With the publication of his latest book, Fortune Cookie, Bryce Courtenay cements his reputation as one of Australia’s most popular novelists. It’s surprising then that he came to writing late in life - after another life as an advertising executive and looking after his son.
He recalls the loss of his son Damon, a haemophiliac who contracted AIDs, and how this personal tragedy led him to write April Fool’s Day. He also recalls his advertising career that gave him material for Fortune Cookie.