My first review

JOHN MORROW’S PICK OF THE WEEK

(John Morrow reviews for Random House)

A SYNTHETIC ILLUSION

CHRISTIAN CLARKE

Sid Harta

The author of this novel has based its storyline on a lifestyle he knows best.  It’s Melbourne, current day, and Mick, a handsome Greek guy, ex-hospitality manager, and longs for a simpler lifestyle other than running a restaurant which he has built up from scratch.

While taking some time off to have an operation, Mick meets up with an old friend who tells him all about the easy money he could make being a driver for an escort agency.  Surprising everyone, including himself, Mick throws in his stressful life and takes on this alternative lifestyle.

As Mick’s story unfolds, his life begins to fall into a heap as he steps into the so-called glamorous trap of easy money, sex and drugs.  His life begins to unravel and what was once a hit of cocaine at a party for fun and relaxation becomes an expensive habit.

This story makes for hard reading at times as you watch someone’s life, although a fictional character; take a predictable turn in the world of sex and easier drugs.

It’s not a pretty world and the author has not spared readers from the glaring and uncomfortable truth of such a lifestyle.  This novel is well written, although graphic and with no feelings spared.  I would advise anyone who has no stomach for confrontational language and descriptive sex to avoid this one. 

Having said that, however, I could picture the sleazy life that dragged Mick down and found the story to be what I would imagine is a ‘real’ portrayal of the lifestyle involved.

“Graphic and confrontational, this novel describes the downside of the escort agency lifestyle - the easy money, sex and drugs involved – a hard-hitting storyline which makes for tough reading at times.”

 “A book is a private companion”