Tim Winton draws breath from a reckless youth

Tim Winton draws breath from a reckless youth : "TIM WINTON will not be holding his breath for the publication next week of his first novel for seven years. That is probably because there are enough people in the book doing it for him."

It'll take off. Just as Dirt Music did. Tim Winton has grown into one of our best authors because he understands our pain, he understands the malaise which is running through us and he understands how Australia can make you strong and weak all at once. I have just finished a book of short stories,The Turning. There is one on domestic violence which pulls no punches ( pardon the pun) and it cuts right to the quick because you understand how easily it happens, how messed up everyone is and then how brutal and relentless it is in its impact. Some of his stories are not for the faint hearted because he really does get inside people's skin and it's not always pleasant there but it does help you realise that these are people you recognise. The depression in Australia has to do with our land and us. There's uplifting stuff too. Tim Winton grabs us and takes us on a journey of self discovery and I cannot believe this is the guy of Lockie Leonard fame. He is such a great writer now and as a keeper of australiana we couldn't have any one better. No,he won't be bothered about his new book. He'll know he needs a rest now and the book will sink or swim according to our whim...but I think it'll go great guns.