In a remarkable celebration of literature, nearly 288,000 readers have cast their votes to determine the most beloved books of the 21st century. The inaugural countdown, organized by Radio National, encompassed a diverse range of genres, from gripping non-fiction to historical narratives and thrilling murder mysteries. This extensive participation not only highlighted the literary preferences of Australians but also provided new insights into the nation’s reading habits.
The top honor went to Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe (2018), a novel inspired by the Brisbane journalist’s own upbringing. The story, rich with family drama and unexpected criminal mentors, resonated deeply with readers. Its adaptation into a successful TV series last year further cemented its place in popular culture.
The Winners and Their Stories
Following closely in second place was The Book Thief (2005) by Sydney author Markus Zusak. This novel, often found in high school curricula, is narrated by Death itself, set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany. The protagonist, Liesel, discovers the transformative power of reading, a theme that has captivated readers worldwide.
American author Amor Towles secured the third spot with A Gentleman in Moscow (2016), which tells the tale of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who is sentenced to spend his life within the confines of a luxury Moscow hotel. The novel’s exploration of confinement and resilience struck a chord with many.
- #1 — Boy Swallows Universe (2018)
- #2 — The Book Thief (2005) by Markus Zusak
- #3 — A Gentleman in Moscow (2016) by Amor Towles
- #4 — All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)
- #5 — Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022)
- #6 — Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (2013)
- #7 — The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (2020)
- #8 — Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022)
- #9 — A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015)
- #10 — Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (2009)
Australian Authors Shine
The countdown underscored the strong preference for local authors among Australian readers. Not only did Australian writers claim the top two spots, but four of the top ten and 26 of the top 100 titles were penned by Australians. Boy Swallows Universe was particularly popular, topping the charts in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Victoria.
The Book Thief dominated in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Despite these regional preferences, the voting patterns revealed distinct differences between male and female readers. Men favored Dalton’s novel, The Road (2006) by Cormac McCarthy, and The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2013) by Richard Flanagan. Conversely, women showed a preference for Zusak’s work, All the Light We Cannot See (2014) by Anthony Doerr, and Lessons in Chemistry (2022) by Bonnie Garmus.
Demographic Insights and Reading Trends
The gender distribution among voters was notably skewed, with women comprising 75% of the participants compared to just 17% male. This significant difference highlights the strong engagement of female readers in the literary community.
Interestingly, the under-35 demographic diverged from the overall results, favoring The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins as their top choice. This suggests a generational shift in reading preferences, with younger readers gravitating towards dystopian narratives.
Geographically, the Australian Capital Territory boasted the highest per capita participation, followed by Tasmania and Victoria. Western Australia and Queensland, however, submitted the fewest votes relative to their populations, indicating regional variations in literary engagement.
Authors Making Their Mark
Among the authors, Geraldine Brooks and Anna Funder stood out with three books each in the Top 100. Brooks’ works included People of the Book (2008), Horse (2022), and Year of Wonders (2002). Funder’s contributions were All That I Am (2011), Stasiland (2003), and Wifedom (2023).
Tim Winton narrowly missed joining this elite group, with Breath (2008) and Dirt Music (2001) placing in the Top 100, but his latest novel, Juice (2024), just missed the cut, ranking 101st. Despite the 25-year cutoff, many voters attempted to include Winton’s classic Cloudstreet, published in 1991, underscoring its enduring popularity.
The Literary Landscape of 2023
The year 2023 emerged as a banner year for literature, with ten titles from that year making the Top 100 list. In contrast, 2012 and 2025 saw no entries, reflecting the ebbs and flows of the publishing industry.
This comprehensive survey not only highlights the rich tapestry of contemporary literature but also offers a window into the evolving tastes and preferences of readers across Australia. As the literary landscape continues to evolve, these insights provide valuable guidance for authors, publishers, and readers alike.
