If 30 Australians drowned in Sydney Harbour, it would be a national tragedy. But when 30 or more refugees drown off the Australian coast, it is a political question. Richard Flanagan australiancoastdrown Change image and share on social
In Tasmania, an island the size of Ireland whose primeval forests astonished 19th-century Europeans, an incomprehensible ecological tragedy is being played out. Richard Flanagan 19thastonishcentury Change image and share on social
Under Howard, federal government support for black Australia slowly dried up. Services were slashed, native title restricted. Richard Flanagan australiablackdry Change image and share on social
I come from a tiny mining town in the rainforest in an island at the end of the world. My grandparents were illiterate. Richard Flanagan endgrandparentilliterate Change image and share on social
We live in a material world, not a dramatic one. And truth resides not in melodrama, but in the precise measure of material things. Richard Flanagan dramaticlivematerial Change image and share on social
I read incessantly, searching for the things that might move me. Richard Flanagan incessantlymoveread Change image and share on social
I am the happiest writing and being with the people I love. Richard Flanagan happylovepeople Change image and share on social
When I was younger, I was full of smart things to say about all my books. Richard Flanagan bookfullsmart Change image and share on social
The past is there, but life is circular. I have a strong sense of the circularity of time. Richard Flanagan circularcircularitylife Change image and share on social
As a novelist, you have to be free. Books can't be an act of filial duty. Richard Flanagan actbookduty Change image and share on social
