Byron Shire Echo July 6,
byron bay
Writers FestivalConversion of the magistrateDirt Music by Tim Winton Jeff Linden I was mildly surprised but very honoured to be contacted by Beth Powditch with the request to do a book review for the upcoming writers festival.There is a first time for everything Beth, like Dee Tipping, epitomises what I love about this place. Seemingly with boundless energy they willingly and often I am sure to their fiscal and personal inconvenience give their time, energy and expertise to Byron Shire. They are inspirational and I jump at every opportunity where possible to assist them in their endeavours. I urge others to do likewise. Beth indicated that I could choose from a list of authors and works. A perusal of the available list disclosed a veritable feast of literary class. My eyes latched on to the name Tim Winton. I could not resist the temptation to review his work but immediately my day job training kicked in. I had to and hereby disclose a prejudice towards Mr Winton. I have a deep dislike for the man.The reason is simple but sad envy For years I have read Mr Wintons book Bugalugs Bum Thief to the delight particularly of children in our extended family. It is their most requested book. I then had the opportunity of seeing Lyndon and Liz Terraccinis NORPA presentation of the same book to a full house of squealing fans at Lismore. It was at this time my view of Mr Wintons ability to take such a simple tale and turn it into such a clever and brilliant piece of literature turned into a severe bout of envy plus a great deal of jealousy. The opportunity to review Mr Wintons book Dirt Music was therefore heaven sent. Knowing that the review would be published in The Echo I resolved to stick the knife in and twist it. All the reviews on the cover were in my mind irrelevant. What would they know My review would prevail and Mr Winton would be ruined, at least in Byron Bay. I resolved to do cluding romance in the true sense, pathos, frustration, revenge, humility, escapism and an amazingly descriptive travel narrative. As indicated earlier Mr Winton has the uncanny knack of weaving all these features into an entirely plausible and readable work. I found that I became an unwitting integral part of the story, living a number of parts, anticipating future moves of the characters. It is this art, at which Mr Winton excels, that keeps you glued to the pages and creates an obsession to keep reading until just the next chapter. My vocabulary, until conclusion of the book, became stained with the words Wont be long. In summation my mission to crucify Mr Winton was left in tatters. The book is brilliant, written with a clarity that defies description and in a manner, as indicated above, that draws you into the storylineplot in such a way that you live and are part of the tale. To succeed in this, Tim Winton discloses a rare gift, one that should be acknowledged and honoured. I do so today. If I can bring but a fraction of Tim Wintons talent to my job as a Judicial Officer I will be well satisfied. Tim Winton is the author of books. He has won many awards including three Miles Franklin Awards and has been shortlisted for the long. Another four chapters Booker Prize, confirming his finished status as one of the finest The conclusion of the novelists of his generation. book became a sad occasion. I had consumed it in a matter Jeff Linden has been a resof a few days. All that was left ident of the Byron Shire for for me was to pester people years and is a Magistrate with You must read. I do of the Local Court presiding not propose to survey the on the Tweed circuit. This story except to recommend circuit includes, amongst that the book be purchased others, both Mullumbimby and consumed. I can disclose and Byron Bay courts. He is that it transgresses the whole now a committed devotee of range of human emotion in- Tim WintonWin for your short storyin the Nicholas Shand Beach Hotel Short Story CompetitionGet entry forms now from Echo offices or the Beach Hotel Proudly supported by The EchoHertzberg HeydonAuthor Tim Winton, above photo Denise Fitch, and right, reviewing magistrate Jeff Linden.Byron Bay Writers Festivalmaking an easterly point J ULY A UGUST workshops from JulywRT erSit Fs el iVa Tickets available from Jetset, Byron Bay PHOTO CAL MACKINNONeverything I could to not enjoy the book. My rule of thumb with recreational reading is to cease a book almost entirely if I am not intrigued within the first few pages. On this premise I first opened the book at pm one mid weeknight expecting, indeed hoping, that after the first couple of pages I would shut it and reach a conclusion that the book was not worth reading. I then intended to write a poisonous review based on that premise. At 2am that morning I was cajoled to Turn off the bloody light and after a fearful Sorry, darling realised I had reached almost the halfway point. I had become instantly enmeshed in the characters, the story and the development of the plot to such an extent that it became painful to put the novel down. Indeed I looked for any excuse to pick it up.Tim Winton prima facie changed my toilet habits. Come on, JL, we are late, what are you doing in there Dont feel so good, wont beConsider it writsupporting the writers festival since its beginnings because our region deserves such cultural enrichmentSolicitors and Attorneys Festival tickets selling fastTickets are selling fast for this years Byron bay writers festival
with the Opening Night and the Fins Literary Lunch already sold out.There is only four weeks to go so organisers are urging you to get in and book now. Tickets are still available for lunch at the Bangalow Hotel on Thursday July . Roy Masters and Mick ORegan will discuss all the big issues politics, love, death, success, failure in order to get down to that key element of life, what is so important to all Australians. competitive sport. To understand life there is no better metaphor than sport. Who better than Roy Masters to unpick those cliques and guide us through the locker room of emotions into the victory lap of success This year food is one of the many focuses of the Festival. Chose between cooking demonstrations with Kylie Kwong or Janet de Neefe, Writing that Cookbook with Belinda Jeffery or Not Just Food with Nadine Abensur, Belinda Jeffery, Janet de Neefe and Fay Knight. To get a copy of the full program and order form or to purchase tickets, visit www. byronbaywritersfestival.com or phone .wi eR s T vA Rt eS I l F J ULY A UGUST workshops from Julymaking an easterly pointTIM WINTON RACHAEL KOHN KIRSTY SWORD GUSMAOByron Bay Writers Festival Tickets available from Jetset, Byron Bay HIGHLIGHTS W O R K S H O P S R E A D I N G S S TA G E S C R E E N P O E T RY C O N V E R S AT I O N S PA N E L S L I T E R A RY L U N C H B O O K L A U N C H E S K I DS E V E N T S S C H O O L S E V E N T S A N D M O R E AT T H E B Y R O N B AY W R I T E R S F E S T I VA L 2 0 0 4PHOTO CAL MACKINNON
