I love Tim Winton’s work normally – Cloudstreet and Shallows are two of my most favourite novels ever. But The Riders is just turgid to get through. It’s hard to feel any sympathy for the main character of Scully. It’s one thing to be self-destructive, it’s another to take your child down with you. And there is such an air of misogyny that hangs over the book – except for his child all the women are portrayed as evil, soulless bitches out to get our hapless hero. It’s bizarre, considering Winton’s other novels where women play such prominent and equal roles (well, they are at least as equally flawed as their male counterparts). Disappointing.

had to read this for yr 12 lit. hated it. the mc was so irritating and pathetic. grr! it was far longer than it should have been.