Description
A brilliant contemporary YA coming-of-age novel about three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood, from the multi-award-winning author of The Boy from the Mish, We Didn't Think It Through and I'm Not Really Here.
As we step into the shopping centre car park, white spray-paint on the orange brick wall catches my eye. Two council workers in high-vis shirts are on ladders, scrubbing away the faded words: WHITE POWER.
In the idyllic coastal town of Carraway's Point, four Aboriginal boys grew up together on Chopin Drive, carefree and close. But they drifted apart in high school, and everything changed forever the night Brandon was killed by a white cop.
Now racial tension is brewing, and each boy must wrestle with grief and their own complicated lives.
Kallum has lost his sport scholarship and must return from Sydney.
Jordy contends with family responsibilities and a closeted boyfriend.
Dylan was the only witness to Brandon's death, and he must testify in court.
Struggling to contain their emotions and process the murder of their friend, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan must navigate explosive events in a way that opens up a future they can't yet see.
A searing and unputdownable YA novel from acclaimed award-winning author Gary Lonesborough.
Review
Set in an Australian fictional coastal town, Good Young Men follows the lives of four Aboriginal boys who grew up in the same street and were best mates until Year 7, when they drifted apart.
Brandon, who was still close to Dylan, died in a police shooting last year and Dylan was the only witness. This tragedy has struck the entire community, bringing out some of the worst elements of racism and white supremacy with it. Dylan is now considered to be 'in with the wrong crowd', but there is more to his story...
Kallum went away to Sydney on a rugby sporting scholarship, but is back because he was expelled for bashing another student. He struggles chasing his dad's dream, and with what he actually wants for his life, and also questions his sexuality.
Jordy knows what he wants. He came out a few years ago and has been accepted into acting school in Sydney for next year, where he can finally leave this small minded community behind.
But the trial of the policeman is looming, and the three boys slowly come back together in unity for their fallen friend. Surely the officer will be found guilty?
This is a gripping and intense read exploring many issues. It does contain strong language, some drug use and sexual references, but nothing explicit. With themes of family, community, racism, growing up Aboriginal, LGBTI, friendship, truth telling and injustice, it is a terrific book for Australian schools and readers aged 14 and above. Gary is a wonderful writer, and this is a fantastic read.
