An utterly wonderful debut novel of love crime magic fate and a boy's coming-of-age set in
1980s Australia Eli Bell's life is complicated. His father is lost his mother is in jail and
his stepdad is a heroin dealer. The most steadfast adult in Eli's life is Slim?a notorious
felon and national record-holder for successful prison escapes?who watches over Eli and August
Eli's silent genius of an older brother. Exiled far from the rest of the world in Darra a
neglected suburb of Brisbane this twelve-year-old boy with an old soul and an adult mind is
just trying to follow his heart learn what it takes to be a good man and train for a
glamorous career in journalism. Life however insists on throwing obstacles in Eli's path?most
notably Tytus Broz Queensland's legendary drug dealer. But the real trouble lies ahead. Eli is
about to fall in love face off against truly bad guys and fight to save his mother from
certain doom?all before starting high school.A story of brotherhood true love family and the
most unlikely of friendships Boy Swallows Universe is the tale of an adolescent boy on the
cusp of discovering the man he will be. Powerful kinetic and infused with originality charm
pathos and heart to spare Trent Dalton's debut is sure to be one of the most exhilarating
novels you will experience.
