Robbie Arnott is the author of Dusk, Limberlost, The Rain Heron and Flames. He's twice won The Age Book of the Year, twice been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, and been shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize. He lives in Hobart with his family.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Hannibal. I'd like to ear some logistics about the elephant.