Ordinary Gods and Monsters

In Ordinary Gods and Monsters, acclaimed Australian author Chris Womersley delivers a haunting and unforgettable exploration of friendship, family secrets, and the painful passage from childhood to adulthood. 

Set in the sultry aftermath of a 1980s Australian summer, Womersley’s novel is a finely wrought story that peers into the dark corners of suburban life and the hidden worlds we carry within us.

When twelve-year-old Joe finds himself entangled with the enigmatic, charismatic teenager Edie, their connection spirals into an unexpected journey of self-discovery and deception. Edie introduces Joe to a side of life he’s never known, an intoxicating blend of danger and allure, and as their friendship deepens, Joe learns secrets that will forever change his perception of the world and the adults around him. Womersley’s narrative is rich with atmospheric prose, painting a vivid portrait of ordinary lives touched by mystery, unspoken dreams, and barely concealed sorrow.

Through Joe’s eyes, Ordinary Gods and Monsters captures the tension between innocence and the inevitable approach of knowledge, deftly showing how simple moments—exploring an abandoned house, a whispered promise, a stolen glance—can carry a world of meaning. Each page is infused with a sense of wonder and foreboding that only Womersley can convey, merging beautifully honed literary craft with suspenseful storytelling. Ordinary Gods and Monsters is a tribute to youth, memory, and the ghosts of ordinary lives, illustrating that, sometimes, the extraordinary is hidden within the seemingly mundane.

Chris Womersley is a celebrated Australian novelist and short story writer known for his evocative storytelling and haunting prose. His works often delve into the intricacies of human nature, touching on themes of memory, loss, and the fragility of youth. With a literary style that combines gripping narratives and richly atmospheric settings, Womersley’s novels are lauded both for their artistic depth and accessible storytelling.

Highlights of his career include:

• Awards & Recognition: Womersley’s work has received widespread acclaim, winning the Ned Kelly Award for Crime Writing and being shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and the International Dublin Literary Award.
• Themes & Style: His books, including Bereft and Cairo, showcase his knack for blending mystery with character-driven exploration. Womersley’s narratives often dive into complex psychological landscapes, where characters grapple with memory, regret, and the mysteries of the human psyche.
• Influences & Background: Drawing inspiration from writers like Raymond Carver and Tim Winton, Womersley creates stories that examine the small yet powerful moments that shape our lives. His background in journalism and his keen eye for detail contribute to the authenticity and depth of his writing.

Chris Womersley continues to be an influential voice in contemporary Australian literature, celebrated for his ability to render the extraordinary within the ordinary and to captivate readers with stories that linger long after the final page is turned.