Slayboy

Manny’s life collapsed like a house of maxed out credit cards. All he wants to do is disappear. He’s always been a runner but this time he’s heading towards an experience that will instigate a transformation of mythic proportions. He knows he has to slay his former self but then... who will he become?

Based on a true story, SLAYBOY is a gripping and introspective story chronicling the life of a man on a tumultuous journey of personal transformation. The narrator takes readers on a vivid trip through various stages of his life-from a difficult childhood marked by trauma, to the highs of success in the creative industries, and the lows of drug addiction and despair.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the protagonist’s internal struggles with identity, purpose, and the scars left by his abusive father. These deep-seated wounds manifest in self-destructive behaviors as he navigates the fast-paced, high-stakes worlds of film and advertising, while battling addiction. Through candid recollections of relationships and encounters with the darker side of creative industries, the story provides an unflinching look at the cost of success and the search for redemption.

In the background of the protagonist’s personal journey is his pursuit of artistic validation, which he eventually realizes may never bring the satisfaction he craves. His life spirals out of control, but there is a constant undercurrent of hope as he attempts recovery and seeks to reconcile with his past.

Through moments of humor, heartbreak, and hallucinatory experiences, SLAYBOY ultimately reveals a deeply personal story about reclaiming one’s life after years of being lost-showcasing the struggle between art and addiction, pain and healing, and the longing for freedom.

＂I can’t tell you how many times this novel brought tears to my eyes. It’s very moving and also quite humourous. I was completely engrossed. An exemplary first novel.＂

Charles Northcote - Literary Agent