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 Donna Tartt
At thirteen, Theo Decker survives a tragic bombing that kills his mother, leaving him adrift in New York. Taken in by a wealthy friend’s family, he clings to a stolen painting—The Goldfinch—a vivid link to his lost mother. As he grows, the painting becomes both a comfort and a curse, drawing him into a shadowy world of art, crime, and deception. Caught between high society and a dusty antiques shop, Theo navigates love, loss, and identity. The Goldfinch is a sweeping, emotionally charged journey through grief, obsession, and self-discovery—an unforgettable exploration of fate, beauty, and the bonds that shape us.
by Solvej Balle
In On the Calculation of Volume II, Tara Selter’s life within the endlessly repeating November 18th deepens in complexity and loneliness. After futile attempts to recreate the passage of time—chasing winter in the north and summer in the south—she is struck by a startling revelation: she is not alone. Others, too, are trapped in this single day. This discovery expands Tara’s world and raises new existential questions. Solvej Balle continues her hypnotic exploration of time, identity, and isolation with sharp introspection and philosophical depth. The novel’s slow, deliberate pace invites reflection, pulling readers deeper into Tara’s looping reality.
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.
Michael Cunningham's "A Home at the End of the World" is a poignant exploration of unconventional families and the search for belonging. The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Bobby and Jonathan, as they navigate love, tragedy, and identity from adolescence into adulthood. Set in the backdrop of the 1960s through the 1980s, the story poignantly depicts how these characters' lives are affected by societal changes, personal struggles, and the AIDS epidemic. Cunningham's lyrical prose and intricate character development invite readers to reflect on the nature of relationships and the idea of home, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amidst turmoil.