Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton is quite a harrowing read which tells the tale of the life of a 13 year old boy, Eli, and his mute brother August, set in Queensland, Australia.


There are other characters, like his mother and her boyfriend, Lyle, who are both drug dealers, a father who he can't ask about, and Slim, who is a convicted murderer, Eli's best friend and baby sitter.


A red telephone, prophecies drawn in the air by August, and drugs are key points in the book, and there's a hint of magic, but not enough to turn you off this book if you don't like fantasy. It's not a fantasy book. It's a coming of age tale, where you see everything from Eli's perspective, and sometimes he isn't sure what's happened. Or he is, but lies to himself.


Boy Swallows Universe is Trent Dalton's debut novel, but he's an accomplished journalist, having been nominated for awards in Australia.


This is partly based on Dalton's own childhood, and he talks about it in a post for HarperCollins. This put a whole new spin on the book for me!


I enjoyed Boy Swallows Universe, and if you like coming of age stories, with some crime mixed in, you'll enjoy this!



Boy Swallows Universe was published on 5th July 2018, and is available on Amazon to buy on Kindle and on Waterstones to pre-order the hardback, which is coming out on 16th May this year. I've found a link to where you can search for local bookshops, including independent!



I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to HarperCollins (the publishers) for this book.



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If I had to describe this novel in three words they would be emotional, effortful and impactful in more or less equal measures.

After having read “Boy Swallows Universe” I feel that I am completely indebted to Trent Dalton! This book has all the components that make a really fantastic story: from the mood and undercurrents to the very clever writing and the experience of love and friendship, not forgetting the feelings of hope, desperation and failure. Trent Dalton has drawn a remarkable young narrator to adore in Eli, growing up in his vastly dysfunctional family. 

There were instances where this was a very difficult read for me, being as it was a little like sitting on a roller-coaster, however, it was extremely worthwhile even though, by my standards, it was a fairly lengthy novel. 

 I enjoyed “Boy Swallows Universe” so much and I'm hoping to read more by Trent Dalton soon…

[Thanks to NetGalley, Edelweiss, HarperCollins UK and the author, Trent Dalton, for my free ARC of #BoySwallowsUniverse in exchange for an honest review.]

What a book.

Different.

Imaginative.

Captivating.

Thought provoking.

When I reached the end I felt like I needed to read it all over again as I just knew there were details that I'd missed first time round.

I think you need to take in this tale slowly, one chapter at a time, really appreciate what the words are trying to tell you.

At times it was like reading poetry.

Go in with an open mind and a belief that anything is possible and you won't be disappointed.