Shot

In the time it takes for a bullet to travel through her left ear and into the wall of the Ellis Street donut store, Lena – a successful stand-up comedian – has a revelation. That she has never found comedy particularly funny.

Meet Lena Domanski: daughter of Polish immigrants, professional funny woman.

Her reclusive brother spends his days building satellites out of scrap metal. Her sister, a startling six-foot beauty, stuffs dead animals for a living. Her father has founded a Californian restaurant chain, serving Polish cuisine. Her mother is making a small fortune out of peddling false eyelashes. But what about Lena?

Lena Domanski is leaving it all behind. Trading punchlines for snapshots, she heads for Alaska – where she meets a mysterious tracker, and discovers that loss can sometimes be gain.

‘Lively ironic prose… catches the heartstrings.’
– Irish Examiner

‘A wry and heartwarming tale of love, loss and discovery.’
– Faces of the Future, Waterstons Books Quarterly

‘Fresh and inventive, originally written, and littered with great scenes.’
– Time Out

‘It’s a testament to Quigley’s ability that she moves the story effortlessly between poles of deep despair and riotous humour with great ease… subtle and entertaining, a book that remains joyously unpredictable throughout.’
– Venue

‘Quigley has crafted a humorous and intelligent reworking of the American road trip genre. Reminiscent of a Coen Brothers film.’
– Big Issue

‘An entertaining and imaginative read… linguistic playfulness and flair for imagery.’
– The Listener

‘A superb read, masterfully delivered.’
– The Press

‘Sarah Quigley’s clear confident prose flows easily between changing moods. In a tale full of action and surprises, with laughter never far from the surface, lie emotional depths.’
– Otago Daily Times

‘Assured and confident writing.’
– Dominion Post

‘The language hums and sparks, rich with metaphor and simile, wrapped around fluid dialogue and propelled by plenty of action.’
– The Herald