At once hilarious and achingly poignant, The Book of Joe reveals the sometimes double-edged rewards of fame, revenge and redemption as a writer returns to face his hometown - and the ghosts of his past. Joe Goffman's sizzling first novel - and a blockbuster on screen - has savaged almost every reputation in Bush Falls. Having turned his back firmly on the town he left seventeen years ago, the indignant cries of former neighbours, friends and family members - not to mention the class action slander suit - have never fazed Joe in the least.... Until now. A family emergency summons him back to Bush Falls, where, mere minutes after his arrival, he falls victim to the wrath of the townsfolk: milk-shakes thrown in his face, copies of his novel pelting his house, violent threats to blow up his shiny new Mercedes. But the more Bush Falls resents Joe, the more it becomes obvious that Joe desperately needs Bush Falls. As he walks along the familiar streets, memories return that he had long ago thought purged by his writing. One year especially - 1986 - in which Joe lost his best friend and his innocence to passion, betrayal and tragedy, haunts him with a vengeance. Now, almost two decades later, Joe has to face his past without resorting to his pen. And with the help of some very old friends, he might just be able to learn something... if he manages to survive his homecoming.