Thomas Keneally

Date of Birth: October 7, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Thomas Keneally is an acclaimed Australian novelist and playwright, best known for his novel “Schindler’s Ark” (published in the United States as “Schindler’s List”), which won the Booker Prize in 1982 and was later adapted into the Academy Award-winning film “Schindler’s List” by Steven Spielberg. Born in Sydney, Australia, Keneally initially studied for the Catholic priesthood but left before ordination. His literary career began in the 1960s, and he has since published over 30 novels, along with numerous works of non-fiction, plays, and screenplays. Keneally’s works often explore themes of history, politics, and human rights. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and honors, cementing his status as one of Australia’s most significant literary figures.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas Keneally

1. Thomas Keneally was originally training to become a Catholic priest but left the seminary before being ordained.

2. His book “Schindler’s Ark” won the Booker Prize in 1982 and was adapted into the film “Schindler’s List,” which won seven Academy Awards.

3. Keneally is a passionate supporter of the Australian Republican Movement and has written extensively about the need for Australia to become a republic.

4. In addition to novels, Keneally has written several screenplays and plays, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

5. He has received several honorary doctorates from universities around the world in recognition of his contributions to literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas Keneally

1. “The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules.”

2. “If the book is a good one, it will always find a publisher.”

3. “In my writing, as much as I can, I try to express the connection between the people I write about and the people who read them.”

4. “The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”

5. “I think the novelist is the person who writes down what’s going on in the society and compares it with what the society thinks is going on.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Thomas Keneally is estimated to be around $1.5 million.

Children

Thomas Keneally has two daughters, Jane and Meg Keneally, both of whom have pursued careers in writing and other creative fields. Meg Keneally has co-authored several historical novels with her father.