The Deal
'Alex Miller only improves with age. The structure, pacing and mellowness of his new novel, The Deal , make it an understated achievement. Decades of experience are plainly evident in the craftsmanship of this book . . . in Miller's fiction, a serious quest for redemption always sits creatively alongside the confusions and compromises that make our lived experience.' - The Age It's 1975, and at the threshold of his writing career Andy McPherson is navigating how to be fully present both for his partner, Jo, and their young daughter. When forced to take a part-time teaching job Andy meets Lang Tzu, a charismatic and intriguing man. Andy is drawn deeper into a dangerous relationship when Lang asks him to prove his friendship by brokering a risky deal for a much-desired piece of art. Andy finally consents despite Jo's opposition. In the process, Andy is in fact negotiating his own deal with himself as an artist and is compelled to face up to the conflict between his conception of art as a creative gift and the realities of the art market. Powerful and perceptive, Miller's profound and intimate depiction of Jo and her partnership with Andy, and his poignant portrait of Lang's troubled genius, form the beating heart of this beautiful novel. 'Miller's writing is crisp and to the point as he explores complex themes of diaspora and racism stemming from the White Australia policy, intergenerational trauma, the dulling of personal identity that comes with parenthood, and the realities of being an artist in a capitalist world. The Deal is a moving novel about art, friendship, legacy and personal history, for fans of Miller's already compelling catalogue.' - Big Issue 'This novel explores the complexities of friendship, a theme central to Miller's thinking and brought to life in his 2020 biography, Max . It also considers the pros and cons of marriage and parenthood, the fear of failure, the White Australia policy and the elusiveness of art . . . [a] wistful, bittersweet novel, written in Miller's elegant, touching prose.' - Saturday Paper 'Intimate and nuanced set of psychological portraits that operate as the foundation of The Deal . . . Miller proves he is a master at engaging the reader's emotions. Almost any reader is guaranteed to shed a tear as they reach The Deal 's conclusion.' - The Australian
Author: Alex Miller
Format: Paperback, 304 pages, 155mm x 235mm
Published: 2024, Allen & Unwin, Australia
Genre: General & Literary Fiction
Description
'Alex Miller only improves with age. The structure, pacing and mellowness of his new novel, The Deal , make it an understated achievement. Decades of experience are plainly evident in the craftsmanship of this book . . . in Miller's fiction, a serious quest for redemption always sits creatively alongside the confusions and compromises that make our lived experience.' - The Age It's 1975, and at the threshold of his writing career Andy McPherson is navigating how to be fully present both for his partner, Jo, and their young daughter. When forced to take a part-time teaching job Andy meets Lang Tzu, a charismatic and intriguing man. Andy is drawn deeper into a dangerous relationship when Lang asks him to prove his friendship by brokering a risky deal for a much-desired piece of art. Andy finally consents despite Jo's opposition. In the process, Andy is in fact negotiating his own deal with himself as an artist and is compelled to face up to the conflict between his conception of art as a creative gift and the realities of the art market. Powerful and perceptive, Miller's profound and intimate depiction of Jo and her partnership with Andy, and his poignant portrait of Lang's troubled genius, form the beating heart of this beautiful novel. 'Miller's writing is crisp and to the point as he explores complex themes of diaspora and racism stemming from the White Australia policy, intergenerational trauma, the dulling of personal identity that comes with parenthood, and the realities of being an artist in a capitalist world. The Deal is a moving novel about art, friendship, legacy and personal history, for fans of Miller's already compelling catalogue.' - Big Issue 'This novel explores the complexities of friendship, a theme central to Miller's thinking and brought to life in his 2020 biography, Max . It also considers the pros and cons of marriage and parenthood, the fear of failure, the White Australia policy and the elusiveness of art . . . [a] wistful, bittersweet novel, written in Miller's elegant, touching prose.' - Saturday Paper 'Intimate and nuanced set of psychological portraits that operate as the foundation of The Deal . . . Miller proves he is a master at engaging the reader's emotions. Almost any reader is guaranteed to shed a tear as they reach The Deal 's conclusion.' - The Australian
The Deal