East: A Novel

"... in a word: astonishing." - Vincenzo Scipione, US literary agent

"The writing is superb ... If there is any writer that Hoskins reminds me of it would be John Steinbeck. But instead of Northern California and the Salinas Valley, we get to explore Australia and New Zealand." - Ray Simmons, Readers' Favorite

"... The result is a road tale that takes interpersonal connections and discoveries and elevates them to a new level of introspection and growth, making 'East - A Novel' highly recommended for readers who like their stories introspective as well as adventurous, and who look at the road trip experience as one example of growth-inducing decisions." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"What an amazing capture of unadulterated raw humanity, in all its shades of light and darkness. I read it over a few days. Couldn't put it down ... Really, really enjoyed it." - Teresa Herleth

If you liked Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" or Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" you will love "East". It’s 1994. Junior lawyer, Vince Osbourne, leaves behind a viciously circular life in the city representing petty criminals and takes to the road. He’s lived 30 years. The wide continent of Australia is out in front. He’s almost young. Where will the road lead?

"East" takes in sunsets; rain in the desert; a five-year-old girl on a bike; a battered former thief and jockey; old-timers; young lovers; beautiful women, and aboriginals in public bars. The open road connects many vignettes making a rich tapestry of human encounters.

"East" is poignant, gritty, funny, sad and above all: human. Hoskins’ laconic prose captures the harsh, arid country in all its big, empty beauty along with quirky exchanges with strangers, travel buddies, shop assistants, workmates, and friends old and new. A journey without and within, "East" taps into the spiritual realm that lies beneath this land and its people.