Thomas Keneally Net Worth

What is Thomas Keneally’s Net Worth in 2023?

Thomas Keneally, as of 2023, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $12 million, according to various wealth-estimating sources. His wealth has been accumulated from an illustrious career spanning more than five decades, during which he has penned over 30 novels, numerous plays, and countless non-fiction pieces. Not only does Keneally earn from book sales and royalties, but also from the adaptations of his works into films, the most noteworthy being “Schindler’s List”, which won seven Academy Awards. He also earns through speaking engagements, teaching roles, and various honorary positions in literary and academic circles. His net worth reflects his standing as one of Australia’s most successful and revered authors.

Early life of Thomas Keneally

Thomas Michael Keneally was born on October 7, 1935, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He was raised in a working-class Roman Catholic family. His father, Edmund Thomas Keneally, was of Irish descent and worked as a builder, and his mother, Elsie Margaret Keneally (nee Coyle), was a homemaker with a great fondness for literature.

As a young boy, Keneally was intrigued by storytelling and was particularly influenced by the novels of Charles Dickens and the plays of Shakespeare that his mother introduced him to. This early interest in literature planted the seed of his writing career, although he initially took a more traditional path towards priesthood. The family’s deep Catholic roots led Keneally to the seminary at age 17, where he spent several years before abandoning his religious studies to pursue his passion for writing.

Education Of Thomas Keneally

Thomas Keneally completed his early education at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, Sydney. Initially intent on joining the priesthood, he enrolled in St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly, to study theology. However, he left the seminary in 1960 before his ordination. Keneally then attended the University of Sydney, where he studied English and History, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1962.

Career

Following university, Keneally embarked on his writing career, publishing his first novel “The Place at Whitton” in 1964. His works often incorporated historical elements and depicted the human condition’s complexities, making him a prominent figure in the literary world. Despite his Australian origin, Keneally’s appeal is global, with his works resonating with a worldwide audience.

One of Keneally’s most renowned works, “Schindler’s Ark”, based on the life of Oskar Schindler, was awarded the prestigious Booker Prize in 1982 and later adapted into Steven Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List”. Keneally has also written several non-fiction books, screenplays, and has been a frequent contributor to various newspapers and magazines.

Novels

Over his long career, Thomas Keneally has written over 30 novels, each unique and powerful. His works range from historical fiction like “The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith” and “Schindler’s Ark” to stories focused on Australian life, such as “A River Town” and “The Widow and Her Hero”. Keneally’s novels are celebrated for their compelling narratives, vivid characters, and profound explorations of human morality and experience.

Bibliography

Keneally has an extensive bibliography that includes more than 30 novels, multiple non-fiction works, and several plays and screenplays. Some of his most notable novels include “The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith”, “Confederates”, and “Schindler’s Ark”. His non-fiction works range from Australian history to biographies, including “Australians: Origins to Eureka” and “The Commonwealth of Thieves”. He has also written screenplays for films and television, notably the mini-series “The Dismissal”.

Personal life

Thomas Keneally has been married to Judith Martin since 1965. The couple has two daughters, Meg and Jane. Keneally resides in Sydney, Australia, where he enjoys a quiet life with his family. His daughter Meg Keneally has followed in his literary footsteps and has become an accomplished author in her own right. Despite his global recognition, Keneally has remained deeply connected to his Australian roots and is known for his down-to-earth personality and affable nature. He is an avid fan of rugby and cricket, and also enjoys reading, citing authors such as Hilary Mantel and Cormac McCarthy as his favourites.

Honours

Keneally’s significant contributions to literature have been widely recognised. In 1982, he won the Booker Prize for “Schindler’s Ark”. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983 for his services to literature and was declared a National Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1997. In 1991, he received the Helmerich Award, an American literary prize. In 2007, he was awarded the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature. Keneally has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney.

Has Thomas Keneally Ever Invested In Forex?

There is no public record of Thomas Keneally having invested in forex. As an established author, Keneally’s primary source of income and investment has been his writing career. Investing in the foreign exchange market, or forex, requires substantial financial knowledge and carries significant risk. This form of investment is usually done by individuals with extensive understanding of international economies and financial markets.

Given that Keneally’s career has focused on literature and storytelling, it’s unlikely that he has delved into complex financial investment strategies like forex trading. It’s also worth noting that celebrities and high-profile individuals often keep their financial matters private, so even if Keneally had invested in forex, this information might not be publicly available. However, it’s crucial to understand that investment decisions can vary widely among individuals and are influenced by personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Thomas Keneally most famous for?

Thomas Keneally is most famous for his novel “Schindler’s Ark” which won the Booker Prize in 1982. The novel tells the story of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The book was later adapted into the film “Schindler’s List” by Steven Spielberg, earning further international acclaim for Keneally.

• Is Thomas Keneally still writing?

Yes, as of 2023, Thomas Keneally is still active in his writing career. He has continually produced novels, non-fiction works, and articles, showing his unwavering passion for literature.

• Did Thomas Keneally serve as a priest?

No, while Keneally studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s Seminary, he left before being ordained. He later pursued his interest in literature and writing.

• Is “Schindler’s Ark” based on a true story?

Yes, “Schindler’s Ark” is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.

• How has Thomas Keneally contributed to Australian literature?

Thomas Keneally has made significant contributions to Australian literature through his diverse and extensive body of work. He has explored Australian history, culture, and identity in many of his works, bringing Australian stories to a global audience. His unique storytelling and prolific output have made him a cornerstone of contemporary Australian literature.