Boy Swallows Universe

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!

Listened to the audiobook version, well narrated.

A very “Aussie” coming-of-age story, set in 1980s Brisbane, filled with a bunch of colourful characters - Vietnamese drug dealers, a bikie gang member, and real-life Slim Halliday (“The Houdini of Boggo Road”) who escaped twice from a Brisbane jail. What makes it all the more amazing is the book is partially based on the author's own childhood (Slim was once his babysitter, and his dad really did spend his days living as a chain-smoking recluse who read books all day).

One of the major themes of the book is what makes someone a "good man". The main character Eli is trying to figure out if he is a good man, as well as if the people around him (who have criminal backgrounds) are also good men. It's interesting that people like convicted felon Slim and bikie gang member Alex are portrayed in that "good man" light even after their past misdeeds, but someone like Teddy is "bad" once their bad deeds are uncovered. Maybe would have been cool to get that redemption, but also highlights Eli's potential naivety / young age throughout most of the book.