Rowland Sinclair is an artist and gentleman in 1930s Australia. Having lived a privileged and sheltered life, his world is thrown into chaos after the brutal murder of his uncle by unknown assailants. Concerned and greatly intrigued, Rowland infiltrates the echelons of both the old and new guard. Communism and fascism surface alongside other ideologies among the ‘right thinking men’. As Rowland delves deeper, he edges closer to the truth of his uncle’s murder.

First-time author Sulari Gentill creates vivid characters throughout. Rowland, his friends Clyde and Milton, and lover Edna all lovingly evoke a past artistic spirit. The brushes, paints and portraits hung around the house all leave an indelible impression of early Australian bohemia. Eric Campbell and Henry Alcott are also memorable, and a devilish sense of humour helps buoy the novel’s more historic roots. Put simply, Gentill shows great understanding of both craft and structure.

A Few Right Thinking Men is the first in a planned series by Sulari Gentill featuring key protagonist Rowland Sinclair. This reviewer is heartened by the news, which demonstrates Pantera Press’s willingness to support the continuing development of a talented emerging writer. It is rare to find such an assured début as A Few Right Thinking Men. The novel deserves to be both read and remembered as an insight into the Australia that was; its conflicting ideologies, aims and desires; the hallmarks of a country still maturing.