Publish Ted Riethmuller's novel
Ted Riethmuller passed away on 19/05/2019, at the age of 79. This 'working class intellectual' had devoted much of his retirement to writing a novel. 'Take Your Partners' was finished approximately one year ago, and Ted was making arrangements to self-publish the book when his health suddenly declined.
Ted received practical assistance from family and friends to edit, proof-read, and format the book just prior to his death. His loved ones would like to raise funds to help cover the costs of printing, marketing and distribution.
About the book:
'Take Your Partners' is a novel set in 1970s Brisbane when change was in the air and everyone was young. It tells the story of seven young people, four women and three men. They pair up, but in life, as in arithmetic, three into seven won’t go.
Stephanie is beautiful with a strong character but she is a cripple. Life is passing her by and virginity is a burden. She advertises for a carer/companion and gets Malcolm who learns that caring for someone leads to loving them.
Hugo is Stephanie’s younger brother, artistic and feckless who needs direction and leadership. He gets it from Pring, an older dress-maker who falls in love with him. She’s small with a boyish figure and therefore very attractive to Hugo. But she knows she must overcome her fear of sex.
Dirk is Stephanie’s elder brother. He is financially successful but his married life is unhappy. He and his wife Connie have no children and he longs to be the head of a family. He becomes fascinated with Malcolm’s big family which seem to epitomise fertility. The eldest girl, Monica, who looks good and is cheerful, has everything except a good job. She is just right for Dirk and he for her.
When we find the love of our life, must we sacrifice everything for it?
