by John Tesarsch

Charles Bradshaw is an ageing tycoon, burdened with regrets. When he suffers a heart attack, he abruptly retires and announces that he will give his fortune to charity. His family strenuously resists, especially his son Jeremy, who is desperate to take over the Bradshaw empire. Meanwhile Charles’s old lover, Anna, returns after more than forty years, bringing unwanted memories of a terrible secret from his youth.

The Philanthropist is a compelling exploration of love and heartbreak, frailty and mortality, and the unending search for redemption.

‘A pitch-perfect exploration of Australia’s great and good … an elegant narrative dealing with the damage a fortune wreaks on two generations of a family typical of our nation’s ruling caste.’ GEORDIE WILLIAMSON, THE AUSTRALIAN

‘Tesarsch writes with great assurance and it is clear he is a voracious reader with a deep understanding of what fiction is and how it works … What’s more, he can extract sympathy, even empathy, from the reader for more than one unlikeable character.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘A pitch-perfect exploration of Australia’s great and good … an elegant narrative dealing with the damage a fortunate wreaks on two generations of a family typical of our nation’s ruling caste. If the subject is rare for Ozlit, so is the restrained talent on display.’ The Australian

‘A domestic drama that grapples with notions of societal and personal responsibilities. The Philanthropist is a compelling read.’ Australian Book Review

‘In this extremely well-written novel, Tesarsch, a former barrister, gives the pillars of the Melbourne establishment a jolly good shake.’ The Age

‘The Philanthropist is multifaceted without being convoluted, its structure elegantly poetic, the language precise. it is a fine example of contemporary literary fiction.’ Literary Minded

‘A tightly plotted character novel of wealth and personal devastations, regret and reparation across two generations.’ Brenda Walker

‘A very fine piece of work.’ John Banville