The bestselling novel that has taken Australia, and the world, by storm.

‘Without exaggeration, the best Australian novel I have read in more than a decade … A rollicking ride, rich in philosophy, wit, truth and pathos’ Sydney Morning Herald

Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It’s not as if Eli’s life isn’t complicated enough already. He’s just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way - not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer.

But Eli’s life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He’s about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day, to save his mum.

A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year - an instant Australian classic.

‘Marvelously plot-rich … filled with beautifully lyric prose … the characterization, too, is universally memorable, especially that of Eli and August. At one point Eli wonders if he is good. The answer is yes, every bit as good as this exceptional novel.’ Booklist

‘Trent Dalton is the most extraordinary writer - a rare talent. A major new voice on the Australian literary scene has arrived.’ Nikki Gemmell

‘An astonishing achievement. Dalton is a breath of fresh air - raw, honest, funny, moving, he has created a novel of the most surprising and addictive nature. Unputdownable.’ David Wenham

‘I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I started, and I still can barely speak for the beauty of it. Trent Dalton has done something very special here, writing with grace, from his own broken heart.’ Caroline Overington

‘Stunning. My favourite novel for decades. Left me devastated but looking to the heavens.’ Tim Rogers

‘One of the best Australian novels I’ve ever read’ The Guardian