Australian author John Marsden moved so many with his powerful novels. Here are ABC Arts' favourites

Australian author John Marsden passed away this week at the age of 74. His works, deeply loved and repeatedly read by young people, hold a prestigious place in Australian literature. Many believe his books made them realize how wonderful reading could be.

Marsden created over 40 works in his lifetime, making it no easy task to select the most beloved. Here are a few that particularly moved the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's arts reviewers. "Dear Miffy" (1997) is one of them. A reviewer recalls being immersed in Marsden’s world of violence, confusion, and isolation around the age of 10.

"Dear Miffy" is perhaps one of Marsden's darkest novels. The characters are often teenagers who believe they are beyond redemption, expressing these thoughts for the first time through letters or diaries. By expressing themselves, they risk having their inner fears confirmed. Marsden’s books teach us that no one is beyond redemption, not even Tony, the most violent protagonist in "Dear Miffy." The novel unfolds through unmailed letters from Tony to his ex-girlfriend Miffy, revealing the inner turmoil of an abandoned teenager in a psychiatric hospital, filled with violence, innuendo, and self-loathing.

A reviewer points out that it is worth considering whether "Dear Miffy" perpetuates harmful myths linking mental illness and violence, or if it focuses on the abuser rather than the victim. However, Marsden treated children as equals in his works, believing they were capable of understanding complex moral issues, and he knew many would identify with the darkness depicted in his works. Reviewer Jared Richards believes Marsden's work showcases the complexities of morality and allows readers to feel its nuances.

"The Rabbits" (1998) was inspired by Marsden's experience of being shocked by the sight of hordes of rabbits invading the Victorian countryside, captured in his car headlights during a night drive. Upon returning home, he created the first draft of this picture book. The book tells a simple yet powerful story of the rabbits' arrival in the land and their consumption of it, from the perspective of native animals. Shaun Tan’s exquisite illustrations amplify the allegory of colonialism and its impact on indigenous people. The pages begin with a serene, ancient land, with deep orange rocks and bright blue skies. As the arrogant rabbits arrive, the colors in the book gradually turn brown and black, symbolizing the suffering of the plundered land. Both artists' works are slightly dark, yet creative and engaging, making for a perfect combination.

Reviewer Katherine Smyrk states that she loves that the book has no warm ending; it is unapologetic, and the images still linger in her mind. The simple words are heartbreaking in the face of the complex landscape of colonialism: “Rabbits are everywhere. Nothing can stop them; no desert, no river. They ate our grass, they chopped down our trees, they scared away our friends... and stole our children.”

"Tomorrow, When the War Began" (1993) is the first book in Marsden’s "Tomorrow" series. Reportedly, Marsden's original intention in writing this book was to demonstrate that young people, when called to duty, possess the same courage and resilience as previous generations. In this regard, he succeeded. The first "Tomorrow" book, published in 1993, is an adventure story portraying teenagers as independent, brave, and capable in the face of crisis. Set in the fictional Victorian rural town of Wirrawee, the story follows seven teenagers who, after a weekend camping trip in the bush, discover their town has been occupied by foreign soldiers and the residents are being held captive at the showgrounds. They soon launch guerrilla attacks against the occupying forces from their base in hell.

Reviewer Nicola Heath recalls, as a young reader, loving the action scenes in the book, where the characters blew up everything from lawnmowers to tankers, and even an entire port, scenes that remain vivid in her memory three decades after reading it. But the book doesn't shy away from adult themes; the narrator, Ellie, and her friends kill enemy soldiers and experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as the series progresses. Additionally, there is a love story between Ellie and her boyfriend, Lee. "Tomorrow, When the War Began" was immensely popular, selling over 3 million copies. The reviewer recalls eagerly waiting at her local bookstore for the release of each sequel, foreshadowing the frenzy that accompanied each "Harry Potter" release date years later. While some elements of the story are problematic, particularly the racist implications surrounding the narrative of non-Anglo invading forces, the series helped her cultivate a love for reading.

"Letters from the Inside" (1991) tells the story of 15-year-old pen pals Mandy and Tracey, who begin corresponding after Tracey places an advertisement in a magazine. The two teenagers, who have never met, begin to learn about each other and themselves. As the story unfolds, we discover Tracey is incarcerated in a juvenile detention center. "Letters from the Inside" was both captivating and shocking for the reviewer. Reviewer Marvyn Gumbo recalls that as a student in the 1990s, and an avid letter writer, the novel showed her how she could infuse humor into her letters to bring light to her friends, her aunties overseas, and her pen pal in Sydney; how her words could bring comfort; and how her musings could inspire. Reading this novel as a teenager helped her become more insightful. It was also one of her inspirations for writing. From diaries to letters, to press releases, to her own books, Marsden's words have provided an important footnote to her youth.

"So Much to Tell You" (1987), Marsden's first novel, is deeply imprinted in the reviewer's mind. Reviewer Anna Kelsey-Sugg recalls that, as a child, reading the book was her first experience of being drawn into and completely immersed in the world of a novel. This novel is an exemplar of writing for young people; it doesn't patronize and it doesn't shy away from brutality. The story felt so real to her that she still feels like the 14-year-old protagonist, Marina, is someone she once met, rather than the keeper of a fictional diary she once read. Marina’s voice—she has experienced trauma and now either won't or can't speak aloud—felt like it was speaking directly to her. Reading "So Much to Tell You" was a very private joy. That is the greatness of Marsden: his characters find you, speak directly to you, and make you feel things you didn't know you were allowed to feel as a young person. And the moment when Marina finally speaks? It’s breathtaking.