Boy Swallows Universe
Ratings34
Average rating4.3
The bestselling novel that has taken Australia, and the world, by storm. 'Without exaggeration, the best Australian novel I have read in more than a decade ... A rollicking ride, rich in philosophy, wit, truth and pathos' Sydney Morning Herald 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 fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day, to save his mum. 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 - an instant Australian classic. 'Trent Dalton is the most extraordinary writer - a rare talent. A major new voice on the Australian literary scene has arrived.' Nikki Gemmell 'An astonishing achievement. Dalton is a breath of fresh air - raw, honest, funny, moving, he has created a novel of the most surprising and addictive nature. Unputdownable.' David Wenham 'I couldn't stop reading from the moment I started, and I still can barely speak for the beauty of it. Trent Dalton has done something very special here, writing with grace, from his own broken heart.' Caroline Overington 'Stunning. My favourite novel for decades. Left me devastated but looking to the heavens.' Tim Rogers
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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.
as a australian kid who grew up around violence and drug use and is also mute like his brother in this book... this book is my autobiography LMAO
“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.
