We are excited to announce one of the latest additions to our 2020 list - Paul Dalgarno’s debut novel, Poly.

With thanks to Martin Shaw at Alex Adsett Publishing Agency, Ventura secured Dalgarno’s novel for publication. Shaw describes the novel as ‘a deliciously frank account of the highs and lows of a married couple’s exploration of a polyamorous lifestyle—a slanted and enchanted romantic comedy thriller for our times’.

‘After witnessing the tremendous job they did with Angela Meyer’s novel A Superior Spectre last year, I also know this book is in the best possible publishing hands at Ventura,’ said Shaw.

Poly will take its rightful place among our ever-growing contemporary-focussed list. It is a Sally-Rooney-esque fiction that will challenge ideologies, and we hope, ignite and further conversations on inclusivity and diversity in publishing today.

Ventura’s director, Jane Curry says, ‘Poly is contemporary fiction at its best, a novel that challenges our preconceptions and reflects modern society in all its wonderful diversity.’

Dalgarno’s memoir And You May Find Yourself was published by Sleepers in 2015.

Poly will be published in the second half of 2020.

We look forward to sharing this future new release with you!

Last night the National Library of Australia was filled with literary lovers, avid readers and all those in support of Penelope Hanley’s latest novel, After She Left.

A full house at The National Library of Australia

After She Left was our May champion for Ventura’s imprint, Impact Press. It’s a compelling and mysterious story of hidden identities, forbidden love and the power of feminism, set in the bohemian art scene of twentieth-century Sydney.

We love this book not only for the striking cover (it’s been a huge hit on Instagram), but for the intricately researched history of Sydney which weaves its way throughout the story.

The NLA was packed with people listening to Penelope speak with passion and ease about the book’s creation, and was officially ‘launched’ into the world by award-winning author John Clanchy.

A room abuzz with energy as people wait for their signed copy of After She Left

Thanks to Penelope for bringing this gem of a book to life.

You can read a Q&A with Penelope and Good Reading Magazine here, a review from Books + Publishing here, or find out more info and even buy a copy from the Ventura page here!