Robert Drewe

Robert Drewe is a prominent Australian writer who began his career as a journalist before establishing himself as a respected novelist and short story writer. His work frequently explores Australian identity, coastal life, and the intersection of personal and national histories. Initially achieving recognition as a journalist for major Australian newspapers including The West Australian and The Age, Drewe won two Walkley Awards and became Sydney chief of The Age at just 21 years old. His transition to fiction writing began in 1976 with his debut novel "The Savage Crows." Drewe's most acclaimed works include "The Bodysurfers," which was adapted into a successful ABC television series, and "The Shark Net," a memoir that won multiple literary awards and provided a vivid portrait of Perth in the 1950s and 1960s. His novel "Our Sunshine," about the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, was adapted into the film "Ned Kelly" starring Heath Ledger. The coastal landscape of Australia features prominently in Drewe's writing, reflecting his upbringing in Western Australia and his ongoing fascination with beach culture and maritime themes. His work consistently demonstrates a deep engagement with Australian history and contemporary society, often exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the relationship between landscape and character.

Readers praise Drewe's vivid descriptions of Australian landscapes and coastal settings. His memoir "The Shark Net" receives regular mentions for its portrayal of 1950s Perth and true crime elements. Several readers note his journalistic background shows through in sharp observational details. Common positive comments highlight: - Strong sense of place and atmosphere - Complex character relationships - Blend of personal and historical narratives Main criticisms focus on: - Slow pacing in some novels - Occasional meandering plotlines - Uneven story collections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: The Shark Net: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) The Drowner: 3.6/5 (300+ ratings) Our Sunshine: 3.5/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: The Shark Net: 4.1/5 Grace: 3.8/5 One reader noted: "His short stories can be hit or miss, but when they hit - like in 'The Bodysurfers' - they're unforgettable."

Our Sunshine (1991) A reimagining of notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly's life from his own perspective, exploring the complexities of his character and the historical context of colonial Australia.

The Drowner (1996) A historical novel set in the 1890s following a Western Australian engineer who specializes in water procurement, weaving together themes of love, ambition, and the harsh realities of the Australian landscape.

The Bodysurfers (1983) A collection of linked short stories exploring Australian beach culture, family relationships, and coastal life through multiple generations of characters.

The Shark Net (2000) A memoir detailing Drewe's coming-of-age in Perth during the 1950s and 1960s, intertwined with the story of a serial killer who operated in the area.

The Savage Crows (1976) A debut novel following a journalist investigating the nineteenth-century extinction of Tasmanian Aboriginal people while dealing with his own personal crisis.

Fortune (1986) A novel exploring themes of luck, fate, and identity through the story of a man who wins the lottery and becomes entangled in complex relationships.

Grace (2005) A novel set on Western Australia's coast that interweaves multiple narratives about a photographer, a biologist, and their encounters with both human and natural threats.

Tim Winton crafts narratives deeply rooted in coastal Western Australia, with similar themes of identity and connection to landscape as Drewe. His focus on ocean culture and coming-of-age stories in works like "Breath" and "Cloudstreet" mirrors Drewe's preoccupation with Australian coastal life.

Peter Carey explores Australian historical figures and national identity through both fiction and reimagined histories, like Drewe's treatment of Ned Kelly. His work demonstrates comparable journalistic attention to detail and a focus on uniquely Australian stories and characters.

David Malouf writes about Australian identity and the intersection of personal/historical narratives in works like "Remembering Babylon". His exploration of memory and place in Australian settings shares common ground with Drewe's autobiographical works.

Helen Garner combines journalistic background with literary writing, moving between fiction and non-fiction like Drewe. She focuses on Australian life and culture through both personal memoir and broader social observation.

Richard Flanagan examines Australian history and identity through both fiction and non-fiction, with attention to landscape and cultural memory. His work, like Drewe's, demonstrates strong journalistic influence while exploring distinctly Australian themes and experiences.