The pillars by Peter Polites
Hachette, 2019. ISBN: 9780733640186
(Age: Adult) Themes: Identity, LGBTQI+, Consumerism, Racism.
Pano, a Greek Australian gay guy has been commandeered by his
housemate/landlord into campaigning against the proposed mosque in
their neighbourhood, because of its posited impact on house values;
and the schemes that he and Kane become involved in are both funny
and horrible at the same time. Pano is an aspiring writer, he is
sensitive and thoughtful, but he is always at the beck and call of
others, powerless in relationships that verge on callous and
abusive.
The author's style of writing is humorous and ironic, the reader is
engaged by the wit, but the subjects are dark, dealing with racism,
classism, exploitation, predatory sex and 'indifferent
relationships'.
When Pano reaches an all-time low, it seems the only way forward is
to play the same game as his abusers.
The novel is clever and well written; it exposes elements of
Australian life we might not like to confront. Not a story for
everyone, but no doubt authentic in its portrayal of
marginalisation.
Teachers/librarians are advised the book contains explicit sex
scenes.
Helen Eddy
