Kangaroo

Kangaroo is a novel by D. H. Lawrence, first published in 1923. Written during Lawrence’s travels in Australia, the book explores questions of leadership, nationalism, personal freedom, and emotional allegiance in the years following the First World War. The story follows Richard Lovat Somers, an English writer seeking renewal abroad, who becomes entangled in a rising nationalist movement led by the charismatic figure, Benjamin Cooley (aka 'Kangaroo')

Set against the vivid coastal landscapes of New South Wales, the narrative blends political fiction with introspective literary modernism. Somers is drawn into debates over authoritarianism, democracy, and the future of society, reflecting the cultural unrest and ideological tensions of the early twentieth century. Lawrence examines the appeal of strong leadership while probing the psychological undercurrents of loyalty, power, and belonging.

As both a political novel and a study of marriage, identity, and exile, Kangaroo offers insight into Lawrence’s broader exploration of human relationships and social structures. Readers interested in classic literature, modernist fiction, post–World War I political thought, and Australian-set novels will find this work a compelling and thought-provoking addition to any library.