'Tim Winton has written his way to become the darling of Australian readers who enjoy his rich prose evocative of the south-western landscape which he calls home. He can be regarded as a left-leaning writer who has a close affinity with the people and especially the land which he celebrates in his stories. His coastal narratives invariably vividly depict rural communities functioning in harmony with the beach culture. Winton’s focus is domestic, if not personal, fathoming the cultural and psychological impact of the Australian land. (Introduction)