The life of William Morris – poet, designer, socialist visionary – and the music of Björk – Icelandic chanteuse extraordinaire: are these the materials for a modern opera? The Inner West Creative Mime Atelier think so. As their project unfolds to the dream-like tempo of a Sydney summer, it intersects the lives of the narrator, his grandchild, his daughter Gracie and her intended spouse. His wife’s absence meanwhile gives the narrator time to ponder the theory of narrative, the roles that life calls on us to play, and the disturbing fascination of the ensemble’s young choreographer.

Alex Jones, after a brief career in the law, spent his working life teaching at the University of Sydney. His interests there included Old English, linguistic theory, the literature of fantasy, and Australian English, both written and spoken. His first novel, Helen Garner and the Meaning of Everything, was published by Puncher and Wattmann in 2006.

What the critics said about Alex Jones’s previous novel:

“Simply one of the most engaging and stimulating works of literary fiction I’ve read.” – Catharine Lumby

“Almost absurdist, definitely brilliant … A delight to read.” – Kerryn Goldsworthy, Sydney Morning Herald

“A Da Vinci Code for clever people.” – Sophie Gee, Sydney Morning Herald

“It will probably become an Australian classic … could be described as an Australian Pilgrim’s Progress… a great read.” – Helen Hall, ABC radio review

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