Another library pick up. Was reshelving and came across this. I love Sonya Hartnett's young adult stuff and was curious to try one of her adult books.
In 1977 Adrian is nine. He lives with his grandmother and his uncle and is scared of lots of things - like quick sand and spontaneous combustion. He doesn't really fit in and is not quite sure how to do so.
The disappearance of three children not far from where he lives worries him. Will he be next? And what about the three kids who have just moved in over the road? What's their story?
Of a Boy is the story of a young boy in suburban Australia in the 70's. It's the story of a boy being raised by a grandmother who has already done this once and is not sure she has the strength to do it again. It's the story of a boy struggling to fit in and the consequences of that struggle.
It's hard to describe this book. It's one of those ones you quite enjoy but when someone asks you what it's about, it's hard to put into words. Not one of my favourite Hartnett's, but still worth the read.