There is a fine line between magic and madness…
…and all should be encouraged in moderation.
Trent Dalton is an award-winning journalist and literary author who grew up in a Housing Commission on the northern outskirts of Brisbane. His semi-autobiographical novel Boy Swallows Universe is a critically acclaimed, national best seller and winner of multiple prestigious awards.
When asked why he wrote Boy Swallows Universe, Trent says in a Harper Collins blog post:
‘This book is for the never believers and the believers and the dreamers. This book is for anyone around the world who has been 13 years old. This book is for a generation of Australians who were promised by their parents they would be told all the answers as soon as they were old enough. Well, now you’re old enough. Here are my answers:
2. True love conquers all.
3. There is a fine line between magic and madness and all should be encouraged in moderation.
4. Australian suburbia is a dark and brutal place.
5. Australian suburbia is a beautiful and magical place.
6. Home is always the first and final poem.
Boy Swallows Universe – Trent Dalton
Brisbane 1983: a lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It’s not as if Eli’s life isn’t complicated enough already. He’s just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way – not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer.
But Eli’s life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He’s about to meet the father he doesn’t remember, break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day to rescue his mum, come face to face with the criminals who tore his world apart, and fall in love with the girl of his dreams.
A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year.
I am a little late to the party, but I recently listened to Boy Swallows Universe on Borrowbox, I couldn’t stop listening from the moment I started and I truly cannot put in to words the beauty of it. Trent Dalton has a magic about him, what he sees and in the way he writes. The story of Eli Bell will stick with me for a very long time. To sum up, if you haven’t already I urge you to read (or listen to!) the book.
– Jacinta
Reserve a copy from your local Library Listen now on Borrowbox
Did you read and love the book? Visit Harper Collins blog post to read more of the ‘why’ behind Boy Swallows Universe.
Read more by Trent Dalton