Delicious story of cosmic justice

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  Trent Dalton spins a mindbogglingly brilliant yarn in Boy Swallows Universe, his debt novel. It is easy to see why this little jewel (inspired by the author's life?!?) is taking Australia by storm. A more funny, sympathetic, bazaar, lovable, curious, heroic and touching coming-of-age novel I have not read. Completely unique and rich in Aussie flare that is sure to delight even the most jaded reader.

In Boy Swallows Universe we follow the miraculous existence of young Eli and his mute older brother, August. Life in Brisbane circa 1983 is not easy when you live on the fringe of society and your babysitter is a convicted killer. It's a challenging life but the refreshing view from Eli's perspective makes even the worst of it charming and bearable. I was thoroughly taken by the brothers' plight reading much of the early book with trepidation. It seemed pretty grim at the outset but everything slots into place quickly bringing the reader onboard as an awed spectator. So much comes to pass that shocks and amazes, I won't touch on it for fear of giving plot points away. Suffice it to say that if you give this book a go, you will be enthralled by what the future holds for these two special boys.