THE DEED
OUT MAY 1
THE DEED - SUSANNAH BEGBIE
'Now that's the way to bury your old man ... he sank into his Jason recliner, wincing. A burial: a body wrapped in handwoven cloth, women dancing and wailing. Too much, in Tom's opinion, but at least they were mourning. To hell with that, at least they showed up.'
Tom Edwards is dying, and cranky. He's made his peace with the dying part. But he'd bet his property - the whole ten thousand acres of it - that there'd be no wailing at his funeral. His kids wouldn't be able to chop down a tree, let alone build a coffin to bury him in.
Then Tom has an idea ...
Christine is furious, David ashen-faced, and Sophie distracted. Only Jenny listens carefully as Vince Barton, of Barton & Sons, reads their father's will. Either they build his coffin - in four days - or they lose their inheritance. All of it.
A perceptive and unforgettable debut novel, The Deed explores the messy, sometimes volatile, complications that only the best and worst of family can bring. Sometimes greed can be good.
Sibling rivalry, a shifty lawyer, a multilinnion-dollar inheritance. What could go right?
The Deed arrives on May 1st, 2024
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“This book was absolutely stunning. Susannah Begbie's debut novel is a gorgeous celebration of country Australia… The genius of this novel lies in its unbelievably rich characters and story. I expected a dramatic tale but it was surprisingly humorous…Love love love. Genuinely so impressed.”
Jeanette Good Reads
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“I absolutely loved this character driven debut novel that explores family dynamics and the fallout of wills and inheritance. I was hooked immediately…I can’t wait to see what Begbie comes up with next.”
Kirsten Good Reads
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“Susannah Begbie addresses the complexity of family who no longer really know each other and does it with humour and rawness.”
Kim Cahill Good Reads
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Amid squabbles, setbacks and humorously cringeworthy moments, a near-impossible brief becomes a race against the clock. Set against a cinematic landscape, these siblings must face the traumas of their past and reckon with the uncertainty of the future. Richell Prize winner Susannah Begbie’s debut novel The Deed is reminiscent of family sagas such as Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible and William Faulkner’s classic As I Lay Dying, but with a distinctly rural Australian flavour. "
Denise Jarrott Books and Publishing
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"A great Australian read and one that made me laugh and cry. "
Net Gallery
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"Cleverly written, brilliant characters, interwoven family dynamics - what more could you ask for?"
Kate Good Reads
BOOK LAUNCH “THE DEED” BY SUSANNAH BEGBIE, HACHETTE AUSTRALIA
2nd May 2024, 6pm | Harry Hartog ANU
Richell Prize winner Susannah Begbie will be in conversation with best selling author Karen Viggers on her unforgettable debut novel The Deed (Hachette Australia), exploring the messy, sometimes volatile, complications that only the best and worst of family can bring.
About the Book
Tom Edwards is dying, and cranky. He's made his peace with the dying part. But he'd bet his property - the whole ten thousand acres of it - that there'd be no wailing at his funeral. His kids wouldn't be able to chop down a tree, let alone build a coffin to bury him in.
Then Tom has an idea ...
Christine is furious, David ashen-faced, and Sophie distracted. Only Jenny listens carefully as Vince Barton, of Barton & Sons, reads their father's will. Either they build his coffin - in four days - or they lose their inheritance. All of it.
'Now that's the way to bury your old man ... he sank into his Jason recliner, wincing. A burial: a body wrapped in handwoven cloth, women dancing and wailing. Too much, in Tom's opinion, but at least they were mourning. To hell with that, at least they showed up.'
About Karen Viggers
Karen Viggers is a Canberra writer, veterinarian and podcaster. She is the author of five novels, which have been bestsellers in France as well as Australia: The Stranding, The Lightkeeper's Wife, The Grass Castle, The Orchardist's Daughter and SIDELINES. She is co-host with Irma Gold of the Secrets From the Green Room literary podcast.
About the Event
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Registration is required for this event. BOOK HERE
Accessible parking spaces directly below the Harry Hartog ANU Bookshop are available should you require them. Kambri ANU
If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending this event.
Disability Access available - please ask in-store.
