Book Review: Boy Swallows Universe By Trent Dalton

Award winning journalist Trent Dalton has written a novel from the heart, full of compassion, forgiveness, strangeness, violence and justice.

Eli Bell doesn’t come from a normal family, early on in this story his addict mother and drug dealing step-father land Eli and his mute brother in a whole heap of trouble. So begins the story of a young boy’s coming of age, of a family caught up in drug gangs, contending with weird and dangerous people, jail breaks, falling in love and ultimately the hope and dream of a better life. Much of Trent Dalton’s life is contained within this novel set in Queensland in the early 80’s, during years of police corruption. Dalton says that his mother was the inspiration behind writing this story, and the admiration and love the brothers have for their mother shines through the book. The pace quickens as Dalton brings the story together in a masterful way. An enriching read with humour, tragedy and, ultimately, satisfaction.

Harper Collins $32.99