Season of Hate explores the impact of discrimination on society …

Scott Eathorne Quikmark Media
Forthcoming book release, Season of Hate, explores the impact of discrimination on society.

Discrimination towards others is sometimes based on as little as difference of appearance or culture and fuelled by intolerance. When confronted by it, do we turn our backs and walk away, or take a stand beside the oppressed?

Playwright Michael Costello’s moving debut novel Season of Hate (Short Stop Press $29.99) is set in 1955 and explores the friendship between two white boys and Johnny, a mute Aboriginal teenager. In those first two years in their seemingly ideal world, the boys are exposed to the best and worst of human nature as they become aware of the undercurrents of discrimination and racial bigotry that erupt into violence. In particular, that one night where Pat’s own life is challenged. The night where one wanton act places the town’s very livelihood in jeopardy. Season of Hate is a superbly written debut.

Sydney-based Michael Costello is now available for interview. He is an AWGIE winning playwright, television and screenwriter whose plays have been produced around Australia and New Zealand. Of his award winning play Royal Affair, Chris Mead, the Curator of the Australian National Playwrights’ Conference, stated “… rich, intelligent and seductive, (Michael Costello) writes with sagacity and wit”. He was commissioned by Sue Smith to write an original episode for her Close Ups series for the ABC and has received funding from the NSWFTO for a feature film. He is currently working on a new play and has two other novels in the works.