Jennifer Byrne presents: Tim Winton

At the early time of 8pm tonight, Jennifer Byrne talks to acclaimed author Tim Winton, best known for his novel, Cloudstreet.

The last time Jennifer Byrne went to Western Australia to interview Tim Winton, it was 22 years ago and Winton was, at that time, one of the country’s most promising young writers. He was on the cusp of his first major commercial success with the release of his breakthrough novel, Cloudstreet. Over the last two decades, Winton has solidified his position as an author of serious significance within the Australian cultural landscape. On the eve of the release of his first novel in five years, Jennifer revisits Tim’s native WA to chat with him once again.

Winton is a quintessentially Australian writer – not only does he draw much of his inspiration from our landscape he also thinks the Australian accent is ‘gorgeous’ and our colloquialisms are ‘poetic’. However, he is not without a critical eye for the country he so obviously loves, claiming Australia is “anxious to bulldoze its doubts and bury its past”.

In this wide ranging interview with this private and reclusive author, Winton talks about the new film adaptation of his short story collection, The Turning, as well as his experience writing his latest novel Eyrie. Tim also opens up about how his life has changed, as well as the ways in which it has stayed the same. His passion for environmental causes, his preoccupation with class and his love of children all shine through.

8pm Thursday ABC1.