Richard Flanagan's 'Wanting' delves into the unsettling tale of Mathinna, an Aboriginal girl taken into the household of the Governor of Van Diemen's Land, Sir John Franklin, and his wife, Lady Jane Franklin. Set against the brutal backdrop of 19th-century colonial Tasmania, the novel explores themes of desire, power, love, and loss. Flanagan masterfully weaves a narrative that exposes the deep-seated prejudices and devastating consequences of colonial expansion on indigenous lives, while also examining the intricate emotional landscapes of its characters. It's a poignant reflection on obsession, belonging, and the profound longing for connection in a world defined by stark inequalities and devastating acts.