Aussie Readers discussion

I also read and loved it Michael. I found it much more enjoyable than The Slap. I agree with you that it was quite relatable and one that many Aussies can identify with. I think too that this book is a bit more mainstream ( and I don't mean that in a negative way) and will appeal to a wider audience. Although I think there are some die hards out there that wouldn't touch a Tsiolkas novel "with a ten foot pole". I do think though that they are missing out with this one but each to their own.

Really enjoyed it, beautifully devastating in parts. The kind of stuff he does so well

I will try to get to it soon, after we arrive home..great to hear it has been enjoyed by you guys.

Still haven't yet Michael!

For those of you that are fans and might be interested to know, author Christos Tsiolkas came into Dymocks Bookstore, where I work, to sign copies of his new book Barracuda. He is absolutely lovely and took the time to speak to every single person there and to make them feel special. He is very down to earth and although quite a well known author now, is not conceited at all. Michael you would have loved him, I'm sure. He did say that he already has ideas for another book which is very exciting!!! I would highly recommend his new book.

Must start this soon!!

Elaine wrote: "For those of you that are fans and might be interested to know, author Christos Tsiolkas came into Dymocks Bookstore, where I work, to sign copies of his new book Barracuda. He is absolutely lovely..."

He sound really nice Elaine. You must have been so excited to have met him :)

I need to start my copy of Barracuda soon too.

I agree with everything written in review; I hated it because it's overly long and the language is aggressive and confronting (I don't understand about being honest and real-to-life - where does everyone live???!!!) and I can't put it down and am only on here momentarily to comment before getting back into it. I started it last night and have nearly finished! It's slightly annoying in teenest parts (vegetarian pizza with anchovy???? Utalitarian seemingly misused) but so engrossing..........

I finally finished Barracuda and I'm in two minds about this book.

I thought Danny, and his supporting characters were well developed. Christos did a brilliant job in bring to life all the rage, paranoia and self hatred that Danny was struggling with and I really enjoyed the themes that were running through the book.

Yet I felt it was repetitive and long, it was like Christos was trying too hard to convince the reader how obsessed and driven Danny is - "I'm the strongest, I'm the fastest, I'm the best" – saying it over and over, that by the end it became monotonous.

And I immensely dislike the structure; the random shifts in time. I could do 2 – past and present tense - but these shifts were numerous. And it disrupted the flow because I was trying to work out what time period we were in.

I much preferred The Slap over this book.