Book Launch: People With Money by Jess Ho

From the author of Raised by Wolves comes a sharply satirical novel about class divisions, relationships and the dangers of mixing the two. Perfect for readers of Kiley Reid and Celeste Ng.

Amy Chan is a queer, twenty-something artist, broke and living one bad shift away from financial disaster. Edward Smith is affluent and white, his descent into a lonely middle age cushioned by generational wealth. This is the story of their relationship – one that is lopsided, transactional and arguably doomed from the start, but that shifts their worlds in unexpected ways.

Because, as Amy comes to understand, in Edward’s world love isn’t bigger than money – it just learns to speak its language.

People With Money is a darkly funny debut about the need for connection and the absurd negotiations that privilege smuggles into love.

Jess Ho has lived many lives. This is just one of them. Based in Melbourne/Naarm, they write on food, drink and culture. Their work has appeared in local and international publications, including a stint as the Food & Drink Editor at Time Out Melbourne. They are the creator and producer of Bad Taste, a critically acclaimed podcast about food and culture. They have contributed to books, guides and festivals, toured large-scale events around Australia, and briefly served as a judge on commercial television. Raised by Wolves was their first book. It was longlisted for the Indie Book Awards and shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year.

Dr Peter Coleman is the author of Australia's Most Bizarre Crimes, and co-author of Dark Arts and Crafts and Weekends With Matt. He has a Ph.D. in cultural studies from Monash University, where he also tutored in Eastern Philosophy. He now works as a consultant in the not-for-profit sector. Peter lives in Melbourne with his husband, Mike, and an ever-expanding book collection.