Boy Swallows Universe: A Harrowing and Unflinching Look at the Pain and Beauty of Growing Up

Boy Swallows Universe: A Novel

by Trent Dalton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5220 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

Trent Dalton's debut novel, Boy Swallows Universe, is a coming-of-age story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. The novel follows Eli Bell, a young boy growing up in a small Australian town in the 1980s. Eli's life is anything but ordinary: his mother is a heroin addict, his father is a violent criminal, and he is constantly bullied at school. Despite all of this, Eli is a resilient and resourceful boy who is determined to make something of his life.

The novel is narrated by Eli as an adult, looking back on his childhood. Dalton's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he captures the voice of a young boy perfectly. Eli is a complex and sympathetic character, and readers will root for him every step of the way. The novel is full of humor and heart, but it also doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life. Dalton tackles issues such as poverty, addiction, and violence with honesty and compassion.

Boy Swallows Universe is a powerful and unforgettable novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, Australian literature, or simply great writing.

Characters

The characters in Boy Swallows Universe are complex and well-developed. Eli Bell, the protagonist, is a resilient and resourceful boy who is determined to make something of his life despite his difficult circumstances. His mother, Coral Bell, is a heroin addict who struggles to care for her children. Eli's father, Jimmy Bell, is a violent criminal who is often absent from his family's life. Eli's friends, August "Augie" Mollison and Tytus Broz, are loyal and supportive, and they provide him with much-needed companionship and stability.

Setting

The novel is set in a small Australian town in the 1980s. The town is a harsh and unforgiving place, but it is also a place of beauty and resilience. The landscape is vast and unforgiving, but it is also full of hidden treasures. The people of the town are tough and resilient, but they are also kind and compassionate. The novel's setting is an important part of the story, and it helps to create a rich and immersive experience for readers.

Themes

The novel explores a number of important themes, including poverty, addiction, violence, and resilience. Dalton does not shy away from the darker aspects of life, but he also shows the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. The novel is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is always hope.

Reception

Boy Swallows Universe has received widespread critical acclaim. The novel has been praised for its lyrical writing, complex characters, and unflinching look at the pain and beauty of growing up. The novel has won numerous awards, including the Miles Franklin Award and the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction.

Boy Swallows Universe is a must-read for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, Australian literature, or simply great writing. The novel is a powerful and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Boy Swallows Universe: A Novel

by Trent Dalton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5220 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE