A review by sarahgracethewriter20
Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-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

5.0

Grab your comfort creature and a box of tissues because this book will send you on an emotional rollercoaster! Invisible Boys is a wonderful piece of Australian literature that I am sure many Aussie’s can relate to. Not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community, there are themes of rural small-town culture, discussion of men’s mental health and family of immigrants representation. 

 

I was too young to vote in the 2017 Marriage Equality postal survey, but I was very much aware of what was happening at the time. It’s amazing to see such an event inspiring stories like Invisible Boys. Each of the four boys have such rich and interesting backgrounds that encapsulate different Aussie family dynamics and strongly influence their journeys through the story. 

 

After finishing the book, I watched the Stan Original tv adaptation of the same name and it is incredible! There was ugly crying and grabbing hold my favourite plush toy whilst I watched this, and I thought it had been really well done, transforming the novel into a series.   

 

Sheppard is truly an inspiration to write such a vulnerable and real experience of what it’s like growing up queer in a small rural town. I am definitely adding his other works to my TBR, including his upcoming adult novel, King of Dirt, and the sequel to Invisible Boys.