Southbank author explores reinvention and resilience in new novel

Southbank resident and author Cedric Saldanha has returned with his second novel, The Remaking of Professor Bobbins – a contemporary fiction work that explores late-life reinvention, ageing, domestic violence and economic inequality, wrapped in wit and emotional depth.

Building on the success of his debut Quest for Freedom, which tackled the issue of violence against women, Mr Saldanha’s latest release once again highlights his commitment to crafting stories with strong social messages.

But this time, the focus shifts to the emotional and intellectual world of a man grappling with change – offering a poignant, and at times humorous, meditation on what it means to start over.

“A tender, funny, and deeply relatable story about starting over – even after you think life has passed you by,” a synopsis on the novel describes.

A former senior public servant and management consultant, Mr Saldanha spent much of his professional career working with the governments of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, as well as advising the Pacific Forum. Now in retirement, he is channelling his passion for storytelling into fiction that doesn’t shy away from the personal or the political.

The Remaking of Professor Bobbins tells the story of a semi-retired economics professor as he stumbles through a divorce, navigates new friendships, and begins to re-evaluate not only his relationships but also the very ideas he once built his career upon. The novel interrogates the human cost of neoliberal economic policies and offers a reflection on ageing, vulnerability and the power of connection.

“Bobbins is a man who has to come to terms with his changing world – intellectually and emotionally,” Mr Saldanha told Southbank News. “He’s a product of a certain time, but like many of us, he discovers that life keeps teaching us lessons.”

The novel also continues Saldanha’s broader thematic exploration of domestic violence, albeit from a different lens. While Quest for Freedom focused on a young woman’s fight for justice, Professor Bobbins invites readers to consider the subtler psychological dynamics that can shape relationships across age and gender.

“Violence and inequality aren’t always overt – they can be structural, emotional, economic. I wanted to look at how ideas we take for granted – like economic freedom or professional status – can both empower and isolate us,” he said.

A passionate advocate for social justice and lifelong learning, Mr Saldanha brings a nuanced voice to Australian fiction. His books reflect both his rich lived experience and a deep empathy for those navigating difficult circumstances – whether it be a young woman escaping violence, or an ageing man trying to reimagine his identity.

The Remaking of Professor Bobbins is available now online at Amazon and Booktopia. To learn more about the author and his work, visit cedricsaldanha.com or follow cedricsaldanha on social media. •