Christina Stead’s “Seven Poor Men of Sydney” looks at the lives of a group of working-class individuals living in Sydney during the 1920s.
The story captures their struggles with poverty, politics, and personal dreams, weaving together their relationships and struggles against the backdrop of Sydney’s harbors and streets.
Each character has their own set of challenges, whether it’s dealing with family conflicts or grappling with ideologies. Through their lives, the book paints a vivid picture of the city’s social and economic life at the time.
“Destiny in Sydney” by D. Manning Richards follows the lives of three families as they navigate the struggles and opportunities in Australia’s colonial history. The story spans generations, diving into themes of survival, ambition, and personal legacy.
From convicts trying to build a future to settlers shaping the foundations of the city, the book paints a vivid picture of Sydney’s growth and transformation. It gives readers a glimpse of the challenges and successes that helped define a nation.
“The Harp in the South” by Ruth Park is a story about a struggling working-class family living in a rundown house in Surry Hills, Sydney. It follows the lives of the Darcy family as they face poverty, personal loss, and the challenges of their tight-knit community.
The book paints a vivid picture of Sydney’s inner-city life in the 1940s, showing both the hardships and the moments of love and resilience that shape the family’s world.
The book “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty takes place in a quiet Australian seaside town near Sydney, where the lives of three women intersect at a local school. Madeline, Celeste, and Jane each have their own secrets and challenges, from family struggles to past trauma.
When a school trivia night ends in a shocking death, the story pieces together the events that led to the tragedy. Through sharp dialogue and layered characters, the book uncovers hidden tensions and lies beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.
Gail Jones wrote “Five Bells,” a novel set around Sydney’s Circular Quay. It follows four strangers whose lives intersect over one day in this iconic location. Each character carries memories, losses, and reflections that add layers to their experiences in the city.
The story explores themes of connection and moments that linger in memory, all set against the backdrop of Sydney’s harbor and landmarks.
Melina Marchetta’s “Looking for Alibrandi” tells the story of Josephine Alibrandi, a teenager navigating life in Sydney while grappling with family expectations, cultural identity, and the complications of growing up.
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Italian-Australian community, the novel explores her relationships with her strict grandmother, distant father, and close friends. It’s a heartfelt look at self-discovery and the ties that shape who we are.
Ruth Park wrote “Poor Man’s Orange,” which continues the story of the Darcy family as they struggle with poverty in post-war Sydney.
It focuses on the lives of the sisters, Roie and Dolour, as they navigate love, loss, and family tensions in their tight-knit Catholic community in Surry Hills.
The novel paints a vivid picture of life in a working-class neighborhood, with the characters’ resilience and the closeness of their family bringing warmth to tough times.
Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette wrote “Puberty Blues,” a story about two teenage girls, Debbie and Sue, growing up in the surf culture of Sydney’s southern beaches during the 1970s.
The book explores their desire for acceptance in a male-dominated world, where they face peer pressure, relationships, and the challenges of fitting in.
Through their journey, it paints a vivid picture of youth culture in that era, capturing both the highs and lows of growing up.
The novel “Bobbin Up” by Dorothy Hewett tells the story of working-class women employed at a Sydney textile factory. It captures their struggles, friendships, and small joys as they navigate tough conditions and union efforts.
Set in the 1950s, the book paints a vivid picture of their lives in Sydney’s industrial suburbs, showing their resilience and sense of community.
The book “Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction” by Luke Davies tells the story of Dan and Candy, whose lives spiral into chaos as their love becomes tied to heroin addiction.
Set against the backdrop of Sydney, the novel explores their volatile relationship, from moments of passion to the desperation of their struggles. The city itself plays a vivid role, offering glimpses of both its gritty underworld and its beauty.
“Come In Spinner” by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James takes place in Sydney during World War II. The story is centered around three women working at an exclusive hotel beauty salon.
It explores their struggles with love, betrayal, and the challenges of war, all set against the backdrop of a city undergoing rapid change. The novel paints a vivid picture of both the glamour and the hardships of life in 1940s Sydney.
“Down in the City” by Elizabeth Harrower is set in post-war Sydney and follows the turbulent marriage of Esther, a young woman, and Stan, a controlling and self-centered man.
The story captures their toxic relationship and the struggles Esther faces as she questions her choices and yearns for independence. Harrower paints a vivid picture of the city and its atmosphere, reflecting the emotional battles of the characters.
Liane Moriarty’s “The Husband’s Secret” revolves around three women whose lives connect in unexpected ways. Cecilia, a wife and mother, finds a sealed letter from her husband that is meant to be read after his death.
When she opens it, the contents reveal a secret that changes not only her life but also the lives of others around her. The story weaves through themes of marriage, family, and morality, set against the backdrop of suburban Sydney.
Louis Stone’s “Jonah” takes place in the working-class neighborhoods of Sydney at the turn of the 20th century. The story follows Jonah, a street-smart and tough young man who rises to become a leader of a rowdy gang, yet dreams of something more.
It explores his struggles with love, ambition, and the harsh realities of urban life, offering a vivid look at the city’s darker corners and the people who fight to survive within them.
The book “Seven Little Australians” by Ethel Turner tells the story of the mischievous and lively Woolcot children growing up in late 19th-century Sydney. Their father, Captain Woolcot, is strict, though his rules often fail to contain their wild escapades.
One of the standout characters is Judy, spirited and rebellious, who seems to embody the heart of the family. The story weaves through their antics, family dynamics, and moments of deep emotion, capturing both the charm and challenges of childhood during that era.
“The Women in Black” by Madeleine St John follows the lives of a group of women working at a department store in 1950s Sydney.
Each woman has her own story, from Lisa, a bright schoolgirl dreaming of a different life, to Magda, a glamorous European who offers a window into a more sophisticated world.
The book captures their challenges, desires, and small triumphs, all set against the backdrop of a city in cultural transition.
“Bleak Spring” by Jon Cleary is a mystery novel with Detective Scobie Malone at the center. The story begins when a successful lawyer is shot dead outside his home. Malone, a seasoned detective, uncovers layers of corruption and personal betrayal as he investigates.
The backdrop is a vivid portrayal of Sydney, from its harbor views to its shadowy streets, giving the tale a strong sense of place.
Jon Cleary’s “Babylon South” is a mystery novel that weaves together two storylines set in Sydney.
It follows Detective Scobie Malone as he investigates a modern-day murder while simultaneously uncovering secrets about a historical crime linked to political corruption during the 19th century.
The book moves through the city’s darker corners, mixing current issues with its buried past.
D’Arcy Niland wrote “The Big Smoke,” a novel that follows Sam, a young drifter, as he roams through Sydney during the Great Depression. The book paints a vivid picture of the city’s tough streets, crowded boarding houses, and vibrant characters.
Sam’s journey introduces him to gamblers, laborers, and dreamers, all trying to survive in a harsh and uncertain time. The story captures both the grit and the hopes of people living in Sydney during that era.
“The Dyehouse” by Mena Calthorpe takes place in a textile factory in 1950s Sydney. It focuses on the lives of workers, showing their struggles, relationships, and dreams in a harsh world of low wages and tough management.
The story gives a strong sense of the class divide and the challenges faced by ordinary people. Characters like Clara, who strives for a better life, bring heart and depth to the narrative.
The novel “He Died with a Felafel in His Hand” by John Birmingham tells the story of a young man moving through a series of bizarre share houses in Sydney and other Australian cities.
It captures the chaos and absurdity of communal living, with dysfunctional roommates, strange habits, and hilarious misadventures. The book offers snapshots of a particular stage of life, filled with humor and a hint of chaos.
The novel “Ride on Stranger” by Kylie Tennant tells the story of Shannon Hicks, a spirited young woman navigating life in 1930s Sydney. Leaving a small town, she finds herself caught in a whirlwind of bohemian circles, political activism, and the challenges of city life.
The book offers a vivid picture of Depression-era Sydney, highlighting the struggles and resilience of its people.
“The Watch Tower” by Elizabeth Harrower is set in mid-20th century Sydney and tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Clare, who are forced to leave school after their father dies.
Their mother abandons them, so they end up under the control of Felix, an older man who offers them security but becomes cruel and unpredictable.
The book captures their struggles and the tension of living under Felix’s oppressive rule, exploring how they cope with their difficult circumstances.
Markus Zusak’s “Bridge of Clay” is the story of the five Dunbar brothers, who live on their own after their mother dies and their father leaves.
The focus is on Clay, the quiet and sensitive brother, as he takes on the task of building a bridge while grappling with family secrets and a complicated past. It’s a tale about love, loss, and the bonds that hold people together.
“The Eye of the Storm” by Patrick White follows Elizabeth Hunter, a wealthy and once-powerful woman living out her final days in her Sydney home. As she lies bedridden, her fractured relationships with her children, Basil and Dorothy, unfold.
Both have returned to Sydney with personal motives tied to their mother’s wealth. The story also peels back layers of Elizabeth’s past, showcasing her complex character and the emotional toll of her choices.
Her household staff, particularly her nurse, adds tension and humanity to her isolated existence. The novel explores family conflicts, power dynamics, and the impact of a fading legacy.
“Five Times Dizzy” by Nadia Wheatley tells the story of a Greek-Australian girl, Mareka, who lives in inner-city Sydney. Struggling to balance her family’s traditions and her own sense of identity, Mareka comes up with a plan to bring her grandmother from Greece to Australia.
The book explores her efforts and how it affects her family, her community, and herself. It captures both the bonds and challenges within a multicultural neighborhood.
Fiona McGregor’s “Indelible Ink” tells the story of Marie King, a middle-aged woman living in Sydney who is grappling with the aftermath of her divorce and changes in her life. Facing an uncertain future, she begins transforming herself in an unexpected way—by getting tattoos.
The book paints a vivid picture of Sydney’s dynamic culture and explores the complexities of family, identity, and self-expression in the modern world.
“Questions of Travel” by Michelle de Kretser follows the lives of two characters, Laura and Ravi, as their paths intersect in Sydney. Laura, an Australian woman, spends years exploring the world before settling into a job at a travel guide company.
Ravi, from Sri Lanka, is forced to leave his home after a tragedy. The book captures their different experiences with movement and belonging, weaving in details of Sydney’s urban life and contrasts between past and present.
Patrick White’s “Riders in the Chariot” follows four characters in a small Australian town, each from different walks of life. They are linked by their shared sense of being outsiders and their individual visions of spiritual redemption.
The story delves into themes of faith, prejudice, and the human search for meaning.
One character, Miss Hare, lives in a crumbling mansion, surrounded by memories and isolation, while another, a Holocaust survivor named Mordecai Himmelfarb, faces the lingering shadows of his past. Their lives intersect in profound and unexpected ways.
“The Tax Inspector” by Peter Carey follows the Catchprice family, who run a failing car dealership in a small Sydney suburb. When Maria Takis, a tax inspector, arrives to audit their business, long-buried secrets and family tensions start to surface.
The story dives into the chaotic lives of the family members, including the manipulative and broken patriarch and a troubled teenager with shocking plans of his own. It’s a dark and intense look at greed, dysfunction, and the ties that hold people together.
Randa Abdel-Fattah’s “Ten Things I Hate About Me” follows Jamilah, a Lebanese-Australian teenager, as she struggles with her identity and tries to fit in at her mostly white high school in Sydney.
To avoid standing out, she hides her cultural background and even dyes her hair blond. Meanwhile, she connects with someone online who makes her question whether she can keep living a double life.
The book captures the tension between wanting to belong and staying true to yourself.
Markus Zusak’s “When Dogs Cry” follows Cameron Wolfe, the youngest in a family where he often feels like an outsider. Cameron deals with feelings of loneliness and self-doubt while navigating his relationships with his family, especially his brother Ruben.
The story captures his quiet struggles and small victories as he searches for connection and meaning in his life.