2012 seems to be replicating last year with the loss of some prolific Aussie authors.  Bryce Courtenay, well know for his popular and lengthy prose died last week on November 22 at the age of 79.

Arthur Bryce Courtenay was originally from South Africa, born in Johannesburg in 1933, but living in Lebombo until 1955. He met and married Benita whilst studying in London and then emigrated to Australia living in Sydney where he raised three children.

Hi first and possibly most famous novel, The Power of One, was published in 1989, shortly after being made into a film, and cementing Courtenay as a worldwide name. Each follow up book was met with great success, including Jessica, Tandia, Tommo and Hawk and others. His last book, Jack of Diamonds was published this year. Courtenay died from gastric cancer at home in Canberra.