The Back of His Head

Raymond Thomas Lawrence was one of the great literary colossi to bestride the twentieth century. Seven years after Lawrence’s death, however, the four trustees of the literary trust set up to memorialize New Zealand’s greatest writer are facing rising costs and dwindling visitor numbers at the Residence. While fending off a self-appointed biographer, they find themselves confronting the secrets of their own intimate relationships with The Master. ‘But is bumping off biographers really the sort of thing literary trusts do?’ Marjorie creaks. ‘Don’t we just handle copyright?’ The Back of His Head is a hilarious and troubling satire on the making and manipulation of literary fame, by the author of the acclaimed novel Gifted.