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Off the Record: A Novel

By Craig Sherborne
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Off the Record: A Novel by Craig Sherborne delves into the world of journalism through the eyes of a playwright named Callum Smith. The protagonist grapples with professional and personal turmoil as he confronts ethical dilemmas and the impact of his ambition. This novel intricately explores themes of integrity and identity against the backdrop of a fickle media industry.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this novel if you're drawn to stories that delve into the world of journalism, exploring the complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by its protagonist. Its engaging narrative offers insights into personal ambition, media influence, and human relationships, making it a captivating read for those interested in contemporary fiction.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A satirical novel by Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlisted author Craig Sherborne, Off the Record stylishly skewers tabloid journalism and male vanity.

Callum Smith—Wordsmith, Words for short—is a newspaper journalist of the old school. He knows how to write a story that sings, knows all the tricks of the tabloid trade. And he likes to drink with his colleagues, sometimes flirting dangerously with young women.

When his marriage blows up after a night of drinking goes way too far, Words is forced to leave the family home. Desperate to impress his estranged wife and feckless teenage son, he quits his job, taking a pay cut to work with a new online publication covering local crime. There, the plum role of editor will soon be his, he reasons.

To Words, "Honesty is a thief—it steals your life." Better to do whatever it takes to get back in someone's good books. And that is what he sets out to do, in a series of ever more calamitous, destructive, and amoral adventures.

Will the irredeemable Words win back his family? Or is comeuppance around the corner?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Off the Record: A Novel by Craig Sherborne has been lauded for its sharp satirical insight into the world of journalism. Reviews frequently highlight its darkly comedic tone, with the protagonist, Callum "Words" Smith, serving as both a detestable yet oddly compelling character. Critics appreciate the novel's biting critique of sensationalist journalism and its exploration of the cost of vanity and professional compromise. The writing is praised for its pacy and skilful narrative, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925603248

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 January 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 400g

Pages: 352

Collections

Craig Sherborne Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Craig Sherborne’s memoir Hoi Polloi (2005) was shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s and Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. The follow-up, Muck (2007), won the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award for Non-fiction. Craig’s first novel, The Amateur Science of Love (2011), won the Melbourne Prize for Literature’s Best Writing Award, and was shortlisted for a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and a NSW Premier’s Literary Award. His second novel, Tree Palace (2014), was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award.
Craig has also written two volumes of poetry, Bullion (1995) and Necessary Evil (2005), and a verse drama, Look at Everything Twice for Me (1999). He lives outside Melbourne.

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