Let’s leave the sad girl novelists behind and look at Malcolm Knox’s novel The Life, which was published in 2011.

It doesn’t matter that it was written by a man, or woman or a hungry Labrador. It’s a standout in Australian literary fiction.

His main character, Dennis is a fat, has-been surfer who has stewed his brain with years of drug abuse. He is cared for by his doting Mum. The narrative, which borders on stream of consciousness, is brilliant. It’s innovative and unique.

Knox has created a Cook’s tour of DK’s fucked-up mind. It’s not always pleasant, but anyone who thinks to be mad is to be spiritually enlightened, needs to think again.

Dennis Keith (DK) is a surfing god and dysfunctional misfit. His thoughts churn in OCD relentless cycles, fixating on the surf, other surfers wasting waves and the whereabouts of his girlfriend.

The Life, focuses on the early to mid 1970s. A time when surfing came of age in Australia. A new aggressive breed of surfer was emerging and if this book isn’t based on Michael Peterson (MP), I’ll eat my keyboard.

When I was learning to surf at Greenmount many years ago, I saw MP surf. He was a built live a Greek god. I was 17 and stood in the water holding my surfboard like a novice.

As he walked up to me he said, “Get the fuck out of my way.”

One day, others will write as well as Knox and this book – but don’t hold your breath.