English Passengers
English Passengers
Book Brief
Beta446
Novel • Fiction
Tasmania • 1850s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
English Passengers by Matthew Kneale chronicles the journey of a diverse group of individuals, including a reverend and his expedition team, who set sail from England to Tasmania in the mid-19th century. Their voyage intertwines with the stories of indigenous people affected by colonialism, exploring themes of exploration, cultural conflict, and survival.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
8,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
English Passengers by Matthew Kneale is praised for its vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, weaving humor and tension in a tale of cultural clash and exploration. Critics commend its diverse narrative voices and intricate plot. Some note that its numerous characters can be challenging to track. Overall, the novel is lauded as a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read English Passengers?
Readers who enjoy English Passengers by Matthew Kneale are likely intrigued by historical narratives, multi-perspective storytelling, and themes of exploration. Fans of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell or The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon may find this book appealing.
8,456 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
English Passengers won the 2000 Whitbread Book of the Year Award, highlighting its significant impact not only within literary circles but also among a wider reading audience.
The novel features a unique narrative style, comprising 20 different narrators, which allows readers to explore the story from multiple perspectives, enhancing the complexity and depth of the reading experience.
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Matthew Kneale meticulously researched for five years to bring historical accuracy and rich detail to English Passengers, demonstrating his dedication to authentically capturing the historical and cultural context of the mid-19th century.
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446
Novel • Fiction
Tasmania • 1850s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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