John Tesarsch

Author

John is currently a solicitor, and before that was a barrister. Before that, he was a musician, and as a cellist was a part-time member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Vienna Bach Soloists and Haydn Sinfonietta. (He’s also worked as a Berlitz teacher, a warehouseman and a fertiliser salesman.) So when he came to publish his first novel, The Philanthropist with Sleepers Publishing in late 2010, it’s no wonder many reviewers described him as a Renaissance man of many talents, and rare insight. John draws on his work outside writing: he is fascinated (and he argues, due to his work in the legal profession) by the profound effect that even a momentary indiscretion can have on a person’s life.

Where were you born?

I was born and raised in the Melbourne suburb of Doncaster, on a block which had once been an orchard, and which still has one surviving (and hollow) apple tree. I went to Doncaster Primary School, then to Carey Grammar and Melbourne University. After some years based in Vienna, and travelling, I returned to Melbourne where I now live with my wife and two young children.

What other jobs have you had?

I am currently a solicitor, and before that I was a barrister. Previously I was a musician, and as a cellist I was a part-time member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Vienna Bach Soloists and Haydn Sinfonietta. (I have also worked as a Berlitz teacher, a warehouseman and a fertiliser salesman.)

What themes are recurring in your work?

Some of the main themes in The Philanthropist are guilt and redemption, private and public morality, family and intergenerational conflict, illness and ageing. Also, from my work as a lawyer, I am fascinated by the profound effect that even a momentary indiscretion can have on a person’s life.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The publication of my first novel, after a long period of hibernation during which I grappled with the craft of writing. Also, endorsement from John Banville, one of my pantheon.

Where have your works been published?

The Philanthropist is my first novel, and also my first foray into fiction. (I am also the author of The Taxation of Partnerships, in the Laws of Australia, and of various legal articles on corporate governance!)

What are you passionate about?

Literature, music and the arts, family and friends, and the outdoors.

Haven’t I seen you before?

When I was a student, I was a part-time member of the Channel Nine Orchestra, and I have a hazy recollection of some performances on Ray Martin’s Midday Show!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I was a musician before an allergy to rosin ended my aspirations for a career as a concert cellist. I had always been a voracious reader, and as it turned out this setback was the catalyst for me to pursue my interest in writing fiction, which I find to be incredibly rewarding.