Steve Toltz started his literary career with his critically acclaimed debut novel A Fraction of the Whole, which was short-listed for the 2008 Man Booker Prize and the 2008 Guardian First Book Award. His second novel, Quicksand, was released in September, 2015. Toltz experienced life as a cameraman, telemarketer, security guard, private investigator, English teacher and a screenwriter before beginning his literary career. He has lived in North America, Europe and Australia. Toltz’s appearance has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body and the Melbourne Writers Festival.

Quicksand

Liam is a struggling writer and a failing cop. Aldo, his best friend and muse, is a haplessly criminal entrepreneur with an uncanny knack for disaster. As Aldo’s luck worsens, Liam is inspired to base his next book on his best friend’s exponential misfortunes and hopeless quest to win back his one great love: his ex-wife, Stella. What begins as an attempt to make sense of Aldo’s mishaps spirals into a profound story of faith and friendship. Steve Toltz has created a rousing, hysterically funny but unapologetically dark satire about fate and the artist’s obligation to his muse.

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