The Original Face

A novel about the gig economy.



Twenty-nine-year-old Daniel is an under-employed internet artist who's struggling as much with money and inspiration as he is in his relationship with Grace. Against a backdrop of a digital economy that rewards online platforms instead of content creators, with climate-change anxiety hanging in the air, the resolutely contemporary Morissette immerses readers into a year of modern love, as Daniel and Grace navigate their aspirations, insecurities and ambitions amidst a culture obsessed with selfies and identity.



A fresh and imaginative critical examination of work and life in the 21st century by the author of the “cultishly popular” New Tab.

Praise for The Original Face:




"The Original Face is a glorious clusterfuck of existentialism, sarcasm and humiliation. Morissette conquers the conflict of money, art and love in a way that resonated with me to my core."
–Chloe Caldwell, author of Women and I’ll Tell You in Person




"I laughed a lot while reading The Original Face. Guillaume Morissette's perspective on Montreal, the internet and life in general feels fresh and relatable. Yes."
–Devon Welsh, singer/songwriter, formerly of Majical Cloudz




"Involving, sharp and very funny, The Original Face is a poisonously comic take on labour, 'emotional arthritis' and the grand dystopia of being."
–Tamara Faith Berger, author of Maidenhead