Something similar to Tim Winton

Hello Aussies!

I'm from California but I've spent the greater part of the last few years immersed in Australia via novels and travel guides and some non fiction history tomes. I've ended up with a total yearning to go, which I can't do much about. BUT, I also have a deep fondness for Tim Winton novels, which hopefully is something I CAN do something about:

is there anyone here that can recommend an Australian novelist with a similar feel to Winton? My friend who lives near Melbourne just rolled her eyes when I asked, she said actual Australians are far less fond of him than those of us up here. She said high school was misery, being forced to read him at length. Clearly, not a fan.

But I'm hoping someone here can recommend something for me? I'd be grateful!

Thanks, Amy

Most people I know love Tim Winton - I can't understand why anyone would roll their eyes. I liked 'Cloudstreet' and 'The Riders' the best.

I had to do DH Lawrence at school and I suppose I would roll my eyes at that I suppose.

Can't think of anyone with a similar feel, although I will think of someone eventually. Peter Goldsworthy or Peter Carey can be recommended.

Sean

I haven't picked up anything of Tim Winton's because of all the hype!

Nothing like Tim Winton, but you might enjoy The Broken Shore by Peter Temple. It's crime-fiction, but nice spare writing and interesting characters.

You might also enjoy The Shark Net by Robert Drewe - crime nonfiction and some of the works of Alex Miller such as Journey to the Stone Country and The Ancestor Game.

You might also enjoy It's raining in Mango by Thea Astleyand some of the works of Kate Grenville.

Perhaps Peter Goldsworthy. Or Theft: A Love Story by Peter Carey? Or a novel by Alex Miller?

wow, thanks! I have a new wishlist! I'll start hunting for these titles today. Thank you SOOO much.

Amy

I'd say Robert Drew definitely, because like Winton, Robert Drewe has a strong sense of place in Western Australia. Also Andrew McGahan, particularly in The White Earth is a high quality Australian novelist.

Of Kate Grenville's I'd say The Secret River and I really enjoyed The Butterfly Man by Heather Rose. Both have a great sense of place.

I'd also agree that Robert Drewe and Alex Miller are a good place to start. You could also try Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.