BOOK BRIEF

Boy Swallows Universe

Trent Dalton
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Boy Swallows Universe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

Book Brief

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Trent Dalton

Boy Swallows Universe

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

474

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brisbane, Australia • 1980s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton follows a young boy named Eli Bell as he navigates a tumultuous life in 1980s Brisbane. This coming-of-age story explores themes of family, love, and redemption amidst crime and poverty. It blends elements of magical realism with gritty realism to portray Eli's journey towards hope and self-discovery.

Reviews & Readership

4.5

112,255 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton has captivated readers with its lyrical prose and richly drawn characters, blending elements of magical realism, crime, and coming-of-age. Critics praise its emotional depth and vivid descriptions, though some find its sprawling narrative overwrought at times. Overall, it's a powerful, albeit occasionally uneven, debut.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Boy Swallows Universe?

Fans of Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton often enjoy coming-of-age tales with gritty realism and emotional depth. They are likely readers of Markus Zusak's The Book Thief and Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. These readers appreciate rich storytelling that blends heartache, resilience, and redemption within a vividly depicted world.

4.5

112,255 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Boy Swallows Universe is Trent Dalton's debut novel, blending elements of magical realism with the gritty reality of growing up in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane.

The novel was inspired by Dalton’s own childhood experiences, and several characters are drawn from people he knew in his life.

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Boy Swallows Universe has been adapted into a stage play, bringing its unique narrative to theaters.

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Book Details
Pages

474

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brisbane, Australia • 1980s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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