Max Easton’s latest novel captures the sardonic compassion of western Sydney’s millennial struggle

The Guardian has published a review of Max Easton’s third novel, *Now, Autonomy*, describing the work as a sardonic yet compassionate exploration of millennial apathy. Published by Giramondo at A$32.95, the book is the latest instalment in a multi-decade series that chronicles working-class life in western Sydney. The narrative follows a group of flawed friends, including Helen Coleman, as they navigate financial insecurity, gentrification, and global political crises while seeking personal and collective autonomy.

Western Sydney is described as a literary nexus, home to an ever-growing list of acclaimed writers such as Yumna Kassab, Peter Polites, Luke Carman, Michael Mohammed Ahmad, and Felicity Castagna. Each reflects a culturally diverse landscape where social class and suburban identity intersect. Easton’s previous works, *The Magpie Wing* (2021) and *Paradise Estate* (2023), have established this quasi-trilogy as a compelling depiction of class hierarchies and rental housing pressures, with *The Magpie Wing* being longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award.

The novel centres on Helen Coleman, now in her late 30s, and her circle of friends, including her reclusive flatmate Pat, former housemate Sunny, Sunny’s partner Sio, and Helen’s partner Maria. The group attempts to establish a new music venue called 'The Quarterly' while fending off creative inertia and interpersonal disaffection. Their efforts are set against a backdrop of what Helen perceives as an erosion in the world, including the conflict in Gaza and the commodification of artistic expression.

The review notes that the book addresses themes of millennial apathy and the psychic strain of caring for one another while being exhausted by emotional labour. Easton’s writing is described as acerbic and sardonically funny, aiming to diagnose the causes of apathy rather than deride it. The narrative explores the tension in reclaiming autonomy, questioning whether insignificant attempts at change can still hold significance in a resistant world.

While the reviewer praises the work as deeply compassionate and tantalisingly alive, they critique moments where Easton overtly expounds a point, suggesting these instances may flatten the narrative. Despite this, the novel is applauded for its richly rendered place and nuanced characters, offering an ode to people who reach towards change even when their efforts seem conceited or delusional.