Wanting is a 2008 novel by Australian author Richard Flanagan.

Plot summary

Wanting cuts between two stories based on real historical figures under the central theme of 'wanting' and is set in both nineteenth century Tasmania and Britain. One tells the tale of an Aboriginal child, Mathinna, adopted by then governor of Van Diemen’s Land, Sir John Franklin and his wife Lady Jane; the other of Charles Dickens’ love affair with Ellen Ternan after one of his daughters dies.

Reception

Many critics regarded Wanting as one of the best novels of the year.

Awards

Interviews