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The Org
FIC055000 FICTION / Dystopian
FIC027240 FICTION / Romance / New Adult
FIC072000 FICTION / LGBTQ+ / Bisexual
This book is not approved by The Org. Read at your own risk.
Can you find love in a city that may not love you back?
Can you find something to believe in, in an unbelievable place?
Australia is ruled by The Org. Cristina, a conservative but curious young woman, unsure of her sexuality, moves to Sydney to work for The Org’s Program. She collides with Bacch, a fluid young man losing himself amongst despair and illegal dancefloors. They keep secrets.
As Bacch and Cristina fall down a rabbit hole of repression and revelry, The Org tightens its grip. Bacch’s friend Ria is arrested in the streets. Strip searches. Disappearances. Sex, drugs & dance music. A public execution. All while nature rebels through the cracks.
Will Cristina ever come to terms with the truth of The Org, or herself? Will Bacch ever find meaning, or at least a job? Will Ria ever be freed? Will everyone hook up?
The Org is a protest novel. An Australian satirical dystopia. 1984 meets The Betoota Advocate.
Escapism, with no real escape.
_______________
“An unmissable debut ... Inspiring and stimulating, relatable and terrifying. 1984, Black Mirror – eat your heart out.”
Chamira Gamage, Thinkrs & Amnesty International
“An honour to be included in such solid writing!”
Eddie Amador, international DJ & producer
_______________
Cover: Scott Marsh
(Design by Nada Backovic - Allen and Unwin, Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins Publishers, Melbourne University Press, Pan Macmillan and more)
Scott Marsh is one of Australia's most iconic and infamous street artists. With a deep history in graffiti culture, he's recognised internationally for his signature, politically inspired and newsworthy mural pieces. From tagging Sydney trains at 12 to becoming a finalist in both the Moran Portrait Prize and Archibald Prize, Scott confronts the common perceptions around street art and graffiti, using traditional art techniques to prove that fine art can exist and succeed beyond oil and canvas. While some of his interpretations may be contentious, the overwhelming majority of Australians admire and encourage his work, with each piece attracting droves of spectators and transforming mundane buildings into shrines of hope, resilience and social change. Scott's work has made news headlines globally with his iconic pieces including Kanye Loves Kanye, Saint George, Tony loves Tony, Trump Obese Turtle, Merry Crisis and A Symbol of Pain and Frustration.
FIC027240 FICTION / Romance / New Adult
FIC072000 FICTION / LGBTQ+ / Bisexual
This book is not approved by The Org. Read at your own risk.
Can you find love in a city that may not love you back?
Can you find something to believe in, in an unbelievable place?
Australia is ruled by The Org. Cristina, a conservative but curious young woman, unsure of her sexuality, moves to Sydney to work for The Org’s Program. She collides with Bacch, a fluid young man losing himself amongst despair and illegal dancefloors. They keep secrets.
As Bacch and Cristina fall down a rabbit hole of repression and revelry, The Org tightens its grip. Bacch’s friend Ria is arrested in the streets. Strip searches. Disappearances. Sex, drugs & dance music. A public execution. All while nature rebels through the cracks.
Will Cristina ever come to terms with the truth of The Org, or herself? Will Bacch ever find meaning, or at least a job? Will Ria ever be freed? Will everyone hook up?
The Org is a protest novel. An Australian satirical dystopia. 1984 meets The Betoota Advocate.
Escapism, with no real escape.
_______________
“An unmissable debut ... Inspiring and stimulating, relatable and terrifying. 1984, Black Mirror – eat your heart out.”
Chamira Gamage, Thinkrs & Amnesty International
“An honour to be included in such solid writing!”
Eddie Amador, international DJ & producer
_______________
Cover: Scott Marsh
(Design by Nada Backovic - Allen and Unwin, Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins Publishers, Melbourne University Press, Pan Macmillan and more)
Scott Marsh is one of Australia's most iconic and infamous street artists. With a deep history in graffiti culture, he's recognised internationally for his signature, politically inspired and newsworthy mural pieces. From tagging Sydney trains at 12 to becoming a finalist in both the Moran Portrait Prize and Archibald Prize, Scott confronts the common perceptions around street art and graffiti, using traditional art techniques to prove that fine art can exist and succeed beyond oil and canvas. While some of his interpretations may be contentious, the overwhelming majority of Australians admire and encourage his work, with each piece attracting droves of spectators and transforming mundane buildings into shrines of hope, resilience and social change. Scott's work has made news headlines globally with his iconic pieces including Kanye Loves Kanye, Saint George, Tony loves Tony, Trump Obese Turtle, Merry Crisis and A Symbol of Pain and Frustration.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2023
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 10, 2023
4.5 for sure! Was not sure what this would bring but WOW glad I read it. The MCs Cristina and Bacch are honestly just trying to figure themselves and everything out (aren’t we all). Won’t lie had to look up some words used and now I want to visit Sydney!
I want to thank the author for this ARC, this review is left voluntarily and all thoughts/opinions above were my own!
I want to thank the author for this ARC, this review is left voluntarily and all thoughts/opinions above were my own!
July 9, 2023
An important commentary on Australian government, values of young Australians and the moral dilemma we've all struggled with these past few years through a dystopia not too hard to imagine being our reality.
I loved leaning into the lives of Bacch and Cristina while they struggled with their identity, toeing the line between doing what is "right" and just trying to live their lives.
This novel is VERY Aussie, and international readers will likely have to google a few slang terms, but I appreciated the genuine reflection of Aussie culture.
Without giving too much away, I wished the nature aspect was explored and explained a bit more, I feel like this would have elevated the tension in the novel.
A stellar debut, a wildly interesting dystopian version of Sydney, one I would gladly revisit and unpack.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of The Org for my honest review.
I loved leaning into the lives of Bacch and Cristina while they struggled with their identity, toeing the line between doing what is "right" and just trying to live their lives.
This novel is VERY Aussie, and international readers will likely have to google a few slang terms, but I appreciated the genuine reflection of Aussie culture.
Without giving too much away, I wished the nature aspect was explored and explained a bit more, I feel like this would have elevated the tension in the novel.
A stellar debut, a wildly interesting dystopian version of Sydney, one I would gladly revisit and unpack.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of The Org for my honest review.
October 26, 2023
The Org is nothing like I expected, being so much more complex and thought provoking than I ever could have imagined. It is honestly so reflective of and engaged with our current and future society and as a debut novel is honestly mind blowing.
Some of the concepts throughout the book are a little hard to engage with personally, and the beginning is a little lost in terms of where it is all heading but this contributes to the overall journey of discovery and finding one’s self and their beliefs and the truth.
The characters are relatable and their personal journeys create an honest, engaging text that is critical of our society. Whilst it is dystopian, there is truth and honesty on all levels and all ideas can be related back to our reality in a critical, reflective way that brings light to truths that are otherwise hard to recognise or admit.
It is a great novel in terms of plot and characters and absolutely works as just another fun read, but the text is even more valuable when it’s reflective nature is taken into account. The recognition of one’s own beliefs that is discovered with reading this book cannot be underestimated in how the audience will be left changed.
This is definitely a book for all to read to experience the truth of what is portrayed and to engage with the concepts and ideas ignited.
Overall, any troubles I had with this book are spawned from my own personal positions and I absolutely cannot fault this book in any way. I would highly recommend this book to all readers that are a fan of the genres and themes as well as those that want to be challenged.
Some of the concepts throughout the book are a little hard to engage with personally, and the beginning is a little lost in terms of where it is all heading but this contributes to the overall journey of discovery and finding one’s self and their beliefs and the truth.
The characters are relatable and their personal journeys create an honest, engaging text that is critical of our society. Whilst it is dystopian, there is truth and honesty on all levels and all ideas can be related back to our reality in a critical, reflective way that brings light to truths that are otherwise hard to recognise or admit.
It is a great novel in terms of plot and characters and absolutely works as just another fun read, but the text is even more valuable when it’s reflective nature is taken into account. The recognition of one’s own beliefs that is discovered with reading this book cannot be underestimated in how the audience will be left changed.
This is definitely a book for all to read to experience the truth of what is portrayed and to engage with the concepts and ideas ignited.
Overall, any troubles I had with this book are spawned from my own personal positions and I absolutely cannot fault this book in any way. I would highly recommend this book to all readers that are a fan of the genres and themes as well as those that want to be challenged.
November 21, 2024
4.5/5
THIS. BOOK.
I had every intention of writing an intelligent review that discussed the eerie prescience of the landscape, the innate struggle between the individual and social conformity, the dichotomy of unrestrained indulgence and stilted repression that are so well captured in these pages.
But no.
This book is so much more human than that - it's raw and messy and brutal in its assessment of the human psyche. Bacch's dry cynicism never failed to make me laugh (he had me at “Cupid is a c***. I've never met a more sadistic baby”), and Cristina's coming of age is painfully authentic.
Yes, like many of the other reviews have said, it definitely has Orwellian influences, but Hennessy's novel speaks to the experience of a younger generation, draws you in with characters you root for from the start and will leave your jaw hanging on the floor as the novel delves into the dark underworld that underlies his provocative totalitarian landscape.
The prose is poignant and lyrical, somehow managing to capture the darkest aspects of the human psyche and the realities of personal struggle in a way that is aesthetic and beautiful.
My one criticism is that there are a few aspects I would have loved to see teased out more, and THAT ENDING. Why did you do that to me K.J? WHY!?
Please write a sequel.
Thanks to K.J. for a reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Less thanks for the emotional damage.
THIS. BOOK.
I had every intention of writing an intelligent review that discussed the eerie prescience of the landscape, the innate struggle between the individual and social conformity, the dichotomy of unrestrained indulgence and stilted repression that are so well captured in these pages.
But no.
This book is so much more human than that - it's raw and messy and brutal in its assessment of the human psyche. Bacch's dry cynicism never failed to make me laugh (he had me at “Cupid is a c***. I've never met a more sadistic baby”), and Cristina's coming of age is painfully authentic.
Yes, like many of the other reviews have said, it definitely has Orwellian influences, but Hennessy's novel speaks to the experience of a younger generation, draws you in with characters you root for from the start and will leave your jaw hanging on the floor as the novel delves into the dark underworld that underlies his provocative totalitarian landscape.
The prose is poignant and lyrical, somehow managing to capture the darkest aspects of the human psyche and the realities of personal struggle in a way that is aesthetic and beautiful.
My one criticism is that there are a few aspects I would have loved to see teased out more, and THAT ENDING. Why did you do that to me K.J? WHY!?
Please write a sequel.
Thanks to K.J. for a reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Less thanks for the emotional damage.
July 13, 2023
“Your body is a weapon in the war of life. It’s your choice whether you let others use it against you, or wether you wield it for your own benefit.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Picture Modern Australian society meets George Orwells ‘1984’.
Firstly, this story is extremely Aussie, anyone outside our little bubble may need to google the slang but I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
We follow 2 MC’s Bacch and Cristina, two young adults from different families, upbringings and values, trying to figure out how life works, spirituality, sexuality, and overall humanity in a tense and uneasy timeline.
The Author touches on social commentary really well and shines a light from a different perspective about things we hear about in our day to day but never really blink an eye on.
Without spoiling anything there is a whole undertone throughout the story that is constantly touched upon but never really breaks through the surface, which was a little disheartening because it was a really interesting aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and for a debut novelist it’s a great piece and you deserve a massive round of applause!
Thank you to the Author for providing me with a copy of ‘The Org’ in exchange for my honest thoughts and review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Picture Modern Australian society meets George Orwells ‘1984’.
Firstly, this story is extremely Aussie, anyone outside our little bubble may need to google the slang but I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
We follow 2 MC’s Bacch and Cristina, two young adults from different families, upbringings and values, trying to figure out how life works, spirituality, sexuality, and overall humanity in a tense and uneasy timeline.
The Author touches on social commentary really well and shines a light from a different perspective about things we hear about in our day to day but never really blink an eye on.
Without spoiling anything there is a whole undertone throughout the story that is constantly touched upon but never really breaks through the surface, which was a little disheartening because it was a really interesting aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and for a debut novelist it’s a great piece and you deserve a massive round of applause!
Thank you to the Author for providing me with a copy of ‘The Org’ in exchange for my honest thoughts and review!
August 26, 2023
It’s been so good to read an Australian novel again. The small references to an old fridge in the garage and Tracey Grimshaw had me giggling. And the not so small references to the different streets and suburbs of Sydney made it incredibly easy to picture the story.
The org explores gender and sexuality in a pretty dystopian Australia. KJ goes into great detail of both highs and lows of each character learning about themselves in this fabulous display of queer representation.
I found at times Baach’s language can be a bit jarring and takes a moment to get used to. Fortunately I love the way Christie’s perspective is written and always looked forward the their chapters.
An incredible debut novel from K.J Hennessy. I look forward to what they put out in the future.
I was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC and very grateful to KJ Hennessy for the opportunity.
December 1, 2024
First off, it is so refreshing to read something set in the city you know. Set in Sydney, it is so cool to visualise the setting happening in the places you’ve been.
I really enjoyed both of the perspectives we get to read from throughout, and the intersecting cast of characters provided a diverse view of their world.
The Org at times feels a bit real, and a bit not, and like it could be set 5 years from now or 50 years from now.
Really taps into feelings of paranoia and government misinformation which I loved! If you feel like that would make you spiral, read with caution - otherwise a solid 4 stars and I would recommend to any Sydneysider. (Read the warnings first to be sure it’s for you) :)
Thank you K. J. for a copy of your debut novel!
I really enjoyed both of the perspectives we get to read from throughout, and the intersecting cast of characters provided a diverse view of their world.
The Org at times feels a bit real, and a bit not, and like it could be set 5 years from now or 50 years from now.
Really taps into feelings of paranoia and government misinformation which I loved! If you feel like that would make you spiral, read with caution - otherwise a solid 4 stars and I would recommend to any Sydneysider. (Read the warnings first to be sure it’s for you) :)
Thank you K. J. for a copy of your debut novel!
July 27, 2023
Can you find love in a city that may not love you back?
The Org takes you through the lives of Bacch and Cristina as they navigate life in Sydney, during a time where Australia is ruled by the Org.
Cristina is a conservative but curious young woman whilst Bacch is a fluid young man losing himself. With very different upbringings and views, they navigate a world of arrests, strip searches, disappearances and drugs throughout this protest novel.
This novel really captures the Australian stereotypes which I loved and reading a novel about places that I have visited or live local to, really drove this home for me.
The Org takes you through the lives of Bacch and Cristina as they navigate life in Sydney, during a time where Australia is ruled by the Org.
Cristina is a conservative but curious young woman whilst Bacch is a fluid young man losing himself. With very different upbringings and views, they navigate a world of arrests, strip searches, disappearances and drugs throughout this protest novel.
This novel really captures the Australian stereotypes which I loved and reading a novel about places that I have visited or live local to, really drove this home for me.
October 2, 2025
“Just let us drink and dance and fuck whoever we want. Just leave us with our dancefloors. Take everything else, but just leave us the music.”
The Org is smart, darkly funny, and way too real. Hennessy takes us into a not too distant future, with a corrupt Australian government and spins it into a sharp dystopian satire that’s both entertaining and deeply unsettling. That ending had my jaw on the floor !!!
The Org is smart, darkly funny, and way too real. Hennessy takes us into a not too distant future, with a corrupt Australian government and spins it into a sharp dystopian satire that’s both entertaining and deeply unsettling. That ending had my jaw on the floor !!!
August 20, 2024
I have no idea what I just read but I think I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews