Greek Australian author of The Slap, Barracuda, Damascus and 7 1/2 has penned a new book, In-Between which revolves around two middle-aged men, Ivan and Perry, who meet up after discovering each other on an online dating site. Both men carry the scars of past loves, yet they can’t help feeling the spark of possibility.
This has been described as an “honest yet tender story” which explores relationships i from transitory sexual encounters to durable love; relationships that are “passionate but dangerous, and those which are supportive and safe” says Emma Davison from Readings Malvern.
Importantly, Tsiolkas demonstrates that although two relationships can be very different, this doesn’t necessarily mean one is more valued than another. ‘Tsiolkas has an incredible ability to write with both sensitivity and candour, and while there were times when I was taken aback by his raw descriptions of sexuality, I was also really moved by the vulnerability in the writing,’ Davison adds.
The narration switches between the two men throughout the story, and as it progresses, we learn more about their pasts. Interestingly, neither Ivan nor Perry are particularly likeable characters, but what is more important is that they are realistic ones.
The men come from different social backgrounds and have distinct social circles, and as a result clash often over worldviews.
In one scene when a different characters have a dinner party and, after a few drinks, the topic of conversation inevitably gets heated and the resulting in a complex, and multifaceted conversation, immerses the reader according to Davison.
“Tsiolkas perfectly captured a situation in which I’m sure we have all been involved before,” writes Davison.
“This isn’t a simple love story, and it isn’t a particularly beautiful one either, but if you want to read something real, then this is perfect. This is a story about love in its entirety,” says Davison.
Christos Tsiolkas will be in conversation with Angela Savage on Wednesday, November 1 at 6.30pm.