 First edition | |
| Author | Thea Astley |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Penguin, Australia |
Publication date | 1985 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 185 |
| ISBN | 0140079122 |
| Preceded by | An Item from the Late News |
| Followed by | Reaching Tin River |
Beachmasters (1985) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley. [1] It won the 1986 ALS Gold Medal. [2]
The novel is set on the small Melanesian island of Kristi in the far-western Pacific. A band of discontented Kristians and sympathetic colonials launch a revolution against the island government, which is composed of both French and British officials. While no single character predominates, it is the dilemma of Gavi Salway trapped between ties of blood and tradition and forced to decide whether to aid or betray the revolution's leader that affects us most. [3]
"Astley almost disclaims the expectation that 'Beachmasters' might raise its readers' eyes — if not as far as the South Pacific, then at least to racial problems closer to home: 'You know, one does, but...
"'Writing's a funny business. You're just affected by a situation or an instant, and you've got to put it down. You know, if you're Robert Ludlum, maybe you'd affect millions. It's so hit-and-miss. Books die within six months, don't they? Unless you've written 'War and Peace'."' [4]
Thea Beatrice May Astley was an Australian novelist and short story writer. She was a prolific writer who was published for over 40 years from 1958. At the time of her death, she had won more Miles Franklin Awards, Australia's major literary award, than any other writer. As well as being a writer, she taught at all levels of education – primary, secondary and tertiary.
The Australian Literature Society Gold Medal is awarded annually by the Association for the Study of Australian Literature for "an outstanding literary work in the preceding calendar year." From 1928 to 1974 it was awarded by the Australian Literature Society, then from 1983 by the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, when the two organisations were merged.
David Neil Ireland was an Australian novelist.
The Well Dressed Explorer (1962) is a Miles Franklin Award-winning novel by Australian author Thea Astley. This novel shared the award with The Cupboard Under the Stairs by George Turner.
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The Acolyte is a Miles Franklin Award-winning novel by Australian author Thea Astley first published in 1972.
Drylands (1999) is a Miles Franklin Award-winning novel by Australian author Thea Astley. This novel shared the award with Benang by Kim Scott.
The Multiple Effects of Rainshadow (1996) is Thea Astley's second to last novel. It won The Age Book of the Year in 1996, and was shortlisted for the 1997 Miles Franklin Award.
Reaching Tin River (1990) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley.
Coda is a 1994 novel by Australian author Thea Astley.
Vanishing Points (1992) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley. It consists of two loosely linked novellas, The Genteel Poverty Bus Company and Inventing the Weather.
Beachmaster or beach master may refer to:
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1957.
A Descant for Gossips (1960) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley.
A Boat Load of Home Folk (1968) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1961.
Girl with a Monkey (1958) is a novel by Australian author Thea Astley.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1962.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1972.
This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1985.
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