About David
Dr David Gormley-O'Brien is a writer and historian based in Woodend, Victoria, where he lives with his partner, Sara, on a smallholding with geese, ducks and chickens, a dog named Mavis, and a bossy cat called Franklin.
He enjoyed a long career as a university lecturer in the history of ideas and religions in Late Antiquity. After completing his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford in 2005, his research focused on ancient philosophical conventions of self-sufficiency and friendship.
In recent years, David's work has turned to the human aftermath of war, migration, and national identity. Through historical fiction, he explores how the upheavals of the early and mid 20th century shaped the ways everyday Australians understood themselves and others.
When not researching and writing, David enjoys gardening and maintaining his 50 year old Land Rover. He is also a keen advocate for renewable energy, electric vehicles (bikes and cars), and climate change mitigation and adaptation. He served four years as president of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and was named Macedon Ranges Citizen of the Year in 2022.
David's first historical novel - An Attractive Naivety - was published in July 2024.
The companion novel - Ashes & Sakura - was published in August 2025.
Both books are available in paperback (Amazon Print on Demand and Kindle e-books). Audiobooks will be become available in the near future.
