Anywhere's Better Than Here - Softcover

'Zoe Venditozzi has created such a resonant, authentic portrait of a young woman stuck in a rut that we can all imagine knowing someone just like her . . . When Laurie gets involved with an ex-soldier, the manner in which she gives in to her impulses, nervously but without over-thinking them, is also rendered sympathetically and believably.' --Alastair Mabbot, The Herald

'This is Zöe Venditozzi s first novel, which is not obvious from reading it. The style is rather like Laura Marney - unpretentious and confident, modern and edgy. The tone is blackly funny with a kind of yearning romantic thread. The rather convoluted plot is competently propelled by her deft dialogues and credible characters, and of course, the suspense of the unsolved mystery . . . Deceptively light, the book still delivers real punches. I am looking forward to her second novel.' --Cynthia Rogerson, Northwords Now

'What a treat it is to come upon a first novel so accomplished and wise.' --Barbara Gowdy, author of Falling Angels, The Romantic and Helpless.

Laurie has no idea where her life is going. She lives with her computer game-obsessed boyfriend who she can barely be bothered to speak to and she works in a meaningless job in an office where she avoids her co-workers. When Laurie meets an older, secretive man things take an unexpected turn and Laurie realises she needs a plan, and fast. Anywhere's Better Than Here is a portrait of a young woman's growing self- awareness as she finally decides to grow up and make her way in the world.