
The Fortunes of Richard Mahony is a three-volume novel by Australian author Henry Handel Richardson. It follows the life of Richard Mahony, an Irish-born doctor who emigrates to Australia in the mid-19th century. The novel begins with Richard's arrival in Australia, where he quickly establishes himself as a successful doctor. He marries a local woman, Mary, and they have two children, Paul and Mary. However, Richard's success is short-lived, as he is soon beset by financial and personal problems. He is forced to move his family to the small town of Ballarat, where he struggles to make a living. The novel follows Richard's fortunes as he attempts to make a new life for himself and his family. He is beset by financial difficulties, and his marriage begins to suffer. He also struggles with his own mental health, as he is haunted by memories of his past. The novel follows Richard's life over the course of several decades, as he attempts to make a success of his life in Australia. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from the eccentric to the tragic. The novel is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, and of the struggles of life in a new country.
By Henry Handel Richardson · First published 1930 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Family Saga · 60 chapters