I've just finished reading Dirt Music, I really loved it. I got the book ages ago after reading Cloud Street and the Turning but I only got a few pages in, I must have been Wintoned out at the time because I just tore through it. I found it to be a really emotional book, I cried about 3 times. I really love Dirt Music as a title it's wonderful.

Winton really annoys me. He's a brilliant writer... gorgeous prose... but he never ties anything up. You're always left hanging e.g. The Riders.

Yes I find that frustrating too. I suppose with Dirt Music I tied it up myself. but as a rule I like to told a story beginning to end, same with movies, I'm tired of movies not just being a story for the sake of a story.

I was talking about this author to a colleague today. I asked her what his books are like, and she replied, "good, but they're all about Australian losers. He needs a new topic, I think."

I guess you just had to be there. I'll give 'Dirt Music' a try though.

Totally agree with you Daniella.

Another great Australian author who has Winton-like moments, but actually ties things up is Andrew McGahan. The White Earth was fabulous.

I don't think Winton's books are all about "Australian losers" That's a bit harsh.
Yes, he writes about Australians because he is Australian and it tends to be very character driven. But there's nothing wrong with damaged characters. That's life and it provides a richness to the reading experience. He's not bloody Dan Brown