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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Have you ever had a book that, for some reason you can’t quite describe, you know it is going to be special before you have even read the first page? That was this book for me. I saw it on the new releases shelf at Half Price Books a couple of years ago, and there was something about it that just magnetized me. It is such an amazing feeling when a book is everything that you hope it will be, and that’s what Boy Swallows Universe was for me.
Reading this book was an incredibly vivid and visceral experience. I still can’t quite put into words what it was specifically about this book that called to me, but I can’t think of a single thing that I didn’t love about this novel. As I flipped each page, I felt myself rooting more and more deeply into this story and these characters. It is such a special feeling when a writer captures you so completely with their story that you passionately rejoice and despair with the characters found within, and I certainly did with Eli and his unique group of family and friends. This book has so much heart that it feels alive.
This novel is a coming-of-age story that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh. The prose is thought-provoking and often stunning, and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout this journey. Eli Bell is one of my new all time favorite protagonists. His wild story was unpredictable and exhilarating to read.
I cannot over emphasize how much I enjoyed this book. I am amazed by what Trent Dalton achieved in this novel, and I have never been more excited to see what an author will do next. His writing and story-telling abilities are unbelievable, and I feel his potential is limitless. I cannot wait for his new novel, All Our Shimmering Skies, to release later this month. I highly encourage you give this, or anything written by Dalton, a try: it is well worth your time.
Reading this book was an incredibly vivid and visceral experience. I still can’t quite put into words what it was specifically about this book that called to me, but I can’t think of a single thing that I didn’t love about this novel. As I flipped each page, I felt myself rooting more and more deeply into this story and these characters. It is such a special feeling when a writer captures you so completely with their story that you passionately rejoice and despair with the characters found within, and I certainly did with Eli and his unique group of family and friends. This book has so much heart that it feels alive.
This novel is a coming-of-age story that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh. The prose is thought-provoking and often stunning, and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout this journey. Eli Bell is one of my new all time favorite protagonists. His wild story was unpredictable and exhilarating to read.
I cannot over emphasize how much I enjoyed this book. I am amazed by what Trent Dalton achieved in this novel, and I have never been more excited to see what an author will do next. His writing and story-telling abilities are unbelievable, and I feel his potential is limitless. I cannot wait for his new novel, All Our Shimmering Skies, to release later this month. I highly encourage you give this, or anything written by Dalton, a try: it is well worth your time.
Started this book for book club last year and just couldn't finish it. Finished it on audio, partly to see what the fuss was all about. Dalton can write but he needs reigning in. And better editing - infuriated me that the central image of the blue wren is not one found in Brisbane (Superb Fairywren which is found in Brisbane is not totally blue whereas the Splendid Fairywren is found several hundred kilometres west of Brissie)
The violence was OTT. The crazy plot twists were just bizarre. The ending was just really bad. Really really bad. I'd have given this 2 stars but Dalton CAN write.
The violence was OTT. The crazy plot twists were just bizarre. The ending was just really bad. Really really bad. I'd have given this 2 stars but Dalton CAN write.
Interminable. Stopped at a very boring section about local crime.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At the very beginning of this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it. I couldn’t relate to the characters and I didn’t know what was going on. It took me a while to get used to Dalton’s unique writing style, which is incredibly sharp one minute and then rambling and lyrical the next. I didn’t expect to be utterly drawn into this beautiful, heartbreaking story about Eli Bell, a boy with an eye for detail, an elderly criminal for a best friend and a family life that’s unimaginably complicated. Dalton writes about mental health, domestic abuse, the drug trade, and more, all seen through the eyes of a teenager. There’s no denying this book is deep - it hit me hard. But it’s also honest, humorous and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Boy Loves Book, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton
I’ve been meaning to write about this book for awhile now, because it consumed me in the best way writing can. I found myself reading Boy Swallows Universe every chance I got. Trent Dalton’s style is just so gorgeous and captivating.
Whether it be during train rides, my lunch break, or even in the middle of university lectures, you could find me with my nose in the book – and that’s the highest praise I can give. So if you’re wondering if it’s worth the read… The answer is pretty clear; you should be wondering why you haven’t picked up your own copy yet.
The book focuses on Eli Bell, a boy growing up in a dysfunctional family. He has an absent father, a mute brother, a junkie mum and a heroin dealer for a stepdad. The story has a bit of everything. It’s a story about brotherhood, unlikely friendships, true love and heartbreak, with a hint of magic throughout.
You will follow Eli on the adventure of a life time when he has to come face to face with the drug dealers that tore his world apart, creating family with a father he doesn’t remember, and falling in love with the girl of his dreams.
When recommending it to me, my friend described the book as beautiful, and it is. Boy Swallows Universe is beautiful the way a night sky is beautiful. It’s the literature equivalent of staring up at the stars on a clear night. It’s breath-taking, and the experience is surreal, but it’s also humbling.
Boy Swallows Universe also managed to take the crown as my new all time favourite book, which should speak volumes about how great it is. It dethroned Stephen King’s The Stand.
I’m a huge sucker for coming of age stories, and let me tell you – Boy Swallows Universe is the one that trumps all others. It struck a chord in me that no other book, or even movie in the genre has before.
I think the setting of the story also helped. The book takes place in Australia, which made it easier for me to connect with the characters and world. Trent Dalton does an amazing job at capturing what it means to be Australian, growing up here, and the spirit of the country.
I’ve seen people say that we don’t really have a culture here, but we do and Dalton brings it to life spectacularly. Even if you aren’t Australian, the book has so much to offer, and it still provides an interesting perspective into life here.
The book just delivers on all fronts really. Not only does it provide an entertaining story that’ll keep you hooked – it also leaves plenty for you to think about long after you finish reading.
Boy Swallows Universe is one of those rare books for me where I find myself coming back to re-read certain passages and quotes. The books themes and messages on determinism, love and “what makes a good person” really stood out to me.
Anyways, what more can I say without delving into spoiler territory? I’m the boy that loves the book. Go read it.
There’s a quote along the lines of “a book can become your best companion in times of crisis.” So if there’s one book you read during this pandemic, choose Boy Swallows Universe. You won’t regret it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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