Upfield is a captivating detective novel set in Australia, following the adventures of Inspector Bonaparte, also known as Bony. Readers praise the vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, flora, and fauna, which create a thrilling and immersive reading experience. The plot revolves around Bony's meticulous investigative skills as he solves mysteries, with each case providing insights into the social and cultural dynamics of Australia in the early to mid-20th century. Despite some outdated racial themes, the book offers a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged late into the night.
1928•343 pages - #10
'Red Dirt Heart Imago' in the series 'Red Dirt' by N.R. Walker is a heartwarming crossover novella that brings together beloved characters from the Red Dirt Heart and Imago series. The plot revolves around Charlie and Travis, along with Lawson and Jack, as they team up to protect their neighbor's land from a proposed pipeline. The story beautifully intertwines the characters' past connections, their shared mission, and the charming dynamics between the couples. N.R. Walker's writing style is praised for its warmth, compassion, and seamless handling of multiple character perspectives, drawing readers into a tale of love, friendship, and environmental activism set against the backdrop of the Australian outback.
I was Greg’s closest neighbour to the west, and over the years, Greg and Alan had become both friends and allies. They were the reason I was on the Board of the Territory’s Beef Farmers Association, a...










