A new edition of Shaun Prescott's internationally acclaimed debut novel, first published in 2017.
Accompanies Prescott's follow-up,Bon and Lesley, released by Giramondo in September 2022.
It is a town of dwindling fortunes: of petrol stations and fast-food outlets, shopping centres and cul-de-sacs, radio stations with no listeners, buses empty of passengers - a town believed by its inhabitants to have no history of its own. When a young writer arrives to research a book about disappearing towns in regional New South Wales, he falls into the futile rhythms of the place. Then, an outbreak of mysterious holes starts to appear - a mysterious, growing oblivion that threatens to erase the town's already marginal existence.
Shaun Prescott's unsettling, quietly luminous debut has drawn comparisons to Kafka and Calvino, Murnane and Macauley. At once deadpan and hypnotic, realist and surreal, it explores the disquiet that lurks at the heart of Australia's buried history, and considers what kind of identity can be found in a place on the verge of becoming nowhere.
Praise forThe Town:
'This novel signals its author as someone who understands what literature is for. It is one of the strongest and strangest contemporary Australian novels I've seen.' -Sydney Morning Herald
'This is a book that creeps up on the reader: all of a sudden you're swept away by, even bound to, this thing that's so mournful, intense and unsettling. It will stay with me.' - Lisa McInerney
'A powerfully doomy debut...Intelligently alive to its own metaphorical possibilities, leaving behind a powerful vision of the world ending, not with a bang, but a whimper.' -The Guardian
'One of those rare books that bothers your thinking by making you feel uncomfortable without necessarily knowing why or how. The aftermath is a kind of free-fall. It's a remarkable achievement.' -The Australian
A new edition of Shaun Prescott's internationally acclaimed debut novel, first published in 2017.
Accompanies Prescott's follow-up,Bon and Lesley, released by Giramondo in September 2022.
It is a town of dwindling fortunes: of petrol stations and fast-food outlets, shopping centres and cul-de-sacs, radio stations with no listeners, buses empty of passengers - a town believed by its inhabitants to have no history of its own. When a young writer arrives to research a book about disappearing towns in regional New South Wales, he falls into the futile rhythms of the place. Then, an outbreak of mysterious holes starts to appear - a mysterious, growing oblivion that threatens to erase the town's already marginal existence.
Shaun Prescott's unsettling, quietly luminous debut has drawn comparisons to Kafka and Calvino, Murnane and Macauley. At once deadpan and hypnotic, realist and surreal, it explores the disquiet that lurks at the heart of Australia's buried history, and considers what kind of identity can be found in a place on the verge of becoming nowhere.
Praise forThe Town:
'This novel signals its author as someone who understands what literature is for. It is one of the strongest and strangest contemporary Australian novels I've seen.' -Sydney Morning Herald
'This is a book that creeps up on the reader: all of a sudden you're swept away by, even bound to, this thing that's so mournful, intense and unsettling. It will stay with me.' - Lisa McInerney
'A powerfully doomy debut...Intelligently alive to its own metaphorical possibilities, leaving behind a powerful vision of the world ending, not with a bang, but a whimper.' -The Guardian
'One of those rare books that bothers your thinking by making you feel uncomfortable without necessarily knowing why or how. The aftermath is a kind of free-fall. It's a remarkable achievement.' -The Australian
From a town near you comes thirteen linked stories, spanning a year in the lives of thirteen young people. You'll live their love and loss, grief, humour and passion; feel their hope and hopelessness...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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