Set in 1980s Brisbane, Boy Swallows Universe follows twelve-year-old Eli Bell as he navigates a tumultuous life marked by crime, love, and loss. With a mute brother, a drug-dealing stepfather, and a notorious criminal as a babysitter, Eli's world is anything but ordinary. Dalton weaves magical realism into a gritty coming-of-age story, exploring themes of redemption and the power of storytelling. Eli's journey is a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
An acclaimed Australian author and journalist, known for his heartfelt and often magical realist novels that explore themes of family, love, and resilience in challenging circumstances. His bestselling novel, Boy Swallows Universe, based on his own childhood, blended humor with profound emotion, captivating readers with its unique voice and vibrant characters, solidifying his place as a beloved contemporary Australian storyteller.
by Helen Garner
Helen Garner's Monkey Grip offers an intimate portrayal of life in 1970s Melbourne, focusing on single mother Nora and her tumultuous relationship with heroin addict Javo. Set against a backdrop of communal living and counterculture, the novel explores themes of love, addiction, and personal freedom. Garner's candid narrative delves into the complexities of human connections, highlighting the challenges of co-dependency and the search for identity. Through Nora's experiences, Monkey Grip captures the essence of a generation grappling with societal norms and personal desires.
This is the story of Sam and Sadie. It's not a romance, but it is about love. When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one morning he is catapulted straight back to childhood, and the hours they spent immersed in playing games. Their spark is instantly reignited and sets off a creative collaboration that will make them superstars. It is the 90s, and anything is possible. What comes next is a decades-long tale of friendship and rivalry, fame and art, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.
by Mohsin Hamid
In Exit West, Mohsin Hamid blends magical realism with a poignant refugee narrative. The novel follows Nadia and Saeed, a young couple whose city is falling into civil war. As their relationship deepens, they discover mysterious doors that transport people to other parts of the world. Using these portals, they journey through countries and cultures, confronting displacement, identity, and transformation. Hamid’s lyrical prose and minimalist style give the story a dreamlike quality. Exit West is both timely and timeless—a moving exploration of love, migration, and the human longing for safety, connection, and a place to call home.
Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses is a complex, controversial novel blending magical realism with political and religious commentary. The story follows two Indian actors who survive a terrorist attack and undergo surreal transformations—one angelic, the other demonic. Through dream sequences and allegories, the novel explores themes of identity, migration, faith, and blasphemy. Loosely inspired by Islamic history and mythology, it sparked global debates on freedom of expression and religious sensitivity. Rich in symbolism and linguistic play, it remains a provocative and significant literary work.