Join Trent Dalton in-conversation with Fiona Purdon, as they discuss Trent’s bestselling novel, Boy Swallows Universe, and how his experiences growing up in Bracken Ridge influenced his novel.

Inspired by his own youth, Dalton’s debut novel tells the story of 13-year-old Eli Bell who finds comfort in his extraordinary imagination as a means of escaping from his complicated life with a mute brother, a mother in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter.
Surrounded by chaos, Eli sets out on an ambitious suburban odyssey that sees him break into Boggo Road Gaol to rescue his mum, meet the father he doesn’t remember, come face-to-face with the criminals who tore his world apart, and fall in love with the girl of his dreams.

A surprising, funny and tender novel that captures both the light and shade of Australian suburbia and reminds us that, with a little imagination, even lost souls can change their fate.

After the talk, join us for brunch on the deck before the rest of the day’s festivities.

Presented as part of the official opening day celebrations for the new Bracken Ridge Library.