Boy Swallows Universe: A Novel

Trent Dalton draws on his own remarkable childhood to add gripping detail to a sensational suburban tale. I am very selective about the fiction I choose to read but this was addictive from the beginning. Two key reasons: Firstly, the compelling writing style - where every sentence and page brings interest and rewarding detail, and secondly the protagonist's journey, which brings the fringe suburbs to life with a background of unique characters, relationships and events. Seen through a highly perceptive – yet endearingly boyish eyes – we glimpse hope and love where we expect chronic tragedy - this is where I think this book breaks new ground. It makes similar books look heavy-handed and clichéd in their portrayal of 'struggle street'. It is warmly textured with plenty of understated humour and searing human reflection. It is extraordinary. There is an extra layer of interest for someone like me who has lived in this area of Brisbane. Many of the locations are familiar but because of my privilege I never saw them in this light! Through other circumstances, I have known ex-prisoners and others who are stigmatised on the margins. I was heartened and enriched by the humanity and dimension that is brought to these characters. A thoroughly refreshing and rewarding read.

I started the television show on Netflix. And stopped after the 3rd episode to get this book! Such a great read. Highly recommend

I previously gave this book a two star rating, because I found the quirky writing style distracting, and stopped reading. Eventually I persisted, and something happened: either the writing style changed, or my brain did... I’m not sure which. By then I was sucked in to the sometimes funny, sometimes moving, but seldom predictable world of brothers Eli and Gus (August) and their highly disfunctional family. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, leading to a compelling and nail-biting ending. Minus half a star for the author’s slightly excessive compulsion to cameo every nostalgic icon of Queensland life, missing only a visit to the Big Pineapple... but overall that’s a minor quibble. If like me, you find that the quirky style of the first chapters is not entirely your cup of Liptons, my advice is to have another cuppa and keep reading. Ultimately a very rewarding read.

I loved the style of writing and how the other completely puts you inside the mind of the main character. This book also transports you to suburban Australia and it’s underground heroin trade- a place that Perot to treading this book I was unaware even existed. When one thinks of “The Land Down Under” they generally envision pristinely white beaches, gigantic reefs, towering waves of the bluest ocean water and tons of sun. This book isn’t about any of that. It’s about the people who actually live in Australia, not the tourists & how Asians & Aussies come together with the police and politicians, as well as the richest members of society to distribute heroin to the nation. The book tells the story of how a young boy is born and raised in this culture within a culture that seems to be the norm to him and everyone he knows. It’s also about how this lifestyle & the events that ensure forever changes and shapes the lives of Eli and his mute brother. Eli undergoes more than most children ever do in any country. He survives the loss of his finger and his stepfather all in one day. Deals with the imprisonments off his mother & the i joyful reunification of the boys with the estranged biological father. He copes with the loss of his unlikely best friend, an infamous ex-con & probably ex-murderer at least a half a century his senior. He gots from being dirty poor to having more money than he can manage with. He falls in love & finds his way into the career of good dreams while finding himself in every role from victim to hero throughout the course of the book. And all that transpires does so under the watchful eyes of his big brother who brings an air of magic sands intrigue to it all through his claims that he’s been through all these events before because “He comes back.” He tells Eli not to worry because “ It gets real good soon!”

Why not a five? I would have to reserve that for a perfect book, and there are very few of those. This book, though, comes pretty close. I loved the characters, the way the author set the scenes, the seriousness of the subject matter, and the humour he found even in that seriousness. The two main characters were very likeable, maybe especially because they were not perfectly well-behaved but always behaved with a basic, inborn decency. This is really a story about family, and how family includes not only those with a birthright, but also those we choose to include on merit. If I had one criticism, it would be that the book was a bit all over the place in some ways. For the most part, that was enjoyable, but the element of mysticism did not work that well for me as a reader. I though it unnecessary. The story really stood on its own without that. On the other hand, it did add a bit to the fun, so I cannot really complain.

I am one of those infantile people that wilfully dismiss books with lots of hype and recommendations. Having worked in the book industry for years and having read literally 1000's of books, when this was heralded; I thought 'flavour of the month, yada, yada, yada'. Eventually even a curmudgeon like me caved in to the opinions of people I respect and I read 'Boy Swallows Universe'. What a read!! A great book needs a decent premise, a good plot, and characters you can emotionally invest in; from the outset, this book had all three in abundance. I grew up in similar circumstances to the chief protagonists, so for me it was especially poignant. At the mention of 'devon and tomato sauce sandwiches' - I was there. I cannot think of anyone that would not enjoy this work. A gripping, visceral story peopled by characters we care about with a sorry - 'no spoilers here' - just go and read it!! - Rob

I really enjoyed the book. The characters from the Australian underworld were well-described. I felt a deep connection with the hero of the story, the little boy.

This is great book. I watched it on Netflix first and usually hate reading books after seeing movies, but this was a great read. A great Aussie story in my hometown. Highly recommend!

I was captivated by Dalton's humorous yet brilliant writing style. In three words this book is profound, endearing, brutal. Expect to be shocked by acts of merciless violence but this is absolutely necessary for this story to be told accurately. Have no fear, this is equally balanced with charming displays of humanity and benevolence and this will move you beyond belief and keep you hooked until the very last page. I have no doubt in my mind, every reader will be rooting for the teenage protagonist Eli Bell as he touches your heart, mind and soul. I have to admit I felt a tight and aching knot in my stomach as I read the first half of the book. It was filled with too much violence, pain and anger. These pages reminded me of the people I knew long ago in Australia who took pride in the fact they were bullies and others who were constantly chasing the dragon as they endured a life totally dependent on drug addiction. But this knot slowly unravelled as the pieces of the love puzzle so beautifully fell into place for Eli and Caitlyn. This is definitely a must-read story and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this talented Aussie author in the future.

I loved this story and the writing. There is so much going on and definitely some of it was way over the top, but it was also the story of damaged and flawed characters and how they each deal with it.

Good read, heavy going at times