A review by sophiesmallhands
The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved being able to read a queer, Indigenous Australian story and it really doesn’t disappoint! Not only is the wholesome friendship and budding romance between Jackson and Tomas beautifully written but so is the exploration of Jackson’s culture and spirituality. Jackson introducing Tomas to the ceremonies and rituals of his local mob and connecting with the local elders are some of the most touching parts of the story.
 
Jackson is an excellently written 1st person POV too, in terms of being an authentic teenager (when EVERYTHING annoys you at that age!). I also loved reading the depiction of an Aussie summer Christmas; something you almost never see in Northern hemisphere-centric novels. I experienced some serious nostalgia recalling all those hot, lazy days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
 
In the end, the message of hope for black, queer boys is a powerful one and even more so in it’s raw authenticity.
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