INTERVIEWS by Nathan David Kelly

The Big Issue No. XXX, January 6 - January 21, 2003

Bryce Courtenay

The Hot Seat: Bryce Courtenay

Like getting sun burnt, drinking until you fall over and whipping the English at Cricket bagging Bryce Courtenay is an Australian tradition. Every time he produces one of his mammoth novels, the county’s book reviewers rush to their word-processors to pound out their derision.

But whatever they write, no one seems able to dent Courtenay's popularity. Since his first novel. The Power of One, was published in 1996, ex-adman Courtenay has sold rather a lot of books. It’s rumored he gets a million bucks a pop advance from his current publisher, Penguin.

Not that the sniping doesn't hurt. But it doesn't stop him working – Courtenay has a new book, Matthew Flinders Cat, out now ("about alcoholics and street people and the homeless and a cat too," he says.)

What achievement are you proud of?

It sounds so corny, but I absolutely have to say that it was raising three sons – and they all turned out to be decent guys.

What was your claim to fame at school?

There are two places to hide in life: one is to just disappear into the crowd and be a nobody, and the other is to get so far in front that nobody realizes you are shitting yourself. I was the guy who got so up front so nobody could see I was shitting myself.

What makes you happy?

There is so much hate in the world, and to love is so easy. Loving the person I am with, physically loving, loving my country – that’s what makes me happy. Its certainly not money, or possessions. I was born illegitimately, I come from absolutely nowhere – money is not going to solve those problems, or convince me I am better than any other bloke.

What makes you angry?

I come from South Africa, where racism was endemic, and I cannot abide racism of any kind. What's worrying me enormously is this whole Muslim thing. It's not good for the Australian soul to hate people because of their religion, or the colour of their skin. The fact that those terrorists happen to be Muslims doesn't mean every Muslim is a terrorist. Politicians that push that line makes me very angry – like the present Prime Minister. (Muslim immigrants) are mums and dads with families. Why the hell do you think they come to Australia? To be safe, to put bread on their table, to educate their kids, to create them into Australians.

When was the last time you made a fool of yourself?

I do it so constantly. I honestly believe that it's absolutely, hugely helpful to make an arse of yourself every now and again; to try something new.

What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?

The Lord of the Rings. I just love Tolkien, I think he was one of the great storytellers of all time.

What book are you reading and is it any good?

The Carpet Wars – It's about carpets and Afghanistan. I’m trying to understand the background to Afghanistan and who these people are and what they believe, the various tribes... This guy has done it through the carpets they weave. It's a very interesting story.

Describe the last dream you remember having?

A very good mate said, "Bryce, we have to look at your credentials because you're in deep shit and I know there is a solution somewhere." He produced this large box. Inside it was a piece of string, a knife, a teddy bears head and two turds. And Then I woke up.

Interview and photograph by Nathan David Kelly