I Want Everything by Dominic Amerena
"I Want Everything" by Dominic Amerena is a captivating debut novel that delves into the complexities of truth, deception, and ambition within the literary world. The story begins with a seemingly harmless lie told by an ambitious young writer who encounters the enigmatic Brenda Shales, a reclusive cult author whose career is shrouded in mystery. Brenda's sudden disappearance from the public eye following a plagiarism scandal has left the literary community buzzing with unanswered questions.
The protagonist sees an opportunity to uncover the truth behind Brenda's vanishing act, but to do so, he must deceive her by pretending to be someone he's not. This initial lie spirals into a series of increasingly complex deceptions as Brenda begins to reveal the unsettling origins of her celebrated works. As the young writer delves deeper into Brenda's past, he grapples with the authenticity of her narrative and questions whether she, like him, is merely a skilled fabricator.
The novel explores themes of authorship, authenticity, and the moral dilemmas faced by those driven by creative ambition. The protagonist is forced to weigh his ethical considerations against his desire for literary success, ultimately questioning what he is willing to sacrifice to achieve his dreams.
Critics have praised "I Want Everything" for its clever plot twists, sharp insights, and engaging prose. The novel has been described as a modern Australian classic, with its playful yet incisive examination of the literary world. It is a story that challenges readers to consider the blurred lines between truth and fiction, and the personal costs of pursuing one's ambitions at any cost.
