We Could Be Something

Title: We Could Be Something

Author: Will Kostakis

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Part coming-out story.

Part falling-in-love story.

Part falling-apart story.

Harvey's dads are splitting up. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's still sudden. Woken-by-his-father-to-catch-a-red-eye sudden. Now he's restartinghis life in a new city, living above a cafe with the extended Greek family he barely knows.

Sotiris is a rising star. At seventeen, he's already achieved his dream of publishing a novel. When his career falters, a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jem upends his world.

Harvey and Sotiris's stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.

 

Photography by Sarah Walker

Judges’ report

When Harvey’s dads split up, he finds himself on a red eye flight from Perth to Sydney, suddenly living above a café with his extended Greek family. Though Sotiris, also 17, is a published author sales are down and he’s just been fired from the family business. Then there’s the promise of burgeoning love to contend with. On the verge of adulthood, Sotiris and Harvey’s stories intersect as they try to figure out who they are, what they want and where their loyalties lie. Keenly observant, Kostakis has written a witty, fast-paced coming-of-age novel. With chapters narrated by alternate protagonists, their stylistic approach is highly engaging. Dialogue is employed to great effect, establishing two distinct and authentic character voices. Weaving pathos and humour together, Kostakis explores the subject matter of Greek culture, queerness and identity with heart and honest pragmatism.