St Kilda, 1984: The heart of Melbourne's gritty music scene pulses with the promise of fame, fortune, and freedom. Joel Reed, a gifted guitarist with a passion for rock 'n' roll, has come to this bohemian beachside suburb to chase his dream. With an up-and-coming band and a loyal following, it seems like everything is falling into place. But beneath the surface, Joel's life is a façade - he's battling a heroin addiction and hiding his true self from the world. A closeted gay man in a city that celebrates machismo, Joel's existence is a dangerous balance of secrecy and survival.
When the band auditions for a new lead singer, Joel's world is shaken. Harry Engel, an eccentric and magnetic frontman, walks in and sweeps Joel off his feet. Torn between his feelings and the risk of destroying everything he's worked for, Joel remains silent, afraid of being exposed. But as the band rises to stardom, tragedy strikes - and Joel is forced to face the painful truth that the lies he's lived by are not enough to protect him.
For lovers of grunge lit/realist fiction.
About the Author :
Born in Melbourne, Australia, S.C. Farrow is a wayfarer and dreamer who is captivated by the complexities of trauma and resilience. Terminally yoked to her career, she loves exploring the raw edges of human experience, bringing common struggles to light in uncommon ways. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and occasionally works as a sessional lecturer.
Review :
Farrow's prose is evocative and compelling, drawing readers into Joel's world with vivid descriptions of the music scene and the atmospheric setting of St Kilda. The author skillfully weaves together the various threads of the narrative, seamlessly blending Joel's personal struggles with the overarching pursuit of musical success. Sanskrity Jha@Goodreads
The twists and turns she introduces within the storyline are what makes this book one of the best I have read about love, grief, guilt and life in a long time. You will find yourself pulling for Reed and hoping he can find the happiness he once felt, or at least thought he felt. I didn't want it to end! Well done S.C. Farrow! Looking forward to your next novel. BRAVO! John Kerry@Goodreads 2021
Farrow's writing is assured, her prose elegant, and the characterization first-rate. Her descriptive eye lends beauty and authenticity to the multilayered, complex narrative. Farrow has crafted a devastating, thoroughly engrossing story. BooksCoffee@Goodreads - 15/11/2020
T.H.I.S. is why I love to read because I feel pretty overwhelmed and moved at the moment. For lack of a better word, let me just say it was freakin' amazing. I think you get me. I found myself floating through the story. Some parts of this book are so incredibly intense and real, I just expected that these two guys would leap right off the pages. Insha Anam@Goodreads
OMG I am weeping. I have just finished your wonderful, wonderful book. I could not put it down. I had to read it in one sitting. My god what a powerful story and what a powerful writer you are! Anon 2024
