Centred on Australian suburbia in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, The Lovemakers explores the inner and outer tensions of families and society, and the rituals of home extensions, weddings and public-service career paths. Meanwhile, in the city, the demi-monde transforms itself into the drug culture. Alan Wearne's stunning verse-novel builds powerfully to its emotional heart: the triangle of Barb, her husband Roger and her lover Neil.