Boy Swallows Universe: A Novel Hardcover – April 2, 2019

This is such a well-written, engaging story, surprising at every turn.

This book will keep you on your toes, make you fall in love with the 2 brothers, make you hate drug dealers and root for journalists. It’s a can’t-stop-reading kind of book!

The characters of Boy Swallows Universe were artfully portrayed. The obvious love that existed between the two brothers touched me with its poignancy. Authenticity was established through the dialogue and the references to Australian icons (e.g. the Kelvinator fridge, etc). The location and surrounding suburbs resonated because I had lived in that area during part of my childhood and adolescence (earlier than the setting of the novel). The point-of-view character was flawed but his strength of character and inherent 'goodness' won the day.

Why not a five? I would have to reserve that for a perfect book, and there are very few of those. This book, though, comes pretty close. I loved the characters, the way the author set the scenes, the seriousness of the subject matter, and the humour he found even in that seriousness. The two main characters were very likeable, maybe especially because they were not perfectly well-behaved but always behaved with a basic, inborn decency. This is really a story about family, and how family includes not only those with a birthright, but also those we choose to include on merit.If I had one criticism, it would be that the book was a bit all over the place in some ways. For the most part, that was enjoyable, but the element of mysticism did not work that well for me as a reader. I though it unnecessary. The story really stood on its own without that. On the other hand, it did add a bit to the fun, so I cannot really complain.

Breathtaking. I found myself smiling, crying, and rejoicing for our hero Eli Bell. Hands down one of the best books of the year. Perhaps one of the best books of my lifetime. Although the sentence structure was odd and sometimes the plot convoluted, it was remarkable. The most unique work of art that I have ever read due to its uniqueness. It’s as different and special as August and Eli themselves. My heart is soaring with love for the characters and the book itself. I’m also fascinated by the criminal element and the belief that we are not all good or bad and redemption is possible in the presence of love. Wow. Amazing breakout novel. This one will not leave me for a long time.“It was August who taught me I didn’t always have to listen. I might just have to look”“Boy swallows universe, he wrote. It was August who taught me about details, how to read a face, how to extract as much information as possible from the non-verbal, how to mine expression and conversation and story from the data of every last speechless thing that is right before your eyes”“Our dear mystery boy. Our Mozart. August is one year older than me but August is one year older than everybody. August is one year older than the universe.”“August is the missing brick. The moon pool is my brother. August is the moon pool.”“Do your time before it does you.”“. . the stars will disappear from the night skies over Bracken Ridge. If you’re tired for tomorrow . . . the moon will crack like a gobstopper between your teeth and the colours inside the moon will blind humanity. Sleep, Eli”

I am one of those infantile people that wilfully dismiss books with lots of hype and recommendations. Having worked in the book industry for years and having read literally 1000's of books, when this was heralded; I thought 'flavour of the month, yada, yada, yada'. Eventually even a curmudgeon like me caved in to the opinions of people I respect and I read 'Boy Swallows Universe'. What a read!! A great book needs a decent premise, a good plot, and characters you can emotionally invest in; from the outset, this book had all three in abundance. I grew up in similar circumstances to the chief protagonists, so for me it was especially poignant. At the mention of 'devon and tomato sauce sandwiches' - I was there.I cannot think of anyone that would not enjoy this work. A gripping, visceral story peopled by characters we care about with a sorry - 'no spoilers here' - just go and read it!!- Rob

I found the book took a little bit of time to crank up but when I got into it , I found that I was enjoying, not only the story line and the narrator, but also the unique style he has. His writing, I feel, will trigger a raft of would-be writers who try to mimic that style, no doubt unsuccessfully.For example, instead of the usual long, lyrical, descriptive passages in many stories when trying to set the scene, he uses short, sharp phrases, as though your eyes are actually darting around and taking in the place as you would in reality. I also found the boy narrator compelling and I enjoyed every page - until the very end. I found the ending somehow rushed and a little contrived - which is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. Nevertheless, how exciting to read a book so unusual in its style, its language and its subject. Loved it.

Muy buena elección

I cannot recommend this book enough - it's poetic and beautiful, yet fast paced and thrilling. It's been my go-to birthday present books for friends and family for a year.

One of the best books I've read in years!! A dysfunctional family and a boy who tries his best to be "normal", but fails dismally, not helped by his mute brother, and his family's gangster connections. Very enjoyable and a very likeable main character, and a very uniquely different storyline. Read this! I promise you won't be disappointed!

I loved this story and the writing. There is so much going on and definitely some of it was way over the top, but it was also the story of damaged and flawed characters and how they each deal with it.

I was captivated by Dalton's humorous yet brilliant writing style. In three words this book is profound, endearing, brutal. Expect to be shocked by acts of merciless violence but this is absolutely necessary for this story to be told accurately. Have no fear, this is equally balanced with charming displays of humanity and benevolence and this will move you beyond belief and keep you hooked until the very last page. I have no doubt in my mind, every reader will be rooting for the teenage protagonist Eli Bell as he touches your heart, mind and soul.I have to admit I felt a tight and aching knot in my stomach as I read the first half of the book. It was filled with too much violence, pain and anger. These pages reminded me of the people I knew long ago in Australia who took pride in the fact they were bullies and others who were constantly chasing the dragon as they endured a life totally dependent on drug addiction. But this knot slowly unravelled as the pieces of the love puzzle so beautifully fell into place for Eli and Caitlyn. This is definitely a must-read story and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this talented Aussie author in the future.