Christos Tsiolkas

Christos Tsiolkas (Melbourne, 1965) is an Australian writer of Greek descent. He is regarded as one of the most important contemporary Australian authors. He has previously written novels and short stories, with The Slap serving as his international breakthrough.

Date: Thursday 10 July 2014
Time: 20.00
Location: BorderKitchen, Kerkstraat 11, The Hague
Tickets €5 can be reserved via 070-3462355 or info@borderkitchen.nl

In Barracuda, Daniel Kelly, who comes from a working-class neighbourhood in Melbourne, dreams of winning Olympic gold in swimming. After being scouted by a coach from a prestigious private school, he is awarded a scholarship. However, his wealthy and self-assured classmates reject him. The contrast between Daniel’s colourful, warm family life at home and the harsh competition at school is striking. When Daniel, also known as Barracuda, loses everything, he learns what it means to be a good person and what it takes to become one. Barracuda by Christos Tsiolkas is not only about performance anxiety and self-confidence, but also a social portrait of sports-obsessed Australia. It is a novel about friendship and family bonds, dreams and disillusionment.

Barracuda is translated by Tjadine Stheeman and Onno Voorhoeve and will be published in June 2014 by Ambo Anthos.