Jackson is a 17-year-old Aboriginal teenager living on ‘The Mish’ with his family in regional New South Wales. Life is ok, but he’s struggling with a few things. His relationship with his girlfriend for one, although he loves her, he feels that something is just not right between them. And he’s thinking about dropping out of school. The story is set around Christmas time, when the weather is hot and long lazy holidays stretch out ahead. Jackson’s Aunty Pam comes to stay with a herd of young noisy cousins, and another guest, a boy called Tomas who is staying with Pam to get back on his feet after a stint in juvenile detention.
As Jackson and Tomas share a room and get to know each other, Jackson realises his feelings for Tomas are growing, and their relationship starts to blossom. Jackson has been confused and scared about his true feelings, thinking his interest in other boys is ‘just a phase’. He feels like he will be shunned and no one will love and respect him if he reveals his true self. His relationship with Tomas helps him to understand and accept that it’s ok to be gay.
The Boy from the Mish is a tender and honest coming of age story exploring identity, culture, community, family, self-acceptance and belonging. The story is beautifully written and very evocative. I felt like I was there with Jackson and his friends and their community, feeling all those awkward, anxious and startling moments that are part of growing up. The book also deals with the issues of homophobia, racism and discrimination, and the impact that has on daily life, but manages to instill a sense of hope and optimism for the characters and their journeys.
This is the debut novel from Yuin man Gary Lonesborough. Gary has said he wished this kind of book was available when he was growing up, so he wrote the story that he would have wanted to read. It’s a refreshing and heartfelt story that will be appreciated by YA and adult readers alike.
Robyn
Format
eBooks
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