The Bouncer

As an arts student and weighing a mere 65 kilos, Heath Lander is an unlikely candidate for the dangerous job of being a nightclub bouncer. 


 However, after taking up Kung Fu, he is led into the dark and frequently violent world of nightclub security. Gradually, his ambition to teach and sculpt takes second place to his obsession with ‘making it’ in this new world. Soon Heath is sliding into a dark place with no real friends and plenty of potential enemies. 


 The more proficient Heath becomes at his job, the more he gains the respect of his bosses and colleagues. Drugs, drunks and guns all play a part in his everyday life. Then one night, he delivers a near fatal punch and he is almost paralysed by a crisis of conscience. Suddenly his life as he knew it loses purpose and he quits his job, determined to live a normal life in the world of daylight. But the repercussions of his bouncer life linger on and he is not sure who or what he has become …


 At times bleak, gritty and frequently funny, The Bouncer is an examination of the seedy underworld of Melbourne nightlife and one man’s journey to redemption.

 ‘Captivating! A wonderful and genuine insight into a journey of transformation and self-discovery. An engrossing, funny and thoughtful read, I was totally enthralled.’ 

LAUREN BURNS OAM, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST, TAEKWONDO, SYDNEY 2000