Australian novelist, playwright, and essayist renowned for his historical fiction, particularly "Schindler's Ark", which won the Booker Prize and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.
Thomas Keneally is renowned for his captivating novel, Schindler's Ark, which tells the true story of Oskar Schindler's heroic rescue of Jews during the Holocaust. This Booker Prize-winning novel was later adapted into Steven Spielberg's seven-time Academy Award-winning film, Schindler's List, cementing Keneally's status as a masterful storyteller.
Born on October 7, 1935, in Sydney, Australia, Keneally spent his early years in Kempsey, New South Wales. His parents, Edmund Thomas Keneally and Elsie Margaret Coyle, were both born to Irish fathers. Keneally's father flew for the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, and later worked in a small business in Sydney.
Keneally was educated at Christian Brothers' St Patrick's College, Strathfield, where he studied Honours English and won a Commonwealth scholarship. He then entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly, to train as a Catholic priest, but left after six years without ordination, struggling with depression.
Keneally began his writing career under the pseudonym Bernard Coyle, publishing his first story in The Bulletin magazine in 1962. He eventually adopted his real first name, Thomas, after advice from his publisher. By 2014, he had written over 50 books, including 30 novels.
Some of his notable works include:
Keneally has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature, including:
Keneally's work has had a significant impact on modern society, raising awareness about the Holocaust and its atrocities. His novel, Schindler's Ark, has been translated into numerous languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
His writing has also inspired a new generation of writers and filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, who adapted Keneally's novel into the critically acclaimed film, Schindler's List.
Keneally has been married to Judy Martin since 1965, and they have two daughters together. He currently resides in Sydney, where he continues to write and lecture on literature.
Throughout his life, Keneally has been driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to preserving the stories of those who have been forgotten. His contributions to literature have left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring that the stories of the past will never be forgotten.
82 Years Old
Acclaimed author of imaginative and historically-inspired novels and short stories that often explore Australian identity and culture, winning numerous awards including the Booker Prize.
92 Years Old
An acclaimed writer of novels, poetry, and plays, known for exploring Australian identity and the human condition through lyrical prose and nuanced characters.
65 Years Old
Acclaimed writer of novels and plays that explore the Australian identity, known for vivid storytelling and poignant explorations of human relationships.
70 Years Old
Award-winning author of historical fiction novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "March", which reimagines Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" from the father's perspective. Her works often explore themes of family, history, and social justice.
Born in 1912
A celebrated Australian writer, known for his vivid and poignant portrayals of the human condition, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973.
Born in 1916
Australian author and playwright renowned for crafting gripping novels and plays that explore themes of faith, morality, and human relationships, often set against the backdrop of historical events.
