Kangaroo (novel)

Kangaroo is a 1923 novel by English author D.H. Lawrence. Set in post-World War I Australia, the novel explores themes of political idealism, masculinity, and the search for spiritual renewal. It follows the experiences of Richard Lovat Somers, a writer, and his wife Harriet, as they travel to Australia seeking a new life after the war.

Somers becomes entangled with two prominent figures: Benjamin Cooley, a charismatic leader of a secret society, and Jack Callcott, a war veteran. Cooley, nicknamed "Kangaroo," embodies a utopian vision for Australia, while Callcott represents a more pragmatic and nationalistic perspective.

The novel delves into Somers's internal struggles as he grapples with these competing ideologies and his own disillusionment with European society. He finds himself drawn to the raw, untamed landscape of Australia but remains skeptical of organized political movements. Kangaroo is partially autobiographical, reflecting Lawrence's own travels and experiences in Australia during that period. It is considered a significant work in Lawrence's oeuvre, offering insights into his evolving philosophy and his complex relationship with the modern world.