A novel about the biggest intersections of life: of art and commerce, of intimacy and distance, of talent and entitlement, and of labour and privilege, The Work is dazzling and funny, an epic and forensic exploration of modern love and passion, politics and power.
Lally has invested everything into her gallery in Manhattan and the sacrifices are finally paying off. Pat is a scholarship boy desperate to establish himself in Sydney's antiquities scene. When they meet at New York's Armory Show their chemistry is instant - fighting about art and politics is just foreplay.
With an ocean between them they try to get back to work, but they're each struggling to balance money and ambition with the love of art that first drew them to their strange industry. Lally is a kingmaker, bringing exciting new talent to the world, so what's the problem if it's also making her rich? Pat can barely pay his rent and he isn't sure if he's taking advantage of his clients or if they are taking advantage of him, and which would be worse? Their international affair ebbs and flows like the market, while their aspirations and insecurities are driving them both towards career-ending mistakes.
If love costs and art takes, what price do we pay for wanting it all? The Work is about the biggest intersections of life: of art and commerce, of intimacy and distance, of talent and entitlement, and of labour and privilege. Dazzling, funny and unforgettable, it is an epic and forensic exploration of modern love and passion, politics and power.
“This novel isn’t just good; it’s superb. Assured, and powerful, and intelligent, and very, VERY hard to put down. I consumed it in a passion.”
Meet author Bri Lee over a delicious two course Muse lunch including wine and coffee.
Tickets: $80 (includes two course lunch, drinks, and a copy of the book RRP $32.99)
Space strictly limited to 20 guests
Indicative running order
12:00pm Doors open; meet & greet + book signing
12:30pm Guests seated
1:00pm First course served
1:30pm Second course served
2:00pm Event concludes
Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning author of Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to Be Smart. Her journalism, essays, and short stories have been published widely, and she is the creator and editor of News & Reviews. The Work is Bri's debut novel.
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