A review by timmytunter
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.5

I found "Boy Swallows Universe" by Trent Dalton to be an exceptional and moving novel. Dalton’s prose effectively transports the reader to 1980s suburban Australia, evoking nostalgia via pages spattered with single-scoop Gray-Nicholls cricket bats, Golden Gaytimes, Pasito soft drink, gobstoppers and clinkers, and the TV show "Sale of the Century." His unique way of writing captures the essence of the era and immerses you in the world he has created.

The book’s protagonist, Eli Bell, serves as the narrator, and Dalton has given him a distinctive voice. It seems very apt to Eli’s effervescent nature that the narration is often excitable, loquacious, and very stream-of-consciousness. This style brings Eli’s character to life and makes his experiences and emotions incredibly relatable.

The characters Dalton has created are incredibly flawed, yet in many cases, loveable people. Eli and his brother August grow up in poverty, surrounded by adults who do not behave like adults. The boys are frequently required to step into the adult role, caring for themselves and the adults in their lives, as they navigate an alcoholic father, an heroin-addicted mother, a drug dealing stepfather, and a convicted murder for a babysitter. Despite their challenging circumstances, their bond is heartwarming and their resilience is inspiring.

The book speaks of trauma and healing, family love and romantic love, what makes someone “good,” mentorship, striving for justice, loss and resilience, and redemption and forgiveness. One of the most memorable quotes from the book is a conversation between August and Eli:

‘You know what I realised in all that time with my mouth shut?'
‘What?'
'Most things people say don't need to be said,’ he says.
He taps the moon pool.
‘I’ve been thinking about all the things Lyle said to me,' August says. 'He said so many things, and I reckon all those things put together wouldn’t say as much as he said when he’d wrap his arm around my shoulder.’

I cannot deny that a certain escapist mindset is required to step out of the real world and into the pages of "Boy Swallows Universe." This fictional world is one where the traumatized, the impoverished, and the societal outcasts overcome their circumstances if they put their minds to it. And score the job of their dreams, and the girl of their dreams, to boot. Despite all the real-world details and nostalgic references, there is a distinct extra-reality note to it all. Real life often doesn’t have a happy ending. This is not to detract from the tale but merely to recognise it for its allegorical, sentimental, and idealistic nature, and its slightly saccharine ending. 

Read with the appropriate mindset, this novel is one to be savoured, as it fills you with hope and optimism. Dalton’s storytelling is captivating, and his characters leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend "Boy Swallows Universe" to anyone looking for a powerful and uplifting read.
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