Thomas Keneally is a renowned Australian novelist, playwright, and author, born on October 7, 1935, in Sydney. He grew up in Kempsey, New South Wales, where his parents, Edmund Thomas Keneally and Elsie Margaret Coyle, had settled. Keneally was educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, and later entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly, to train as a Catholic priest. However, he left before his ordination and pursued a career as a Sydney schoolteacher.
Keneally's writing career began in 1964, and he has since published thirty novels, including the Booker Prize-winning novel "Schindler's Ark" in 1982. This work was later adapted into the Academy Award-winning film "Schindler's List" by Steven Spielberg. Many of Keneally's novels are reworkings of historical material, blending modern psychology and style. Some of his notable works include "The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith," "Confederates," "Gossip from the Forest," "The Daughters of Mars," "Shame and the Captives," and "Napoleon's Last Island."
In addition to his novels, Keneally has written several works of non-fiction, such as his memoir "Homebush Boy," "Searching for Schindler," and "Australians." He has also ventured into acting, appearing in a few films like "The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith" and "The Devil's Playground." Keneally is a strong advocate for the Australian republic and has published a book on the subject, "Our Republic." He is also a keen supporter of rugby league football and has made appearances in rugby league dramas.
Keneally has received numerous accolades for his work, including being made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1983. He is an Australian Living Treasure and has been a significant figure in Australian literature. In 2009, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave an autographed copy of Keneally's Lincoln biography to President Barack Obama as a state gift. Most recently, Keneally featured as a writer in the Australian drama "Our Sunburnt Country."