Acclaimed Author Christos Tsiolkas

In 2008, his novel The Slap turned Australian author Chrisos Tsiolkas into a literary star.

The book won widespread acclaim, scooped a host of prizes, sold well over a million copies and was turned into a successful TV series.

Not bad. But now he’s back with his latest work, Barracuda, and to say it’s much-anticipated barely does it justice.

It tells the story of a young man determined to become a successful competitive swimmer, but as with The Slap – and all of Tsiolkas’ work – it’s about a lot more. It’s an insight into Australian class, identity and society, as seen through the lens of the country’s greatest obsession: sport.

Fresh off the book’s release, we spoke to Tsiolkas about success, gay marriage, and how YouTube is a writer’s worst enemy.

GQ: When did you finish writing Barracuda?

Christos Tsiolkas: Sometimes I think it’s never finished – you always find things to work on, but I completed a sixth draft in April this year.

GQ: Do you always think you could have played around with it a bit more?

Christos Tsiolkas: I think that with every piece of work, but there’s a point when you have to make the decision that it’s done. For me that was last year, when I knew I had a book that I was confident in. You can always tinker, but I’ve learned you have to let go.

Click here to read more about Barracuda, and check out this summer's essential reading.

Launch the gallery to read more of our interview with Christos Tsiolkas.