On any given week across Australia, thousands of people – mostly, but not always, women – gather in homes, bookshops, libraries and elsewhere, to talk about books. They go along, having read a chosen book, to share their impressions, opinions and views with their group. Usually, they won’t agree with each other.

In fact, our research shows that often, the best book club experiences happen when people have different views about the book. In a world of echo chambers, where it’s increasingly rare for people to respectfully disagree, book clubs might be one of the few safe spaces people can get together to legitimately enjoy a decent disagreement. All in the name of a good read.

While regular reports warn us of the decline of reading in a digitally saturated world, research by Australia Reads says many of us want to read more – and more broadly. Book clubs allow people to prioritise reading while enjoying the company of others. People join book clubs to enrich their lives, to read and talk about books they wouldn’t otherwise – and to exchange and test ideas they may not have other opportunities to discuss.

These five subversive Australian novels promise to spark robust debate – and challenge those looking for an easy or pleasant read. Who knows: readers might even find that arguing over these novels will change their minds.

1. That Deadman Dance – Kim Scott

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