The Benefactor

A novel of profound insight about the complexity of human relationships, morality and the transformative power of art, set in New York’s glittering world of galleries and high-end fashion. 

Magazine editor Henry Calder’s ordered life has unravelled. He lost his wife, Martha, less than a year ago, and he’s just been ousted from the glamorous job that gave his life meaning. Then he meets Maggie, a rebellious young artist working as a bartender. When Maggie is evicted, Henry offers her a place to stay. But there is something about the young woman and her work that disturbs him, and before long Henry is facing a crisis neither of them could ever have foreseen.

The Benefactor is about art’s power to alter our view of ourselves and our world. It asks how we construct meaning in our lives—and how we react when the foundations we have built our identities upon are knocked out from beneath us.

Sebastian Hampson has studied and written on the history of modern art and urban design. He has lived in Europe and the United States and is currently based in Auckland, New Zealand. His first novel, The Train to Paris, was also published by Text.

‘Hampson’s talent is obvious…once The Benefactor gets into its stride, the novel becomes a crisp characters study, where the actions and philosophies of the past are propelled towards and unexpected crisis.’ Dominion Post

‘Sebastian Hampson keeps his focus, pares down the action and the feelings to a close study of Henry and Martha…At the same time the reader is treated to a glimpse of the high striders in Manhattan’s art and fashion world from the 1980s to the present that make googling them an interactive pleasure. To be enjoyed with sparkling wine and Beluga caviar.’ Otago Daily Times

‘Sebastian Hampson’s second novel is marked by expertise in style and structure…Accomplished and interesting.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘Sebastian Hampson…writes with an assurance that belies his years. A perceptive and thoughtful love story in the tradition of Brief Encounter, inspired by Hampson’s travels in Europe, the novel is immediately engrossing. The reader is swept along by the fluidity of the writing.’ Australian on The Train to Paris

‘This book will charm and engage.’ Books + Publishing on The Train to Paris