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Boy Swallows Universe

Boy Swallows Universe

4.34 (rated by 92998 readers on Goodreads)
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An utterly wonderful debut novel of love, crime, magic, fate and a boy’s coming of age, set in 1980s Australia and infused with the originality, charm, pathos, and heart of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Eli Bell’s life is complicated. His father is lost, his mother is in jail, and his stepdad is a heroin dealer. The most steadfast adult in Eli’s life is Slim—a notorious felon and national record-holder for successful prison escapes—who watches over Eli and August, his silent genius of an older brother.

Exiled far from the rest of the world in Darra, a seedy suburb populated by Polish and Vietnamese refugees, this twelve-year-old boy with an old soul and an adult mind is just trying to follow his heart, learn what it takes to be a good man, and train for a glamorous career in journalism. Life, however, insists on throwing obstacles in Eli’s path—most notably Tytus Broz, Brisbane’s legendary drug dealer.

But the real trouble lies ahead. Eli is about to fall in love, face off against truly bad guys, and fight to save his mother from a certain doom—all before starting high school.

A story of brotherhood, true love, family, and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe is the tale of an adolescent boy on the cusp of discovering the man he will be. Powerful and kinetic, Trent Dalton’s debut is sure to be one of the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novels you will experience.

Details of Book

ISBN13: 9780062898104
ISBN10: 0062898108
Language: English
Publisher: Harper
Publication Year: 2019
Format: Hardcover

A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

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  • One Line Summary

    Unique childhood saga of love, crime, and resilience.

  • Who is this book for?

    If you're drawn to heartfelt stories of growing up against tough odds, this novel might just become a favorite. Trent Dalton crafts a vivid world filled with unforgettable characters, capturing both the innocence of youth and the grit of life in Brisbane's suburbs. Readers often find themselves deeply connected to Eli's journey of love, loss, and hope—it's a story that stays with you long after the last page.

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