Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

'The best Australian novel I have read in more than a decade' Sydney Morning Herald 'Astonishing, captivating ... a wild, beautiful, heart-exploding ride' Elizabeth Gilbert The bestselling novel that has taken Australia, and the world, by storm. Winner of Book of the Year at the 2019 Indie Book Awards, winner of a record four Australian Book Industry Awards in 2019, including the prestigious Book of the Year Award, and winner of the 2019 UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing, NSW Premier's Literary Awards Brisbane, 1985: A lost father, a mute brother, a junkie mum, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli Bell's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart and understand what it means to be a good man, but fate keeps throwing obstacles in his way - not the least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer. But now Eli's life is going 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. Awards: 2019 ABIA Book of the Year Award, Winner 2019 Indie Book Award, Winner 2019 UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing, NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Winner 2019 People's Choice Award, NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Winner MUD Literary Prize 2019, Winner 2019 ABIA Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year, Winner 2019 ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year, Winner 2019 ABIA Audiobook of the Year, Winner 2019 Miles Franklin Literary Award, Longlisted 2019 Colin Roderick Award, shortlist Reviews: 'Boy Swallows Universe is a wonderful surprise: sharp as a drawer full of knives in terms of subject matter; unrepentantly joyous in its child's-eye view of the world; the best literary debut in a month of Sundays.' The Australian 'Boy Swallows Universe hypnotizes you with wonder, and then hammers you with heartbreak.' Washington Post 'This thrilling novel' New York Times Book Review 'Marvelously plot-rich ... filled with beautifully lyric prose ...At one point Eli wonders if he is good. The answer is "yes," every bit as good as this exceptional novel.' Booklist 'Dalton's splashy, stellar debut makes the typical coming-of-age novel look bland by comparison ... This is an outstanding debut.' Publisher's Weekly (starred review) 'Extraordinary and beautiful storytelling' Guardian

Maybe the best book I've read in 2019, definitely among the top three.

Dalton describes gruesome subjects like child abuse, drug dealing and dismemberment with such lightness and comedy that can only be achieved by viewing these subjects from the naive perspective of a child. Despite the dark setting Dalton's protagonist gives the impression of a normal, happy and curious kid. It's impossible not to root for him.

The story revolves around the two boys and is woven together beautifully. The children get hurt, stumble and fall, get up and continue to try and make the world a better place. And they succeed! For me it radiated with a feeling on hope and love for the universe.

“What are you reading?”

I dread this question, making sure I sum up the plot in a succinct yet comprehensive manner without giving too much away or the wrong impression. ‘Boy Swallows Universe' is perhaps the hardest book I have had to sum up in a while.

“Well it's about a boy in Australia in the 80s who has an ex-con as a babysitter and a heroin dealer for a step-dad. His mother is an addict and his brother is a mute, who writes messages in the sky with his finger. It's not depressing though, honest!”

You mention convicts and drug deals and people expect a heavy read about a troubled childhood, when in fact Boy Swallows Universe is far from that. It is funny, thrilling and an intimate look at relationships and how trauma can affect them.

The protagonist Eli Bell has spent his life surrounded by complicated characters, having to learn which Rolling Stones song soothes his mother after a drug binge and how to interpret his mute brother's finger writing and the meanings behind his messages (Caitlyn Spies? Your end is a dead blue wren?). Aside from the occasional provocation of his step-father, Eli is presented as the more grounded member of the Bell family. It isn't until later that you understand how the events of Eli's past have affected him.

Loosely based on aspects from the author's childhood, he really was babysat by an ex-con called Slim and his step-dad was a dealer, Boy Swallows Universe is a debut novel full of richly detailed characters, beautifully written prose and a fast-paced plot which remains on the right side of believable. I read a few other reviews which complained about the bleak subject matter, the graphic violence and regular use of profanity, but this did not even register with me because none of it felt gratuitous.

This is a truly unique coming-of-age novel that is equally touching as it is engaging, which makes the news that is has been bought by actor Joel Edgerton for TV adaptation even more exciting.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy of this book.

4.5 stars. I loved this book. A coming of age story, set in my hometown, in the 80's with a sprinkle of magical realism (and that cover!). What is not to love? Well, 2 things actually - firstly, the pacing felt a bit off, and secondly I felt that the author tried too hard to include as many Brisbane landmarks and 80's references as possible. We get it, it is set in Brisbane in the 80's. But honestly, those are minor gripes and the only reason this wasn't a five star read for me. I will be watching Dalton closely and will definitely picking up his next novel. Great read!