Trent Dalton's own story in five songs episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 20, 2025 · 54 MIN

Trent Dalton's own story in five songs

from Take 5 · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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 Anecdote00:19 Meet Trent Dalton: A Master Storyteller01:40 The Power of Music in Writing03:00 SONG 1: Vera Lynn - '(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover'03:26 Family War Story and the Ultimate Sacrifice08:48 Love Stories and Personal Reflections14:29 SONG 2: Melanie - 'Ruby Tuesday'14:46 A Tale of Two Parents24:05 Pearl Jam: A Lifelong Influence27:22 Reflecting on Pearl Jam's Influence28:28 A Memorable Graduation Night29:58 Meeting Eddie Vedder31:37 SONG 3: Pearl Jam - 'Alive'34:58 The Impact of Boy Swallows Universe37:24 The Love Story with Fiona39:32 Powderfinger and Bernard Fanning42:33 SONG 4: Powderfinger - 'These Days'45:26 Writing About Long-Term Relationships48:44 SONG 5: Taylor Swift - 'Out Of The Woods'52:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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