TK

Thomas Keneally

82quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Thomas Michael Keneally AO is an Australian novelist, playwright, and non-fiction writer.

Birth and Death Dates


Born: October 7, 1935
Active until present

Nationality and Profession(s)


Australian, Novelist, Playwright, Non-Fiction Writer

Early Life and Background


Keneally was born in Glebe, New South Wales, Australia. His father, Thomas Joseph Keneally, was an Irish immigrant who worked as a grocer, while his mother, Mary Elizabeth (née Kelly), was of English descent. Keneally's early life was marked by a strong Catholic upbringing and a love for writing, which he developed from an early age.

Education


Keneally attended St Patrick's College in Strathfield, New South Wales, where he excelled academically and developed his passion for drama. He later studied English literature at the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956. After completing his studies, Keneally worked as a teacher and journalist to support himself while pursuing his writing career.

Major Accomplishments


Keneally's writing career spans over six decades, during which he has published numerous novels, plays, and non-fiction books. His breakthrough novel, _Bring Larks and Heroes_, was published in 1967, followed by the critically acclaimed _The Survivor_ in 1969. In 1982, Keneally wrote _Schindler's Ark_, a historical novel that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Keneally's notable works include:

_The Great Shame_ (1998), a non-fiction book about his father's life in Australia and Ireland.
 _A Common Wealth: Australia, A Republic or a Kingdom?_ (2001), a collection of essays on Australian politics and identity.
* Keneally has also worked as a screenwriter and playwright, adapting some of his novels for the stage.

Impact and Legacy


Thomas Keneally's writing has had a profound impact on Australian literature and beyond. His novel _Schindler's Ark_ was adapted into the award-winning film _Schindler's List_, directed by Steven Spielberg in 1993. This film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Keneally is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking novels that explore themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. His writing often challenges readers to confront difficult truths about history, politics, and society. As a masterful storyteller, Keneally has earned international recognition for his literary contributions, solidifying his place as one of Australia's most esteemed writers.

Quotes by Thomas Keneally

Thomas Keneally's insights on:

I believe we can discern the difference of a wise man momentarily giving way to intemperate emotion,” said my father, “and a fool reveling in malice.” My.
"
I believe we can discern the difference of a wise man momentarily giving way to intemperate emotion,” said my father, “and a fool reveling in malice.” My.
TK
In the mind of a true snob there are certain limited criteria to denote the value of human existence. Jimmie’s criteria were: home, hearth, wife, land. Those who possessed these had beatitude unchallengable. Other men had accidental, random life. Nothing better.
"
In the mind of a true snob there are certain limited criteria to denote the value of human existence. Jimmie’s criteria were: home, hearth, wife, land. Those who possessed these had beatitude unchallengable. Other men had accidental, random life. Nothing better.
TK
They permitted witnesses, such witnesses as the red toddler, because they believed the witnesses all would perish too.
"
They permitted witnesses, such witnesses as the red toddler, because they believed the witnesses all would perish too.
TK
To write a novel is always to go naked, whatever you’re writing about. You always reveal yourself.
"
To write a novel is always to go naked, whatever you’re writing about. You always reveal yourself.
TK
There were many indications from history, Frank proposed, that threatened races generally outbred the genocides. The phallus was faster than the gun.
"
There were many indications from history, Frank proposed, that threatened races generally outbred the genocides. The phallus was faster than the gun.
TK
Later in the journey, Olek turned his head in against Henry’s arm and began to weep. He would not at first tell Rosner what was wrong. When he did speak at last, it was to say that he was sorry to drag Henry off to Auschwitz. “To die just because of me,” he said. Henry could have tried to soothe him by telling lies, but it wouldn’t have worked. All the children knew about the gas. They grew petulant when you tried to deceive them.
"
Later in the journey, Olek turned his head in against Henry’s arm and began to weep. He would not at first tell Rosner what was wrong. When he did speak at last, it was to say that he was sorry to drag Henry off to Auschwitz. “To die just because of me,” he said. Henry could have tried to soothe him by telling lies, but it wouldn’t have worked. All the children knew about the gas. They grew petulant when you tried to deceive them.
TK
To write these things now is to state the commonplaces of history. But to find them out in 1942, to have them break upon you from a June sky, was to suffer a fundamental shock, a derangement in that area of the brain in which stable ideas about humankind and its possibilities are kept.
"
To write these things now is to state the commonplaces of history. But to find them out in 1942, to have them break upon you from a June sky, was to suffer a fundamental shock, a derangement in that area of the brain in which stable ideas about humankind and its possibilities are kept.
TK
Much later, in terms uncharacteristic of jovial Herr Schindler, Cracow’s favorite party guest, Zablocie’s big spender, in terms, that is, which showed – behind the playboy facade – an implacable judge, Oskar would lay special weight on this day. “Beyond this day,” he would claim, “no thinking person could fail to see what would happen. I was now resolved to do everything in my power to defeat the system.
"
Much later, in terms uncharacteristic of jovial Herr Schindler, Cracow’s favorite party guest, Zablocie’s big spender, in terms, that is, which showed – behind the playboy facade – an implacable judge, Oskar would lay special weight on this day. “Beyond this day,” he would claim, “no thinking person could fail to see what would happen. I was now resolved to do everything in my power to defeat the system.
TK
The more orthodox of the ghetto had a slogan – “An hour of life is still life.
"
The more orthodox of the ghetto had a slogan – “An hour of life is still life.
TK
And I liked pluralist Australia. I got a taste for pluralist Australia. I like, I like Australians and I can’t believe that they’re going to go to hell because they tell a good dirty joke, you know.
"
And I liked pluralist Australia. I got a taste for pluralist Australia. I like, I like Australians and I can’t believe that they’re going to go to hell because they tell a good dirty joke, you know.
TK
Showing 1 to 10 of 82 results