I think all novels are contemporary. When people went to see 'Antony-Cleopatra' at the Globe in the 16th century, they were not going to get a history lesson on the Roman Empire. It was about love, sex, and also about dynastic troubles. Richard Flanagan 16thantonycentury share on social
I'm a successful novelist, and I've been a lucky one, so I don't want to cry the poor mouth. Writing has never been easy. Richard Flanagan cryeasyhave Change image and share on social
Among many other reforms, Australians pioneered the secret ballot and universal suffrage. Richard Flanagan australianballotpioneer Change image and share on social
Companies that are terrifying to a writer are companies like Amazon. Richard Flanagan amazoncompanyterrify Change image and share on social
For much of the latter part of the 20th century, Australia seemed to be opening up to something large and good. It believed itself a generous country, the land of the 'fair go.' Richard Flanagan 20thaustraliabelieve Change image and share on social
After writing a novel, what is there to say? If a novelist could say it in a maxim, they wouldn't need 120,000 words, several years and sundry characters, plots and subplots, and so on. I'd much rather listen always. Richard Flanagan 000characterlisten share on social
Through my youth, there was imposed on us a culture relentlessly English. English books were all you could buy; English television filled our screens, and in consequence, England seemed to matter in a way that our world didn't. Richard Flanagan bookbuyconsequence share on social
I think if 'The Narrow Road To The Deep North' is one of the high points of Japanese culture, then the experience of my father, who was a slave laborer on the Death Railway, represents one of its low points. Richard Flanagan culturedeathdeep share on social
Within white Australia, there was a growing movement for what was known as reconciliation - a movement that peaked with millions marching in 2000 to demand the government say sorry for past injustices. Richard Flanagan australiademandgovernment 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
