Reviews

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

megzvsmith's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

miriamlouise's review against another edition

Didn’t click

ymeyc's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

amy1608's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

horsley123's review against another edition

5.0

What a fantastic tale!

It took me a little while to settle into the writing style but I am so glad I carried on. This story of the grim, drug infested underworld of Queensland shows a very different side of Australia from the sun drenched beaches we have come to expect. However whilst some of the incidents are truly shocking they are juxtaposed by the hopeful, naivety of the central teenage characters.

But this book keeps on giving - not happy with being a commentary on society it then shifts into a redemption detective story with a thrilling ending. Even then it is not done, reading the afterword put a whole new spin on the book, one which I won't I spoil but please make sure that you read it when you get there.

bookishlifeofbrie's review against another edition

dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

terryansimon's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

seaplanegh's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. I warmed to Eli, the narrator, for his worries and his curiosity. Eli and his brother (and in fact their family) maintain their warmth through traumatic and difficult times. I’m not a crier but the development of a couple of the characters made me cry (and laugh at the same time). Uniquely Australian, beautifully self deprecating, I was rooting for Eli the whole way. Would recommend it to anyone, one of my favourite books I’ve read this year. 

jessmilbs's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

fricka's review against another edition

4.0

Audio