INVISIBLE BOYS
By Holden Sheppard
This debut novel from a young West Australian writer enjoyed award success before it was even published, winning the City Of Fremantle Hungerford Award 2018 – and it is easy to see why.
The book is immediately engaging and engrossing, exploring the lives of three diverse male teenagers dealing with their homosexuality. Although its marketed as Young Adult Fiction, it could readily be aimed at a broader audience as it is a sophisticated read, not at all muted in its content. At well over 300 pages, it’s also substantial. Many YAF novels are considerably slimmer.
Charlie is an aspiring rock musician and alternative figure in his Geraldton high school who is outed when an online hook-up becomes the talk of the town. Zeke is a studious geek from a traditional Italian family who feels overshadowed by his popular older brother, who is about to get married. Hammer is a footy jock who has serious prospects of being drafted into the AFL, though his “phase” of being attracted to men is increasingly tormenting.
All three storylines are equally compelling with credible characterisations and strongly drawn secondary characters. It explores three very different contemporary journeys – a public outing, parental discovery, and denial – and manages to make the well-worn coming-out genre seem fresh and authentic.
The novel is distinctively Western Australian with a well-constructed and truly surprising climax. Sheppard will win himself a vast number of fans with this impressive debut.