PRESS RELEASE: Unflinching Exploration of Masculinity in Debut Novel

What is it to be a man?
Sydney author, Peter Matthews, is set to tackle this notion with his debut novel, The Elixir Effect, to be released on November 6, with presales starting on October 23. Described as a fictionalised biography with strong LGBTQ+ themes, The Elixir Effect promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of sexual identity and masculinity.
Early readers have reported the book as “captivating, deep, and needed in today’s world,” as the author weaves together themes of bisexuality and the interplay between a man’s identity and societal expectations. With comparisons to Justin Baldoni’s Man Enough, Matthews’ novel is an unflinching look at how sexual orientation and masculinity interact for the modern man.
“As a fictionalised novelisation of my own life experiences, The Elixir Effect speaks to men—particularly those grappling with sexuality—while also opening the conversation about masculinity for a wider audience,” says Matthews. “It’s for every man who has ever questioned what it means to be a man. Which, let’s be frank, is all of us.”
The novel’s release will be marked by a public launch event in partnership with ACON, one of Australia’s leading health organisations for the LGBTQ+ community, on November 6. Media are invited to attend, and interested readers can register now on the official website. Presales will be available starting October 23, and review copies will be offered for advance consideration and media coverage.
Key Information:
• Title: The Elixir Effect
• Author: Peter Matthews
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Novelised Biography
• Themes: Masculinity, Bisexuality, Identity.
• Launch Date: November 6, 2024
• Presales Start: October 23, 2024
This book is set to make a significant impact in the ongoing discussion around masculinity, especially within the bisexual, pansexual and transgender communities, and beyond. What is it to be a man? Do you know?
For more information, to request a review copy, or to register for the launch event, please contact the publisher:
Jason Leigh Smith
Clark & Mackay
[email protected]
+61 7 3277 2855