We're open! Your support & feedback is appreciated 💕

Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In

The much-loved emotional international bestselling novel from Australia's favourite storyteller, now a major Netflix series
4.34 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 86,648 ratings, 7,664 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton is a gripping coming-of-age story set in 1980s Australia. It follows a young boy, Eli Bell, as he navigates a world filled with crime, love, and family secrets, all while trying to make sense of his extraordinary experiences and the guidance of an ex-convict friend. This poignant and heartwarming tale merges elements of magic realism with gritty realism to explore themes of redemption and hope.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY ACROSS NZ

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy gripping coming-of-age stories set in 1980s Brisbane, filled with elements of magic realism, love, family, and redemption. The protagonist's journey through hardship and triumph is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, promising a deeply emotional and immersive reading experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Australia's favourite novel, now a major Netflix series, starring Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown and Anthony La Paglia.

Boy Swallows Universe is a luminous novel set in the gritty suburbs of 1980s Brisbane, where desperate dreams and dark realities collide. Young Eli Bell navigates a labyrinth of challenges: a missing father, a mute brother, a drug-addicted mother, a heroin dealer stepfather, and a notorious crim as a babysitter. These tangled threads weave into a deeply moving tale of resilience, love, and the search for redemption.

As he tries to piece together his fractured life, Eli Bell faces insurmountable odds. From breaking into the notorious Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day to rescue his mother, to confronting the criminals who have shattered his world, Eli's journey is a testament to the enduring powers of hope and human spirit. Along the way, he experiences the throes of first love and forges unlikely friendships that bolster his quest for meaning and goodness.

This exhilarating novel is not just a story about overcoming hardships; it's a profound exploration of brotherly bonds, unconditional love, and the redemptive power of friendship. With unforgettable characters and a richly textured setting, Boy Swallows Universe encapsulates the magic of storytelling at its finest.

Awards:

2019 ABIA Book of the Year Award, Winner

2019 Indie Book Award, Winner

2019 UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing, NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Winner

2019 People's Choice Award, NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Winner

MUD Literary Prize 2019, Winner

2019 ABIA Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year, Winner

2019 ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year, Winner

2019 ABIA Audiobook of the Year, Winner

2019 Miles Franklin Literary Award, Longlisted

2019 Colin Roderick Award, shortlist

Reviews:

"Boy Swallows Universe is a wonderful surprise: sharp as a drawer full of knives in terms of subject matter; unrepentantly joyous in its child's-eye view of the world; the best literary debut in a month of Sundays." The Australian

"Boy Swallows Universe hypnotizes you with wonder, and then hammers you with heartbreak." Washington Post

"This thrilling novel" New York Times Book Review

"Marvelously plot-rich ... filled with beautifully lyric prose ...At one point Eli wonders if he is good. The answer is 'yes,' every bit as good as this exceptional novel." Booklist

"Dalton's splashy, stellar debut makes the typical coming-of-age novel look bland by comparison ... This is an outstanding debut." Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

"Extraordinary and beautiful storytelling" Guardian

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Boy Swallows Universe TV Tie In by Trent Dalton is highly praised for its vivid storytelling, well-drawn characters, and emotional depth. Reviewers often highlight its blend of gritty realism and magical elements, making it a compelling and memorable read. Many commend Dalton's ability to weave a complex narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781460764794

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 November 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 381g

Pages: 512

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Trent Dalton is a two-time Walkley Award-winning journalist and the international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe, All Our Shimmering Skies, Love Stories and Lola in the Mirror. His books have sold over 1.2 million copies in Australia alone.

Also by Trent Dalton

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.