Mary Colussi’s Touch Grass

Mary Colussi’s Touch Grass

June 19, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

Mary Colussi discusses her debut novel Touch Grass and its themes of digital identity and storytelling.

The Final Draft podcast is all about books, writing and literary culture. We're dedicated to exploring Australian writing, looking into the issues that drive our storytelling to discover more from the books you love. These are the stories that make us who we are. ​​Mary Colussi’s debut novel Touch Grass won the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize. She is joining us today as Touch Grass prepares to launch itself into the world… Charlie’s soul occasionally leaves her body, at least she thinks that’s what’s happening. It’s probably not astral projection. In her job she helps people’s digital selves to leave the internet. Not their physical selves but people seem to forget anyway. Charlie’s housemate Ian won’t leave their apartment. But his twin will. And there’s a an immortal animal that won’t leave anywhere. Ever. At least that’s the theory. It’s all a bit confusing, but then that’s life Final Draft is produced and presented by Andrew Pople Want more great conversations with Australian authors? Discover this and many more conversations on Final Draft every week.

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Pople

Guest: Mary Colussi

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Penguin Literary Prize

Books & works: Touch Grass

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