Text (1996) $19.80

John Clare is fast becoming one of extempore’s favourite contributors. But far from being our discovery, John has been writing and attracting a readership for years.

Low Rent is a memoir by John, published by Text in 1996. A natural storyteller, in his effortless, sensuous prose John tells us about growing up by the sea, about his stern and remote father, and a life lived everywhere from Maroubra to Melbourne, from Kings Cross to Cooktown.

He describes his encounters with criminals, junkies, cops and witches. He is attacked by flying foxes and recounts the battle of Victoria Street and the hilarity of his own heart attack.

This is a funny and moving book, full of wry and wonderful tales about tennis in the back lane, about the man who always walked on the left, and the death of the cat burglar. Clare falls in love with the frangipani girl, hits the road with Ray the Pay, and sings the blues to Benjamin.

Low Rent invites us all into the intimate corners of an adventurous and unpredictable life.