I'm reading?

BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE – Trent Dalton

This is without doubt one of the best novels I have read. It is set in the working-class suburbs of mid-1980s Brisbane. The story is told by Eli Bell, a twelve year old boy who lives with his brother August, who is mute, his junkie mother and his stepfather who is a heroin dealer. He has a “babysitter” who is an infamous criminal, now in his old age.

The book is at once a coming-of-age tale, a mystery, a crime story and a love story. Eli tells us of his dysfunctional family life, the special qualities his brother possesses, the life lessons he learns from Slim, the babysitter, and of his father, who he and August end up having to go and live with after not having seen him for some years.

Eli narrates the six years of his teenage-hood with all its complications and obstacles, which are many more than most of us. He is a meticulous observer of life’s details. All the while he wants to know and understand what it is to be “a good man”. 

Boy Swallows Universe will make you laugh, cry and bite your nails in anticipation. Ultimately, this book is a love story; brotherly love, falling in love and the love that comes from having hope and faith in humanity, no matter how bad, screwed up and hope-less your situation might be.

tell me why: the story of my life and my music  Archie Roach

Archie’s memoir is such a powerful read. I was in tears, the first of many times, after only chapter three. I don’t mean watery eyes, I mean crying.

He tells us the story of his life, and in so doing tells us a common story of the Stolen Generations, what it means to be Aboriginal and the great love story that is his relationship with Ruby Hunter. All the while asking the simple question, “why?”, without blame or judgement. It is a story of resilience. It is a story of family. It is a story of the healing power of music. It is a story of survival.

If you love Archie’s music, read this. 

If you fail to be moved by his story, I would 

have questions for you.

Karl Fritzlaff