This week one of Australia’s pioneering novelists David Malouf passed away, leaving the world nine novels, ten collections of poetry, short stories collections and several libretti. The quietly spoken Queensland of Lebanese Christian and Jewish decent produced a range of novels that drew readers into the intensity of human experience and inspired generations of writers.
Stephen Hill asked Yvonne Smith author of David Malouf and the Poetic what it was about the writing of Malouf that will see his work savoured for many years to come
Works recommended: –
An Imaginary Life
Remembering Babylon
Ransom
Fly Away Peter
Image: Asset id: 176968928 AUSTRALIA – CIRCA 2010: A stamp printed in Australia shows David Malouf, Australian legends, circa 2010
Produced By: Stephen Hill
Featured In Story: Yvonne Smith, author of “David Malouf and the Poetic”
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 29 April 2026