'Australia Felix' Summary

Richard Mahony is a Scottish doctor who emigrates to Australia during the gold rush of the 1850s. He initially runs a shop, but later returns to medical practice. He marries and has children, but he is never truly happy in Australia. He is restless and irritable, and he longs to return to Britain. Richard's story is interwoven with that of his wife's brothers and sister. His wife's brother, John, is a successful businessman, but he is also ruthless and ambitious. His wife's sister, Mary, is a kind and gentle woman, but she is also unhappy in Australia. She longs to return to Scotland, but she is unable to do so. The novel ends with Richard and his family returning to Britain. However, Richard is still unhappy, and he eventually dies in a mental hospital.