Jock Serong

"There is some kind of magic in the way Jock Serong conjures places and times and people. "

Jock Serong lives and works on the far southwest coast of Victoria. He was a practising lawyer when he wrote Quota and is currently a features writer, and the editor of Great Ocean Quarterly. He is married with four children, who in turn are raising a black dog, a rabbit and an unknown number of guinea pigs. Quota was his first novel.

Jock Serong's novels have received the Ned Kelly Award for First Fiction, the Colin Roderick Award and the inaugural Staunch Prize (UK).

What genres does Jock Serong write in?

He is primarily a literary novelist whose work often incorporates elements of crime and historical fiction. His books are noted for strong sense of place and careful plotting.

Which of his books are most well known and where should I start?

Notable titles include Quota (his debut), The Rules of Backyard Cricket, On the Java Ridge, Preservation, The Burning Island and Cherrywood. A good starting point is Quota to see his early work, or Cherrywood if you prefer his most recent literary novel.

Are his novels part of a series or are they standalone?

His novels are generally standalone works rather than entries in a series.

Has he received any major awards?

Yes. His novels have received the Ned Kelly Award for First Fiction, the Colin Roderick Award and the inaugural Staunch Prize (UK).

What themes and settings does he explore?

His fiction is frequently praised for its vivid evocation of place, time and people. Several novels draw on coastal and historical settings and explore human relationships under pressure.