At 68, Robert Forster, the legendary frontman of the Go-Betweens, has ventured into fiction with his debut novel Songwriters on the Run. The book, set in 1991 in central Queensland, tells the story of Mick Woods and Drew Lovelock, two rock-star-wrecked handsome men in their 30s who find themselves in trouble with the law.

The story begins with Mick and Drew, who've gained critical acclaim for their folk-rock sound, being caught by the police with a bag of weed and charged with credit card fraud and driving a stolen car. They're sent to a correctional facility but soon escape with the help of some helpful inmates. As they try to make their way to Melbourne to contact their unreachable manager, Bingo, they get entangled in a series of events that include impromptu gigs, drugs, and reflections on their attractiveness and brilliance. They don't have a clear plan, and their actions are largely driven by instinct.

The book is described as a comic odyssey and a crime thriller by Paul Kelly, but it doesn't live up to these expectations. The prose lacks melody and rhythm, and the dialogue is often plodding and full of exposition. Forster's experience and knowledge of music are apparent throughout the book, but they're not enough to save the story from its overall lack of emotional resonance. It's clear that Forster hasn't quite found his footing as a fiction writer.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its inability to evoke the world of music-making. Forster, who's written excellent music criticism in the past, seems to struggle to bring the same level of insight and passion to his fiction. The characters of Mick and Drew are more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out people. Their story feels like a series of disconnected events rather than a cohesive narrative. They're not well-developed, and it's hard to become invested in their lives.

A musing from Mick on songwriting sounds AI-generated: “Be universal, not personal. Do sneaky things like bring in characters, male or female, living in the present or past, to say and emote things you want to get across.” This quote encapsulates the book's overall lack of depth and authenticity. It doesn't offer any real insight into the songwriting process, and it comes across as forced.

Despite its shortcomings, the book does have some memorable moments, particularly when Forster describes the Australian scenes and locales of the past. His depiction of St Kilda in the 1980s, with its whippet-thing, track-suited desperados hunting for heroin, is a standout example of his ability to evoke a sense of time and place. He's able to transport readers to another era, and that's a notable achievement.

The book's release has been met with disappointment from critics, who had high expectations from Forster's debut novel. Songwriters on the Run is out now, published by Penguin Australia, and priced at $34.99. It's available for purchase, but it's not a must-read.

  • Robert Forster is the frontman of the Go-Betweens
  • Songwriters on the Run is his debut novel
  • The book is set in 1991 in central Queensland
  • The story follows two songwriters, Mick Woods and Drew Lovelock, who are on the run from the law
  • The book is described as a comic odyssey and a crime thriller, but it doesn't live up to these expectations

The lack of a Nigerian connection in this story means that it doesn't have a direct impact on the country or its citizens. However, the book's exploration of the music industry and the creative process may still be of interest to readers who enjoy stories about art and self-expression. They won't find a compelling narrative, but they may appreciate the book's themes.

As a journalist, it's clear that Forster has a deep understanding of the music world, but his transition to fiction hasn't been entirely successful. Perhaps with more practice and dedication, he'll be able to craft a story that truly showcases his talents as a writer. He won't give up, and that's a good thing.

For now, Songwriters on the Run remains a disappointing debut from an artist who's shown so much promise in other areas of his career. While it may not be the book that fans of the Go-Betweens were hoping for, it's still a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented musician and writer. It's a starting point, and Forster can build on it.