‘Haunting tale of a land about which not many novels have been written . . . Lawrence’s tale is a complex and prescient one . . . His writing is often lyrical, and we are given glimpses into the stark beauty of the ghost towns of Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay.’
— Business Day (PDF)
‘a very elegant style, and [the author] keeps up interest throughout the story . . . gripping’
— Artsmart
‘strong characterisation, twists and turns . . . windswept, barren and forbidding . . . beautiful southern Namibia . . . will spark a fascination with Lüderitz and the region’s turbulent history’
‘an easy writing style, with beautiful descriptions . . . I am inspired to read more about the Namibian history’
Henry First
Grand Prize Winner of the 2015 Red City Review Book Award
Silver Winner of the 2014 Foreword INDIEFAB Award for Humour
‘A restaurateur takes desperate measures in Lawrence’s delectably dark debut novel . . . The show must go on and does, with deliciously droll scenes . . . wickedly comical moments . . . snappy dialogue . . . The tone is surprisingly light, like an airy soufflé.’
★★★★★ ‘Laced with potent dark humor, this entertaining yet often disturbing novel crosses the fine line drawn between satire and realism. Fine cuisine and morbid excess create an exquisite word parfait in this sardonic look at the competitive world of gourmet cooking. In this complex recipe for literary success, Basil Lawrence steeps myriad ingredients in a broth so rich that Henry First may require a second reading for hidden nuance.’
★★★★★ ‘an amazing, laugh-out-loud, dark comedy’
★★★★★ ‘Basil Lawrence has a unique writing style, and a comedic flair that works wonders throughout this novel . . . By using references to real life history and also to literature, the author has created the kind of book that makes the reader feel as if they are perhaps smarter than they actually are. A joy to read, a book that brings about plenty of laughs, and a well constructed story from beginning to end, Henry First is the kind of book that we’d like to discover more often.’
★★★★½ ‘Simultaneously funny, dark, and stomach-turning, Henry First is a captivating commentary on our fame-obsessed culture. Highly recommended for those who like their social commentary with a little bite’
IndieReader Approved
‘an entertaining, darkly satirical novel . . . readers will enjoy peeling the layers to get to the core of the author’s witticisms’
‘a great book for clubs and classes; there are plenty of questions to ponder when the novel ends’
— San Francisco Book Review
‘a dark satirical commentary on the absurdities of contemporary first world society’
‘a witty delight, a literary feast for the senses, a culinary masterpiece of a novel – highly recommended!’