Kangaroo

Richard Lovat Somers, an English writer, arrives in Australia with his wife Harriet seeking escape from post-WWI Europe. They settle near Sydney, where Somers encounters two men who draw him into opposing political movements. The narrative follows Somers as he navigates relationships with these influential figures while trying to understand his new surroundings and Australian society. Through his interactions, he confronts questions about power, ideology, and human nature. Ben Cooley, known as "Kangaroo," emerges as a central figure who pulls Somers into the complexities of local politics and nationalist movements. The Australian landscape and culture serve as more than backdrop - they shape the story's tensions and revelations. The novel examines themes of alienation, political extremism, and the search for meaning in a changing world. Lawrence uses Australia's raw physicality and distance from Europe to explore questions about civilization, democracy, and individual freedom.

Most readers find Kangaroo less compelling than Lawrence's other novels, viewing it as unfocused and overly political. The autobiographical elements and vivid descriptions of Australia's landscape emerge as the book's strongest aspects in reader reviews. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of 1920s Australian culture and environment - Rich descriptions of Sydney and the bush - Insights into Lawrence's personal experiences Common criticisms: - Meandering plot with long political digressions - Heavy-handed ideological messaging - Underdeveloped characters besides the protagonist - Slow pacing in middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (based on 277 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (based on 31 reviews) One reader noted: "The political philosophy overwhelms the narrative." Another commented: "Worth reading for the Australian scenery alone, but the story itself fails to engage." The book ranks among Lawrence's least-read works, with many readers suggesting it mainly appeals to those studying his complete works or Australian literature.

Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence This narrative follows the relationships between two sisters and two men in post-World War I England, exploring themes of industrialization and human connection that mirror Kangaroo's examination of modern society.

The Trespasser by D. H. Lawrence The story traces an affair between a music teacher and his student through their journey to Cornwall, dealing with similar themes of escape and disillusionment found in Kangaroo.

Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley The novel presents multiple storylines of English intellectuals grappling with social and political ideologies in the 1920s, parallel to the philosophical explorations in Kangaroo.

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad This tale of political intrigue and anarchism in London examines themes of radicalism and social upheaval that reflect the political elements in Kangaroo.

The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence The book chronicles three generations of the Brangwen family, addressing the impact of industrialization and modernization on rural England in ways that complement Kangaroo's Australian setting.

🦘 "Kangaroo" was inspired by D.H. Lawrence's three-month visit to Australia in 1922, making it one of few major literary works by a renowned author set in Australia during that period. 📚 The character of "Kangaroo" is based on a real person - Michael Barratt, the leader of a secret right-wing paramilitary organization in Sydney called the "King and Empire Alliance." 🌏 Lawrence wrote the entire novel in just six weeks while staying in Thirroul, New South Wales, and much of the book's vivid landscape descriptions are drawn from this coastal region. ⚔️ The book explores post-WWI political tensions and the rise of fascism, making it both a novel and a valuable historical document of Australian society in the 1920s. ✍️ Despite being a work of fiction, many consider "Kangaroo" to be semi-autobiographical, with the main character Richard Lovell Somers sharing several traits and experiences with Lawrence himself.