It is my greater pleasure to introduce everyone to my friend, the fantastic writer Jon Bauer.
His debut novel, Rocks in the Belly, was published last year by Scribe and has received great acclaim - including being longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award 2011 and winning the Indie Award for Debut Fiction 2011.
Rocks in the Belly
Rocks in the Belly is about a precocious eight-year-old boy and the volatile adult he becomes. During childhood his mother fosters boys, despite the jealous turmoil it arouses in her son. Jealousy that reaches unmanageable proportions when she fosters Robert, an amiable child she can’t help bonding with. Until the bond triggers an event that profoundly changes everyone. Especially Robert.
At twenty-eight the son returns to face his mother. He hasn’t forgiven her for what happened to Robert. But now she’s the dependent one and he the dominant force — a power he can’t help but abuse.
Written in two startlingly original voices, Rocks in the Belly is about the destruction we wreak on one another in the pursuit of our own happiness; how we never escape our upbringing; and a stark reminder that the most dangerous place for a child is within the family.
A compelling, powerful, and yet beautiful and funny novel.
Jon recently answered the following questions for the WLF Blog:
1. 25 words or less: why should people come and see you at WLF?
Writers festivals are a wonderful moment where the division between writer and reader blurs. I always find that inspiring. There's a wonderful transaction in gathering for a shared passion.
2. What do you want people to take away from your debut novel?
I want Rocks in the Belly to pick a reader up, gather them fully into the story, and to set them down at the end in a different place to where they started. It's a funny, moving, full-on book, I didn't want it to be the type of book that leaves you untouched.
3. What are you working on now?
Two books at once. One about a man going blind. The other is turning into quite the most distorted love story. I'm having so much fun with them.
4. Who are you most looking forward to seeing at WLF?
Chris Womersley. He's a funny and engaging public speaker, and his book Bereft is flying at the moment.You can catch Jon at WLF:
Getting your first novel across the line
Steven Amsterdam, Jon Bauer and Jonathan Griffiths
For more information,
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