Found: Australian early 2000s novel - Marathon winner in a gorilla suit.

Betreff des ursprünglichen Themas: Australian early 2000s novel - Marathon winner in a gorilla suit.

ForumName that Book

Melde dich bei LibraryThing an, um Nachrichten zu schreiben.

Found: Australian early 2000s novel - Marathon winner in a gorilla suit.

1spaceowl
Jun. 4, 2023, 5:09 pm

Didn't finish this one around the turn of the century (ie 2000) and fancy another go now.
Literary (-ish) fiction set in the Australian Irish Hill Country in New South Wales, first chapter involves an unknown man in a gorilla suit anonymously winning the Sydney Marathon by some margin ahead of professional runners, then disappears. Book later goes on to reveal who he is and where he comes from.
I thought I could recall the words 'In the Hill Country' appearing in the title, but searching on Amazon and Bookfinder say otherwise. Any help appreciated, if only to prove that I didn't just dream it.

2MissSquish
Jun. 4, 2023, 9:53 pm

In the New Country by David Foster.

"When a man dressed in a gorilla suit wins the City to Surf long-distance run in Sydney, the nation is intrigued. Not that Adam Hock, Yarrawongamullee's indomitable promoter of tourism, is much bothered. What with the pressures of organising the High School Class of '61 Reunion and welcoming home from America the area's most famous son, Grammy Award-winning country and western singer Dud Leahey, Ad Hock has more than enough on his plate. With a cast including local firefighters, nonagenarian brothers, a crazed potter, a very confused teenager and a kangaroo sporting Versace sunglasses, David Foster's new novel is a hilarious and insightful look at life in Australia's moribund wool country, as the old way of life clashes with the new."

3spaceowl
Jun. 5, 2023, 12:51 am

That's the one! Thanks very much.

Can we mark that one as found?