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Burn
Andrew is a troubled but sweet Indigenous schoolboy, growing up in the suburbs. He is struggling at home, at school, at everything. The only thing that distracts and excites him is starting little fires. Flames boost his morale, purify his thoughts, and they are the only thing in his life he can control. They also seem to grab the attention of his absent father. But when a terrible blaze ends in tragedy, the community turns on Andrew, and his faith in himself and the system is put to the greatest test.
Burn is an affecting, powerful novel about prejudice and growing up on the margins, from exciting new Australian voice Melanie Saward.
Burn is an affecting, powerful novel about prejudice and growing up on the margins, from exciting new Australian voice Melanie Saward.
370 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2023
9 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Saward
11 books41 followersMelanie Saward is a proud descendant of the Bigambul and Wakka Wakka peoples. She is a writer, editor, and university lecturer based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. She is the managing editor of Djed Press, and her writing has been published in Flock, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, New Australian Fiction 2022 and 2019. Her debut novel Burn will be published by Affirm Press in September 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 19, 2023
Like a lot of us, I’ve been watching @littleredwrites progress with her YA novel over the last year or more, and I’ve been waiting with baited breath to be able to read it. So when I saw it pop up on @netgalley this week I had to snap it up. I started straight away and devoured it in three sittings!
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And, I’m very happy to report, I loved it. You know I hate spoilers so I’m actually not going to say much about the plot - I went in pretty blind and I loved slowly discovering what had happened and wondering what was going to happen.
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I will say that I loved the complexity of the main character Andrew. I think Mel has captured that angry but completely vulnerable young man perfectly. I wanted to shake him and hold him - mostly hold him. He made my heart hurt. I adored the ending - and agree with the Authors note at the end regarding this too. ❤️
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Honestly, this is the vaguest review ever, but I loved it. I think I’ve said it a million times, but I love when YA fiction can be used as a tool to create understanding, empathy and to educate people about the lives and experiences of others. Intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal Australians is real and it plays out in such a variety of ways. I used to work as an Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention Counsellor (ages ago) and I would love to have had books like this and @garylonesborough ‘s books to pass on to some of the young people I worked with.
.
And, I’m very happy to report, I loved it. You know I hate spoilers so I’m actually not going to say much about the plot - I went in pretty blind and I loved slowly discovering what had happened and wondering what was going to happen.
.
I will say that I loved the complexity of the main character Andrew. I think Mel has captured that angry but completely vulnerable young man perfectly. I wanted to shake him and hold him - mostly hold him. He made my heart hurt. I adored the ending - and agree with the Authors note at the end regarding this too. ❤️
.
Honestly, this is the vaguest review ever, but I loved it. I think I’ve said it a million times, but I love when YA fiction can be used as a tool to create understanding, empathy and to educate people about the lives and experiences of others. Intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal Australians is real and it plays out in such a variety of ways. I used to work as an Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention Counsellor (ages ago) and I would love to have had books like this and @garylonesborough ‘s books to pass on to some of the young people I worked with.
November 27, 2023
Andrew ( never Andy ) is a troubled Ingenious teen who's had an extremely rough start to life. All he understands is that his parents fight all the time, his mum never leaves her bed and there's often no food to eat or a stable roof over his head.
That's why he carries a lighter in his pocket. There's no way that he's a firebug- Andrew just enjoys setting things alight. He's finally in control and holds all the power. It's an added bonus if he's caught- his parents will finally give him the attention he desperately seeks.
After a stint in juvinelle detention, Andrew is forced to move to Brisbane with his mum and her deadbeat boyfriend. Yet, it's the same endless cycle of neglect Andrew's used to. That's why he has a plan- to escape back to Tasmania and live with his Dad, whom he hasn't seen for a very long time.
Andrew can't afford to get into anymore legal trouble. But the latest arson attempt in his suburb has led to deaths. The police are focusing their attention on the local high schools and Andrew knows as soon as he's interviewed, he'll be blamed first. After all, Black Fellas always are.
On that fateful night, Andrew and his mates were mucking about in the park. One of them could've potentially lit the first flame, but no-one can remember... They were too drunk. Now, Andrew must escape the clutches of the law just until summer starts... Then he'll be able to forget that this past year ever happened.
Burn is a Deadly debut. Melanie was able encapture Andrew's complexity magnificently. All I wanted to do is jump right in and protect him with my last heartbeat.
There's some deep food for thought in the author's note, which is well worth the read. Without going into too much detail, it talks about the need to stop the stigma and find different, more appropriate ways to help those who are stuck on such a worrisome path.
Some of the themes may be disturbing for First Nations readers- loss of culture and identity as well as allusions to the Stolen Generation.
I often fail to resonate with the YA genre. This surprisingly did. Absolutely impressive. Thanks to all on Bookstagram who recommended this to me.
4.75 🌟
That's why he carries a lighter in his pocket. There's no way that he's a firebug- Andrew just enjoys setting things alight. He's finally in control and holds all the power. It's an added bonus if he's caught- his parents will finally give him the attention he desperately seeks.
After a stint in juvinelle detention, Andrew is forced to move to Brisbane with his mum and her deadbeat boyfriend. Yet, it's the same endless cycle of neglect Andrew's used to. That's why he has a plan- to escape back to Tasmania and live with his Dad, whom he hasn't seen for a very long time.
Andrew can't afford to get into anymore legal trouble. But the latest arson attempt in his suburb has led to deaths. The police are focusing their attention on the local high schools and Andrew knows as soon as he's interviewed, he'll be blamed first. After all, Black Fellas always are.
On that fateful night, Andrew and his mates were mucking about in the park. One of them could've potentially lit the first flame, but no-one can remember... They were too drunk. Now, Andrew must escape the clutches of the law just until summer starts... Then he'll be able to forget that this past year ever happened.
Burn is a Deadly debut. Melanie was able encapture Andrew's complexity magnificently. All I wanted to do is jump right in and protect him with my last heartbeat.
There's some deep food for thought in the author's note, which is well worth the read. Without going into too much detail, it talks about the need to stop the stigma and find different, more appropriate ways to help those who are stuck on such a worrisome path.
Some of the themes may be disturbing for First Nations readers- loss of culture and identity as well as allusions to the Stolen Generation.
I often fail to resonate with the YA genre. This surprisingly did. Absolutely impressive. Thanks to all on Bookstagram who recommended this to me.
4.75 🌟
September 10, 2023
Andrew is a 16 year old Indigenous boy living in Queensland much to his dismay after his mother forced the move from Tasmania. Recently Andrew and some friends were involved in an incident where a fire ran rampant. Now he is waiting to be caught out.
There is so much more to this book than that. It’s about the effects of intergenerational trauma, it’s about hope. It’s just bloody beautiful. This is Melanie Saward’s debut novel. Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman and has proven to be one of my new favourite authors more than ever now! I read this book on Kaurna Land. This book is a new needed voice for all. If you’re needing something that makes you feel - this is it.
There is so much more to this book than that. It’s about the effects of intergenerational trauma, it’s about hope. It’s just bloody beautiful. This is Melanie Saward’s debut novel. Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman and has proven to be one of my new favourite authors more than ever now! I read this book on Kaurna Land. This book is a new needed voice for all. If you’re needing something that makes you feel - this is it.
June 14, 2024
A fabulous debut novel highlighting the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma. Well developed characters, a compelling storyline and the Tasmanian setting made this a great read.
January 26, 2024
A wonderful story about a young man who needed support but was not necessarily finding it. In spite of prejudices and lack of guidance he survives. Told between Queensland and Tasmania.
May 10, 2024
This was a complete spur of the moment read and I ended up really loving it. Andrew is a complex character who really wants to do and be better but circumstances and key people in his life make it very challenging for him. The author’s note at the end of this story makes the entire book - just wonderful. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for anything further that she writes.
January 4, 2025
As a chronic mood reader I’ve had this one my bookshelf for some time waiting for it to be ready to read. It finally practically jumped off my bookshelf wanting to be read.
Melanie Saward is an intelligent and amazing writer. The story she weaves in Burn is so insightful and an amazing YA debut novel.
The story came from a place of understanding from the author. You can feel through the story the empathy and connection Melanie feels. The story tells so many important impacts and issues. Things some people often pretend not to see.
Stories like this deserve to be shone a light and even more important when they come from Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people voice.
This book really made me think and also reminded me I still have a lot to learn. It’s important to listen to those stories and experiences.
This story can and should by adult and young people, we can all learn and take something away from it.
The highlighting on intergenerational trauma and disconnect from country and Mob for First Nations was wonderfully put across.
This is a work of fiction but the story is all too real and important that we keep talking about them.
Absolutely wonderful.
Melanie Saward is an intelligent and amazing writer. The story she weaves in Burn is so insightful and an amazing YA debut novel.
The story came from a place of understanding from the author. You can feel through the story the empathy and connection Melanie feels. The story tells so many important impacts and issues. Things some people often pretend not to see.
Stories like this deserve to be shone a light and even more important when they come from Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people voice.
This book really made me think and also reminded me I still have a lot to learn. It’s important to listen to those stories and experiences.
This story can and should by adult and young people, we can all learn and take something away from it.
The highlighting on intergenerational trauma and disconnect from country and Mob for First Nations was wonderfully put across.
This is a work of fiction but the story is all too real and important that we keep talking about them.
Absolutely wonderful.
October 1, 2023
Ugh, my heart! This is Melanie's debut novel and it got me in allllll my feels. A debut! I'm looking forward to what Melanie writes next.
This was another book that I just could not put down. I needed to know if Andrew would prevail against a system that is racist and stacked against him for so many reasons. As well as a home environment that didn't expect much of him.
Reading is supposed to be my wind down from working in community services and mental health. Escapism. Mental break from the work week. Yet I still find myself drawn to novels with heavy CS themes and this was certainly full of them, but beautifully done so. Intergenerational trauma. Stolen generations. Systemic injustice and racism. Mental health. Poverty. Decolonising the justice system.
My heart broke for poor Andrew who just wanted to be loved and cared for....as every child should. But also for his parents who were dealing with their own traumas and MH issues and seemingly trying their best even though that was pretty much failing him.
This was another book that I just could not put down. I needed to know if Andrew would prevail against a system that is racist and stacked against him for so many reasons. As well as a home environment that didn't expect much of him.
Reading is supposed to be my wind down from working in community services and mental health. Escapism. Mental break from the work week. Yet I still find myself drawn to novels with heavy CS themes and this was certainly full of them, but beautifully done so. Intergenerational trauma. Stolen generations. Systemic injustice and racism. Mental health. Poverty. Decolonising the justice system.
My heart broke for poor Andrew who just wanted to be loved and cared for....as every child should. But also for his parents who were dealing with their own traumas and MH issues and seemingly trying their best even though that was pretty much failing him.
November 21, 2023
Her debut adult fiction tale, Burn by Melanie Saward (2023) features Andrew, an Indigenous teenager whose mother moves him interstate. The narrative moves back and forth in time, between Bracken Ridge in Queensland, and Launceston and Port Sorell in Tasmania. From the age of ten, Andrew is left to raise himself and does a reasonable job despite his struggles with school, fitting in and missing parents. He carries a cigarette lighter as he is comforted by its touch and its flame, which helps him grieve his absent father and mother’s mental health issues. A touching coming-of-age tale that captures the humanity and nuisance of growing up cut off from your mob and knowing nothing of your cultural antecedents. Melanie Saward has penned a must-read, character-based, heartfelt story of intergenerational trauma and the power of discovering who you really are. A truly delightful literary fiction novel with great heart, sadness and a glimmer of hope, that is a five stars masterpiece. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
November 28, 2023
✍️ Andrew is a sweet indigenous young boy who hasn't had the best opportunities in his life with his family and school life. The only thing that makes him happy is when he's lighting small fires. When he's involved in a fire that turns tragic, he is waiting to be caught.
If you want to read a book that whets your heart and gets you thinking this is the one. I was completely blown away and captured by the amount of emotions and injustices that were expressed along with the vivid and emotional storytelling.
A fabulous Debut!
I felt moments of sadness for Andrew and his childhood and how he was treated by his family as well as small moments of anger for his behavioural issues which were presented so clearly in the past and present narratives in a thoughtful and authentic manner.
The beautiful writing style portrayed perfectly the voice and the point of views of Andrew and his susceptibilities as a young boy who had struggles and difficulties with his life and wanting to learn how to do better.
If you want to read a book that whets your heart and gets you thinking this is the one. I was completely blown away and captured by the amount of emotions and injustices that were expressed along with the vivid and emotional storytelling.
A fabulous Debut!
I felt moments of sadness for Andrew and his childhood and how he was treated by his family as well as small moments of anger for his behavioural issues which were presented so clearly in the past and present narratives in a thoughtful and authentic manner.
The beautiful writing style portrayed perfectly the voice and the point of views of Andrew and his susceptibilities as a young boy who had struggles and difficulties with his life and wanting to learn how to do better.
July 17, 2024
Burn by Melanie Saward
A fabulous and thought-provoking read and one of those stories where the main character, Andrew, has stayed with me and remains in my thoughts.
Set in Australia, in two different states, with descriptions of the areas in Tasmania and Queensland, so real, I felt like I was right there with Andrew and friends. I swear I could feel the sand he walked through and smell the Australian bush as Andrew brushed past it.
The dual time zones worked well, and it was nice when they eventually merged. A sad read, and I frequently wanted to reach out to Andrew and hug him and talk to him about his many positive features and really listen to his story. Scattered through out are some really fun parts too, and despite the angst Andrew feels, he truly has a great sense of humor.
The young author Melanie is a clever and talented person, her author’s note at the end is brilliant. What a delight for me to read this novel in NAIDOC week, but a book to read any time to listen, learn and respond.
A fabulous and thought-provoking read and one of those stories where the main character, Andrew, has stayed with me and remains in my thoughts.
Set in Australia, in two different states, with descriptions of the areas in Tasmania and Queensland, so real, I felt like I was right there with Andrew and friends. I swear I could feel the sand he walked through and smell the Australian bush as Andrew brushed past it.
The dual time zones worked well, and it was nice when they eventually merged. A sad read, and I frequently wanted to reach out to Andrew and hug him and talk to him about his many positive features and really listen to his story. Scattered through out are some really fun parts too, and despite the angst Andrew feels, he truly has a great sense of humor.
The young author Melanie is a clever and talented person, her author’s note at the end is brilliant. What a delight for me to read this novel in NAIDOC week, but a book to read any time to listen, learn and respond.
January 18, 2024
Andrew is a 10-year-old is left to raise himself and does a reasonable job despite his struggles with school, fitting in and missing parents. He carries a cigarette lighter as he is comforted by its touch and its flame, which helps him grieve his absent father and mother’s mental health issues.
But over time he and the flames get out of hand, it’s a cry for help.
When he's involved in a fire that turns tragic and takes a life, he is then waiting to be caught.
He will be blamed first after all; Black Fellas always are.
Until he finds help in Millie a social worker that hands him over to his Mob to fully understand the love and care to the land and the control of fires.
Good read
But over time he and the flames get out of hand, it’s a cry for help.
When he's involved in a fire that turns tragic and takes a life, he is then waiting to be caught.
He will be blamed first after all; Black Fellas always are.
Until he finds help in Millie a social worker that hands him over to his Mob to fully understand the love and care to the land and the control of fires.
Good read
February 1, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this story, it was not what I was expecting from reading the blurb but was still very enjoyable. There is a lot within this story around mental illness, neglecting a child, abandonment issues and disconnection from culture. This story is from the POV of a teen Indigenous boy who is living with his mentally ill drug addicted mother and toxic stepfather. It shows the mistrust between the teen community and the police also how bad choices can haunt you. This was not a story I would usually pick up and read but I am so glad I did and will be recommending this story to others.
May 1, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐
This debut coming of age story was intriguing and at times heartbreaking.
We're introduced to Andrew, a young indigenous teen, who has been left to fend for himself pretty much his entire life. He just wants to be loved and feel like he belongs. His relationship with both his parents are strained and complex. Andrew uses fire as a means of attracting attention to him in hope that his dad will actually see him.
It flips back and forth between the past and present - filling in little gaps of his story along the way - helping to keep the mystery and suspense.
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from Melanie Saward in the future.
This debut coming of age story was intriguing and at times heartbreaking.
We're introduced to Andrew, a young indigenous teen, who has been left to fend for himself pretty much his entire life. He just wants to be loved and feel like he belongs. His relationship with both his parents are strained and complex. Andrew uses fire as a means of attracting attention to him in hope that his dad will actually see him.
It flips back and forth between the past and present - filling in little gaps of his story along the way - helping to keep the mystery and suspense.
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from Melanie Saward in the future.
August 6, 2023
Stop what you are doing and read this book now. Andrew (not Andy) has a troubled mind that can only seem to be eased by flicking the lighter that he keeps as a constant companion in his pocket. It somehow helps to lessen the anger he feels, although he can't pinpoint what he feels angry about. But when a fire takes a life, things become far more complicated for Andrew.
Written across three 'geographical' points of view, Burn is an important story of loss, trauma and what happens when you feel you don't belong.
Written across three 'geographical' points of view, Burn is an important story of loss, trauma and what happens when you feel you don't belong.
April 6, 2024
I heard Melanie on abc radio last last year & then promptly forgot the name of the book and author sooooo glad it found me eventually
4.5 stars if I could!!
Really enjoyed this debut novel by Melanie Saward
Andrew’s story really draws you in. The story jumps between present day and the past eventually the time line connects.
The story is set between Tasmania and Queensland - I’ll admit I loved all the Tassie parts, the town I live in, a suburb I drive through to my parents house regularly, a beach I love to visit
4.5 stars if I could!!
Really enjoyed this debut novel by Melanie Saward
Andrew’s story really draws you in. The story jumps between present day and the past eventually the time line connects.
The story is set between Tasmania and Queensland - I’ll admit I loved all the Tassie parts, the town I live in, a suburb I drive through to my parents house regularly, a beach I love to visit
July 7, 2024
When he lived in Tasmania with his parents, Andrew was involved in an incident where someone got very hurt. Then his mother moved him to Queensland to start anew. But the same issues find him. He finds that needs that release to help calm him, but one night it gets out of hand again and something terrible happens. Put simply, this is story about a young indigenous boy and the issues he faces because of generational trauma.
A great read focusing on the issues around the indigenous youth of Australia.
Four stars.
A great read focusing on the issues around the indigenous youth of Australia.
Four stars.
April 19, 2025
Just finished Burn by Melanie Saward and wow… this one hit hard.
Andrew is a young Indigenous teen who honestly just feels like he’s screaming out to be loved. He’s had a tough childhood — a mum who’s barely there and a dad who’s completely absent — and he starts acting out just to get someone to pay attention.
It’s heartbreaking at times, especially hearing how lonely he is. You can really feel it.
It wasn’t always easy to listen to, just because of how heavy it is, but I’m really glad I did. It’s powerful and important.
Andrew is a young Indigenous teen who honestly just feels like he’s screaming out to be loved. He’s had a tough childhood — a mum who’s barely there and a dad who’s completely absent — and he starts acting out just to get someone to pay attention.
It’s heartbreaking at times, especially hearing how lonely he is. You can really feel it.
It wasn’t always easy to listen to, just because of how heavy it is, but I’m really glad I did. It’s powerful and important.
May 2, 2024
5 stars. This book is a masterpiece. It's mostly a deep dive into the main character Andrew, an Indigenous teenager who had a tough childhood and has essentially raised himself since his pre-teens. His lighter is the only thing that gives him some sense of control, and starting fires is his desperate attempt to get someone to care about him. This story is heartwrenching with a really strong ending that I'm not going to spoil. I really hope this book ends up being studied in high schools.
October 7, 2023
This was an engaging story and the main character of Andrew was very real and well-developed. I found the language to be a bit simple, but understandably because the story is told through the point of view of a teenage boy. I enjoyed reading this but I feel as if it is forgettable. I would recommend for a quick read but I don't think it will stick with me.
July 14, 2024
A lovely story about relationships to country through the perspective of someone both unrelatable, but somehow draws you in to empathize so much with him. The ending was a bit fast, I would have liked more time spent on finding mob and some meaning for the behaviors, but I really enjoyed it. If you like anything from Tony Birch, you will enjoy this
November 27, 2023
Highly emotive.
Endearing protagonist who you 'root' for....
Coming of age story that is easily enjoyed by us more mature readers !
An impressive debut adult novel...will be looking out for more by her.
Endearing protagonist who you 'root' for....
Coming of age story that is easily enjoyed by us more mature readers !
An impressive debut adult novel...will be looking out for more by her.
December 6, 2023
Such a beautiful read focused on connection to family, peers and country. It focuses on Andrew and what he thinks he needs to do for the attention of his parents. It's incredibly well written and thought provoking. A must read for everyone!
December 10, 2024
Explores the intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous youth, but gives the story a happy ending filled with hope- of what our response *should* look like to begin to undo the damage of times passed.
September 1, 2023
An instant First Nations & Aboriginal Australian classic! ❤️
Read
September 16, 2023“The only way that I can make myself move forward is by holding onto the past.”
September 29, 2023
Good read. Believable and immersive.
February 5, 2024
I would like to see this on reading lists for secondary college and university students and book clubs here in Australia. I cried.
March 11, 2024
A book of hope that blakfullers can break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and trouble and that our judicial system can be amended to support this. Highly recommend.
November 9, 2024
Compelling debut with much to say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews