Bryce Courtenay, AM (14 August 1933 – 22 November 2012) was a South African novelist who also held Australian citizenship. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One. Read full biography of Bryce Courtenay →
People say I don't write books, I make Christmas presents.
If I were king of the world there wouldn't be boat people, there would only be people coming in boats. I would mix us all up so that we were all... →
I was born illegitimately and almost immediately, as I understand it, placed in an orphanage. So my very earliest memories were in an orphanage. It... →
The only thing I can say that is wonderful about my mother is she forced me to learn three verses of the Bible every day of my life, and I've... →
I'm going to die with my mind intact. And to me that is the most exciting way you could possibly die.
Advertising seemed almost natural to me because it was a business where you had to inform, persuade and educate. And so from being a junior... →
Advertising was only meant to be a very small part of my life. I had intended that I would work extensively in journalism for about five or six years... →
I am essentially an entertainer and a storyteller.
I tell myself lies and soon I believe them.
My job is essentially that of an entertainer, no different to that of a musician, no different to that of an actor. I just happen to be an author.
The only thing that's authentic about what a writer writes is his work.
What's the point in being an unpopular writer? It just doesn't make a lot of sense. For me it doesn't, anyway.
I guess my use-by date is just about up but if I could come back as a storyteller now, I would be jumping over the moon because wow, just think... →
Bryce Courtenay, AM (14 August 1933 – 22 November 2012) was a South African novelist who also held Australian citizenship. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.