John J. Cleary

Jon Stephen Cleary, born in Sydney in 1917, became a prolific Australian novelist and writer. He began his writing career during his army service in World War II, selling his first story in 1940 and winning a prize for the Daily Mirror the following year. His early work included short stories and his first novel, "You Can't See 'Round Corners" (1947). He achieved international success with "The Sundowners" (1952), which sold three million copies and allowed him to write full-time. Cleary's career spanned decades, during which he lived in various locations including London and Italy, travelled extensively for research, and saw many of his works adapted for film and television. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.

Cleary is perhaps most famous for creating the character Inspector Scobie Malone, who first appeared in "The High Commissioner" (1966). This novel launched a popular series of detective stories that continued for many years, with Malone featuring in numerous subsequent books. Despite living abroad for periods, Cleary eventually returned to Sydney permanently. His writing often explored Australian themes and settings, though he also set novels in diverse international locations. He demonstrated a commitment to his craft, viewing himself as a professional craftsman rather than just a popular author.

Born in Sydney in 1917, Jon Cleary's early life was marked by financial hardship. His father's imprisonment for theft led to the family losing most of their possessions, a formative experience that instilled in Cleary a strong sense of financial prudence. He left school at 14 to support his family, working various jobs. His initial foray into writing occurred in 1938 at the suggestion of a journalist friend of his father's, focusing on unemployment, though he found the process enjoyable despite initial reservations about self-pity.

Cleary enlisted in the Australian army in 1940, serving in the Middle East and New Guinea before being transferred to the Military History Unit. During his service, he began writing more regularly. He sold his first story in 1940 and won a prize the following year. His work gained traction when an editor submitted his short stories to an American agent, leading to publication in prominent American magazines. He also won a prize for a radio play and had a collection of his short stories published in 1946.

Cleary's first novel, "You Can't See 'Round Corners" (1947), was inspired by his army experiences. He continued writing, with his second novel, a thriller, penned at his editor's suggestion. His fourth novel, "The Sundowners" (1952), based on his father's life, became a significant bestseller, selling three million copies and enabling him to pursue writing full-time. He lived abroad for several years, including in Italy and London, travelling extensively for research and setting novels in various international locations, such as Spain, Burma, and Bhutan. He also contributed to screenplays and adapted his own work.

In London, Cleary conceived the character of Sydney detective Scobie Malone, who debuted in "The High Commissioner" (1966). This novel became the first in a long and popular series. After returning to Australia, Cleary continued to write, balancing international settings with his detective stories. He viewed himself as a professional craftsman, dedicating significant time to his novels. After personal tragedies, including the death of his daughter and his wife's declining health, he focused more on the Scobie Malone series, which allowed him to explore Australian stories for a global audience. He concluded the series and wrote three final novels before retiring.

“I remember sitting on the steps with Mum, who was weeping bitterly, and she said, 'Don't ever owe anything to anybody.' That sticks with you, and it's why I gained a justifiable reputation for being tight with money.”

“I realised at 40 I did not have the intellectual depth to be the writer I would like to be, so I determined to be as good a craftsman as I might be”

“I'm a professional craftsman and I should be judged on those standards. I like to think I'm a little better than a potboiler. If I was a pot boiler I would never take off eight months to write a novel.”

“Financially I could retire, mentally I couldn't”

“I was very, very lucky. We were in love from the day we met to the day we – sorry, I mean she – died.”