Trent Dalton's own story in five songs

Trent Dalton is a master storyteller. His debut novel Boy Swallows Universe is an international bestseller, it was turned into a Netflix series and recently voted as Australia’s #1 read of the last quarter century, in Radio National's Top 100 books.

A Walkley Award winning journalist, Trent followed this stunning debut with several other works of fiction, and a collection of Love Stories from the streets of Brisbane. And now he has a new novel, Gravity Let Me Go, for us to sink our teeth into.

You’re about to hear an incredible conversation; some big yarns and the music that has shaped Trent Dalton’s whole life story. If you know him, you know he’s a massive music fan, and I’ve been wanting to have him Take 5 for yonks. I soon found out the feeling was mutual.

Trent Dalton's song choices:

• Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover'
• Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday'
• Pearl Jam - 'Alive'
• Powderfinger - 'These Days'
• Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods'

00:00 Introduction and Opening Anecdote

00:19 Meet Trent Dalton: A Master Storyteller

01:40 The Power of Music in Writing

03:00 SONG 1: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover'

03:26 Family War Story and the Ultimate Sacrifice

08:48 Love Stories and Personal Reflections

14:29 SONG 2: Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday'

14:46 A Tale of Two Parents

24:05 Pearl Jam: A Lifelong Influence

27:22 Reflecting on Pearl Jam's Influence

28:28 A Memorable Graduation Night

29:58 Meeting Eddie Vedder

31:37 SONG 3: Pearl Jam - 'Alive'

34:58 The Impact of Boy Swallows Universe

37:24 The Love Story with Fiona

39:32 Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning

42:33 SONG 4: Powderfinger - 'These Days'

45:26 Writing About Long-Term Relationships

48:44 SONG 5: Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods'

52:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts