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The Underworld

By Sofie Laguna
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Brief Description
The much-awaited new novel from the Miles Franklin Award-winning author, Sofie Laguna. The Underworld is for every reader you know; thinkers, laughers, empaths, quirky folk, queer folk, nostalgists, the young and those getting on. Readers seeking a happy ending and anyone ready to feel. Anyone who... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The much-awaited new novel from the Miles Franklin Award-winning author, Sofie Laguna.

The Underworld is for every reader you know; thinkers, laughers, empaths, quirky folk, queer folk, nostalgists, the young and those getting on. Readers seeking a happy ending and anyone ready to feel. Anyone who has ever been fourteen.

Martha Mullins is a misfit. Her mother is glamorous, aloof and judgemental. Her father, mostly absent. Academic and shy, Martha finds herself fascinated by the underworld, a place she learns about in Roman mythology classes at school. To Martha, the underworld and its divine inhabitants provide a place of refuge, escape, imagination and desire.

But Martha also finds joy in friendship. Connection. Intimacy. It's Martha's band of friends who show her the value in spontaneity, fun, laughter.

Until things go wrong.

How will Martha find her way in the world where she cannot be herself? Will she ever find a home for the love she feels?

The Underworld is a wondrous novel from an author who wields her considerable powers with assuredness and grace. Funny, brave, insightful and clever, Martha will break your heart - then mend it - many times over.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761350771

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 October 2025

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 1.0mm

Width: 1.0mm

Height: 1.0mm

Weight: 1g

Pages: 384

Collections

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About the Author

Sofie Laguna has written four novels for adults which have won numerous literary awards including the Miles Franklin Award, the Colin Roderick Award and the Indie Award. She has also been shortlisted for the Stella Prize, the ALS Gold Medal, the Voss Award, the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and the Prime Minister's Literary Award. Sofie's many books for children have been published in the US and the UK and in translation in Europe and Asia, and been named Honour and Notable Books by the Children's Book Council of Australia. The Underworld, Sofie's fifth adult novel, is scheduled for publication with Penguin Random House 2025.

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