
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.

by John Boyne
Cyril Avery isn’t a real Avery—or so his adoptive parents insist. Born to a teenage girl shunned by her Irish village, Cyril is adopted by eccentric Dubliners through the help of a hunchbacked nun. Growing up feeling like an outsider, he clings to his friendship with the charismatic Julian Woodbead, even as life sends him through decades of upheaval, love, loss, and self-discovery. Spanning Ireland from the 1940s to the present, The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a sweeping, emotional journey of identity, belonging, and resilience. With humor and heartbreak, John Boyne crafts a deeply human story of redemption and hope.

Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood' is a mesmerizing exploration of love, loss, and coming of age set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan. The novel follows Toru Watanabe as he navigates the complexities of relationships, grappling with themes of loneliness, mental health, and the passage of time. Murakami's lyrical prose weaves a hauntingly beautiful narrative that delves into the human condition with deep introspection. Through poignant storytelling and rich character development, 'Norwegian Wood' captivates readers with its raw emotions and profound insights into the fragility of life and the enduring power of memory.

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.