Australia Felix by Henry Handel Richardson is a captivating and immersive historical novel set in the early days of colonial Australia. The author expertly weaves a tale of love, hardship, and resilience against the backdrop of the harsh Australian landscape.

The protagonist, Richard Mahony, is a complex and deeply flawed character whose relentless pursuit of success and fortune ultimately leads to his downfall. Richardson skillfully depicts the challenges of colonial life, as well as the clash of cultures and the impact of European colonization on the indigenous population.

The writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of 19th-century Australia. The novel is meticulously researched and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the country during this period.

Overall, Australia Felix is a thought-provoking and poignant read that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the price of progress. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and Australian literature.

Book Description:

The story of Richard Mahony, a doctor trained in Edinburgh who comes to Ballarat in the gold rush of the 1850s. At first he runs a shop but later he marries and returns to medical practice. His story is interwoven with that of his wife’s brothers and sister. Even after his medical practice becomes successful he is still unhappy living in the colony and decides to return home to Britain. Richard is a restless irritable man whose character is said to be based on the author’s own father. This book is the first of the trilogy ‘The Fortunes of Richard Mahony’, but stands well on its own. The other two books of the trilogy are still protected by copyright in the USA, but may be found on Project Gutenberg Australia.