Good Young Men

by Gary Lonesborough

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 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.

'... [a] powerful story exploring events that draw young men together and drive them apart.' - Books+Publishing

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer, Australia, M M Romance, Realistic Fiction

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin man, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Growing up a massive Kylie Minogue and North Queensland Cowboys fan, Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. Gary has experience working in Aboriginal health, the disability sector (including experience working in the Youth Justice System), and the film industry. He was Bega Valley Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year, won the Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers' Award, and has received a Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowship. The Boy from the Mish is Gary's debut YA novel.

Reviews

[❋ Booked Out Today ❋ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Young Men by Gary Lonesborough
★★★★★

Push through Kallum part! I promise it will get better with Jordy and Dylan’s narration. Not that Kallum’s was “bad”, I just didn’t connect with his character or his story as much as I did with the others.

It is crazy to think that these characters are so young and dealing with so much at the same time with no life experience to guide them through. It’s scarier to think how realistic this story felt too. Like I somehow kinda know these kids.

The ending is heartbreaking but at the same time I was left satisfied with an ending that felt realistic (unfortunately). I wish we had more of an understanding with what happened with Terry at the end. Even having his narration in the book would have been extremely powerful. Not that he was a likeable character but I think he had a lot of potential to add another layer of complexity into this story.

I won’t be able to listen to a Kylie Minogue song now without thinking about this book.

[elbow ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
simultaneously so joyous and so fucking devastating. it's beyond fucked that we still need to read stories about blak deaths in custody and by police because they're a reflection of reality. still, i'm glad there are books like this for young kids to read in terms of representation.

[ectotherm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Lonesborough has yet again created an absolute masterpiece. His delightful writing style perfectly supports the story of three teenage boys as they live their lives and cope after a tragedy. A really tough but incredibly important and powerful read.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Young Men follows three Aboriginal teens - Kallum, Jordy, and Dylan - in the aftermath of their childhood friend being killed by the police. The book is split up into three sections, with each providing a slice of life of one of the boys.

The first section follows Kallum, who returns to his small home town after losing his sports scholarship to a fancy Sydney school. Kallum was a great character, and I loved reading his journey of self acceptance about his sexuality. Characters that love nature are rare and one of my favourite things about Kallum was how he loved the bush, and how he wanted to do something with that love. Kallum is the one character I really wanted to read more about because there was so much that came after that we didn’t get to see in his section!

Jordy is the narrator of the second section and is dealing with the loss of his mother and how that has impacted every member of his family, especially his father. I really liked how sarcastic Jordy’s inner monologue could be, and I loved how he and Dylan (and Kallum) started to reconnect in this section.

Dylan was my favourite of the three boys. He is soft!! And misunderstood! I loved him. He was present when Brandon was murdered and a lot of his chapters were about the trauma of witnessing that, as well as the upcoming trial where he is going to be a witness. Dylan was so strong, and tried so hard to do the right thing. Sometimes I was on the edge of my seat reading his chapters because they were so intense and stressful, and because I cared so much about Dylan and the other boys.

Good Young Men is one of my fave reads of the year and I can’t recommend it enough!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel follows a group of three teenage First Nations boys, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan navigating life in a regional town where all three of them have been impacted by a tragedy. A white police officer shot their friend Brandon dead in an unjustified police shooting.

Friendship, loyalty, masculinity, culture and the pressures placed on them about who they’re supposed to be and how they respond to this tragedy are brilliantly explored. As the boys move through school, family expectations, and their own uncertainties about the future, the novel digs into what it really means to be a “good young man”… and who gets to define that.

Gary Lonesborough, a proud Yuin man, writes with such honesty and emotional clarity that these characters didn’t just feel real. They felt known. Reading this on Yuin Country, where my own family’s story begins, made it feel even more special. I literally cried reading the end of Kallum’s chapter, whilst sitting on Tathra wharf while the rest of my family was fishing.

I don’t read a lot of YA fiction, but I make the exception for Gary Lonesborough. Honestly, I just loved it. A five-star read that demonstrates how important it is to see stories like this told. And this one has been told so beautifully.

[Cherie • bookshelvesandtealeaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.

This story felt pretty directionless for the most part, in all honesty. The writing felt stilted and the characters didn’t feel like they were doing much or going on any real kind of personal journey. It was an easy read, but not super engaging.

Kallum and Jordy’s chapters felt very mundane every-day life which was fine but didn’t make me feel anything.

Dylan’s chapters in the last third of the book had more going for them. I really felt the emotion of the trial and how scared and sad and angry he was, and the final scene with the boys driving to Sydney to start the next chapter of their lives one man short really packed an emotional punch.

Overall a decent book but I did kinda expect more from this author telling a story like this.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three young Aboriginal men in their last year of school, and living on the same street, are facing their adult lives and all it might entail. Each has a dream, a secret, and fond memories of younger lives in their coastal Australian town of Carraway's Point.

They used to be mates when they were younger, playing cricket in the street with wheelie bins as the wickets, daring each other to swim across newly found waterholes in the river, and hanging out at each other's homes.

Now, after drifting apart for different reasons and with school nearly over, they're looking forward to leaving Carraway Point.

Kallum has already experienced Sydney. A skilled footy player, and with dreams of playing for the NRL, he won a scholarship to a Sydney boarding school. Things were great until he got in a fight with another student. He's certain a white boy wouldn't have been expelled for the fight, but the reason behind it all still burns inside him.

Jordy and Kallum used to be mates, but when Kallum joined the footy guys at the gym and on the field, they drifted apart. Jordy coming out has changed his friends dynamic completely, but he's too busy at home to spend much time thinking about that. With his mum gone, his dad is drinking every night, leaving many of the home responsibilities up to Jordy. He doesn't mind looking out for his little sister and brother, but he's leaving for acting school in Sydney, and he worries about leaving them behind.

Dylan wishes they could go back to the fun memories of their childhoods. Ever since he saw his best friend Brandon shot dead in front of him, he's all but consumed by it. He's the only witness, besides the white policeman who shot him, and as the trial approaches, the town is abuzz with what will happen.

Anger rises when White Power graffiti is found on the supermarket wall, and protests are building. Will the officer get off because he is white and Brandon, Aboriginal? Dylan feels the pressure from both sides, his only real escape is his film making.


Gary Lonesborough's writing is always so real, and I was quickly and easily immersed in these young men's lives at fictional Carraway Point.

Told in three sperate viewpoints, in one section of the novel after the other, time also moved on over several months. This allows the reader to get glimpses of the other character's lives within that viewpoint as time passes.

There are powerful conflicts in the novel, both inner and outer. There are those who spew the White Power hate speech and actions, the boy's inner turmoils on their sexuality or parental expectations, and the misconceptions they have of each other after they have drifted away from changing friendship dynamics.

A touching, powerful read.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin & NetGalley for my Advance Copy of Good Young Men.

Age - 16+


Publisher – Allen & Unwin

Set – Fictional Australian Coastal Town / Present

Viewpoint – 3 viewpoints / 1st person

Violence – Yes

Sex – Yes

Real Life – Yes

Fantasy – No

Blend – Real Life / Racism / LGBTQ+

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly exceptional book and really reminded me of the value of Young Adult stories that are willing to tackle truly challenging topics which are relevant to teenagers and doesn’t feel the need to condescend to its audience.

This story is told sequentially across the POVs of three young indigenous boys, who were childhood friends who drifted apart as they got older, and are now on the cusp of adulthood, working towards graduating their final year of high school.

Kallum; returning home to the small town of Carroway Point from Sydney after being expelled for fighting and loosing his sports scholarship at a prestigious school and is grappling with the understanding and knowledge that he is gay, Jordy; the only out boy in town dealing with a closeted boyfriend, the death of his mother and his fathers increasing drinking, and Dylan; the one and only witness to the death of their friend at the hands of a police shooting, now needing to prepare to take the stand in court.

This story tackles some incredibly challenging subject matter with an impressive degree of sophistication; coming to terms with your sexuality, racism, both casual and institutionalised, the relationship between indigenous communities and the police, sacrifice and familial responsibility, the pressure of needing to live up to expectations, drug use and alcoholism and grief and loss.

This is a book that understands that sometimes young people witness or are exposed to some incredibly challenging events that would be difficult for anyone to deal with, and that providing them with stories like this allows them to see and explore their own thoughts and feelings in a safe space and to know that they are not alone in these experiences. It also makes me exceptionally mad at the recent puritanical push to sanitise YA books and treat young people like they need to be swaddled. Absolutely fuck that.

Alexander Tye narrated this audiobook and I thought he did a fabulous job with bringing these characters to life and really managed to convey both the youth and gravitas of the story.

This was really an exceptional story and if you are someone who immediately dismisses a book just because it’s YA I really encourage you to challenge your preconceptions and give this book a try because there is so much value and importance to this story and the representation that it provides. Definitely a story that will stay with me long term.




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[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. Couldn’t put it down.

We genuinely need more Indigenous voices in fiction, and not in the worn-out “here, learn something” way that some books slip into where you can almost hear the lesson plan creaking underneath. Gary Lonesborough doesn’t do that. He just tells the story. Three Aboriginal boys, one coastal town, one mate already dead at the hands of a white cop, and a trial coming. That’s the world. He doesn’t stop to explain it to you, he doesn’t lecture, he doesn’t sand the edges off so it’s easier to digest. He just trusts that you’ll keep up — and because he trusts you, the meaning lands so much harder. By the end I felt like I’d actually learned something about lives that don’t get the page time they deserve, and at no point did I feel like I’d been talked at.

The structure really works for me too. Three sections, one boy at a time — Kallum, then Jordy, then Dylan — rather than chopping between them. You get to properly sit inside each kid’s head. They’re all wrestling with something different (a lost scholarship, a closeted boyfriend, being the only witness to a mate’s death) but they’re also just boys, with all the half-formed thoughts and bravado and tenderness that goes with it. I really cared about all three.

And here’s the clever bit — three teenage boys telling you their own version of events means you’re never getting the full picture. Each one sees the others through his own lens, which is sometimes generous, sometimes wildly off. Things one boy treats as huge barely register for another. Stuff you assume will get tied up in a neat bow… doesn’t, always. Which sounds frustrating but actually isn’t, because that’s adolescence. You don’t get clean answers when you’re seventeen. You get fragments and feelings and half-truths, and you carry them with you. Lonesborough nails that. The book still leaves you satisfied — properly satisfied — just not in the way a tidier story would.

And here’s the thing I keep telling people: yes, it’s young adult, and it’s pitched at teenagers, but I’m a long way past being a teenager and I was completely hooked. That’s the gift Lonesborough has. He writes for kids without writing down to them, which means adults get plenty out of it too. The dialogue sounds like actual teenagers actually talking. The grief feels like real grief, not “literary” grief. And there’s enough going on under the surface that I’ll be thinking about it for a while.

If you’ve got teenagers in your life, give it to them. If you haven’t, read it yourself anyway. One of those rare books that’s important and a bloody good read.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Stef (Noveltea Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Lonesborough is back with a new YA novel, Good Young Men. It follows three Aboriginal boys who grew up together reconnecting after the death of another one of their childhood friends who was shot by a white cop. Tensions are high as their small town awaits the trial, and Kallum, Jordy and Dylan find themselves caught up in the moment. Kallum, returning home after losing a scholarship; Jordy, preparing himself to leave town when he finishes school; and Dylan, the witness to the death of his best friend, making a short film and having to prepare himself to testify in court. All three boys reconnect over the course of the book in ways they couldn’t possibly have thought after all these years.

As always, Lonesborough’s writing is just incredible. This story is hard-hitting, confronting and (at times) horrifying, for the realities the boys face. The way the story is put together - in three parts, each one from a different boys’ perspective - builds the frame for the story chapter by chapter until we, the reader, are deeply invested in not only the outcome of the trial, but the lives of these characters who are trying to find their way in the world. It brings racism and homophobia to the fore and encourages readers to question what kind of world do we want to live in, what do we stand for, and how do we fight for that? It’s just so well done and I continue to be impressed with Lonesborough’s storytelling. I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

CW: Racially motivated violence, homophobic violence, physical violence, catfishing, intimidation, gun violence

Thank you to the publisher, @AllenandUnwin, for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review has been cross-posted to @kidlitjoy and @novelteacorner, and video reviews will be available on both YT channels over the next few days.

[Coz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh this book was so good! So profound and such a tear jerker!

This story follows three aboriginal boys, Kallum, Jordy & Dylan, who were childhood friends but grew apart over time. When Kallum loses his sports scholarship and has to return home, the 3 over them reunite over time and try to finally come to terms with the death of the fourth member of their group. Brandon was brutally murdered by a white cop and he walks free whilst waiting for the upcoming trial.

Good Young Men really highlights the prejudices that Aboriginal people face. It honestly makes me sad that BIPOC/LGBTIQA+ cultures are still being discriminated against in 2026.

I really loved how this story explores these themes of racial abuse and sexuality amongst high school kids in terms of I’m always wanting to learn and reading books like this does that. It teaches me valuable lessons. They also stay with me for a long time.

The book is told in 3 POV’s, one for each boy. However, I really loved the fact it was told in 3 parts and each boy had their own part! I felt it worked really well in this case instead of hopping back and forth.

I think this book will teach kids, and adults too, some really valuable life lessons. I can’t say what they are as it could be spoilers but so important to have conversations with your kids!

And lastly… I CAN’T BELIEVE I GOT RICK ROLLED BY A BOOK 🤣

I absolutely recommend this book. It’s a quick read, but worth it and will stick with you.

Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for a copy of this book! I really loved it.

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not very often I get to jump into the mind of a young male on the cusp of adulthood, but this book gave me that opportunity and it was done so very well.

Following three teenage Aboriginal boys.... Kallum, Dylan & Jordy as they come to terms with their own issues, friendships, racial tensions, hormones and feelings.

These 3 guys will each have you invested in their stories as they learn to work through some really rough issues.
One of which being the death of a friend which is about to go to trial.
This storyline runs throughout the book and it really makes you think, and makes you feel for each of the characters.
Each character is dealing with something momentous in their life and each are connected.
Their stories will resonate, will surprise and will shock you, and each one has the power to remind you that we all feel.
I felt that all 3 boys had strong representation, and I connected with each, but Dylan hit me the hardest.
His story just seemed so big and real, and honestly, it is a lot for a young person to deal with, let alone a young Aboriginal with so much on his mind.

The ending, whilst it was as I had expected, I still hoped for a different outcome. But sometimes, reality doesn't go the way we want it, and neither did this ending.
However there was some hope for these young guys.

[amy.inthelibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Young Men follows three Aboriginal boys on the cusp of adulthood in the small coastal town of Carraway Point. Girls, football, life after school, these should be the biggest worries for these teens. However now a year on from their friend being murdered by a police officer life’s unfortunate challenges are sitting right at their doorstep. Together we follow Kallum, Dylan and Jordy as they face the brutal injustice they endured and the strength of friendship and community that no amount of prejudice can extinguish.

Gary Longesborough writes in the most tangible way. There’s a vulnerability in his characters, a realness that shines through his words that makes Good Young Men a brilliant novel. Gary tackles topics of racism, sexuality, and expectations of parents and the future at such a confusing time for young men. I do not believe I’ve read anything as impactful in quite some time and it’s without a doubt a novel that I know will stay in my mind.

I commend Gary for such an honest book, and even in times where things do not look like it’ll get better having a voice and using it for good will always shine through.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for a copy, I loved this book so much.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
16+

A coming of age story that doesn’t hold back.

There was a lot thrown at you in the first 5 chapters, racism, mention of abortion, dirty teenage boy talk about opposite sex, underage drinking, bullying, homophobia, drug use. It was a bit much for me as a reader to take and really made me question whether I wanted to keep reading. But I’m glad I did.

The story is told in three parts each from a different MMC’s perspective, from first person. And each part picks up where the other finishes.

I liked this structure but found the last part Dylan’s POV the most powerful and it brought tears to my eyes.

But all of these POV’s, Kall, Jordy and Dylan explore important issues of self acceptance, coming out, and racism. They were childhood friends brought back together by the shooting of a mutual friend by a cop.

The story felt raw and honest for the plight of the characters and would appeal to the older end of YA.

Thank you Allen and Unwin for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Danielle Hilliard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Young Men tells the story of Kallum, Jordy and Dylan who were friends in primary school but drifted apart in high school and end up being drawn back together when their friend, Brandon is killed by a police officer.

The book is done in three parts from the perspective of each character as they navigate their final year of school and the lead up/aftermath of the trial. Kallum and Jordy's perspective hold you in their grip but it was Dylan's perspective, being the only witness to the shooting, that really packs a punch (especially the last chapter). The tagline for this books is 'silence is easy, truth is hard, courage is everything' and this is very true with each of the boys finding the courage to speak their truth.

This was beautifully written and definitely one that I would recommend for everyone to read.

Thank you to Allen and Unwin and Netgalley for the eARC and because we have finally has some cold-ish weather, I have left an honest review.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was both a touching & powerful read. Good Young Men focuses on 3 Aboriginal friends finding their way into adulthood.
We get to experience the story from each boys pov. I particularly liked this aspect as it helped me get a better understanding of each character's journey and also how their lives are all intertwined.

These Good Young Men faced their own personal battles as well as the injustices placed on the Aboriginal community with such bravery.
The courage these men have exhibited is definitely something to be admired and I think their stories will be wonderfully inspirational to all kids and adults alike.

This is such a wonderful and important piece of writing. I'm so glad I got to read it and would recommend it to everyone.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very moving and beautifully written book told from the perspective of three teenage boys in a small rural town in Australia ✨.

It weaves together the “typical” coming of age topics like parental dynamics, leaving high school and figuring out what you want to do, with some very serious topics including racism and homophobia. It was hard to read at times but I think was done really well and tells an important story 🩷.

My only criticism is that it was told in three distinct POVs (the first third was one POV, the second was another and third was another) which I thought was very interesting, however it left me feeling like there was not quite enough closure for the first two POVs 😅.

Overall, I would definitely recommend!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had such an easy to read style that flowed together seamlessly between characters. Each third of the book is a different Aboriginal MC from the same town, each with varied experiences and lives. The common thread is that they were all friends as children with a teen shot dead by police while ‘reaching for a weapon’: his phone.
It’s very slice of life, but alongside there’s social commentary and these big important issues being explored through a lens of the teen boys.
Dylan’s section is definitely the most powerful, as he was a witness and tails up the end of the book when the case is taking place and verdict being handed down.

[Emma Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a devastatingly beautiful read this book was!

This book centered around community grief, protests, and the struggle for justice within the Aboriginal community. It follows the journey of 3 friends and surrounds the death of a 4th boy. Was this fast paced? No. But it wasn't intended to be - it is a book that was intended for you to sit with your thoughts and process the very real happenings this fictional book portrays.

Raw, powerful, beautiful and heart breaking - I recommend this book to anybody and everybody.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from 3 points of view of 3 young Aboriginal boys - Kallum, Jordy & Dylan.

3 young Aboriginal youths, coming to the end of their high school days, completing year 12, coming to terms with the death of their friend Brandon who was killed by a white cop and the fallout from the trial of that police officer, as well as working out their sexuality.

There are a lot of social and cultural issues dealt with in this book & is one that I would urge all to read, not just Young Adults.


Thanks to Allen and Unwin for a copy of Good Young Men to read & review.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary Lonesborough is a master story teller creating authentic and realistic characters.

Three young Aboriginal men who have drifted apart in a small coastal town are all grippling with their own issues including racism and sexuality. Told through their own viewpoint as they nagivate life.

Powerful, moving and not afraid to tackle confronting topics.

Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent novel with such important themes threaded throughout. The character development of all three characters throughout their own and other perspectives was written in a way that flowed so smoothly throughout the novel. The connections between the main characters, Jordy, Dylan & Kallum, are wound so perfectly, with both tender and tragic moments balanced throughout.

Definitely recommend! 100% a 5 star read!

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a hard-hitting ya contemporary novel about australian aboriginal group of boys. i was drawn to this book just by its cover, but i was really impressed by its content.
it includes some heavy topics, such as bullying, alcohol abuse, lgbt issues and racism.

in the end i was really hoping for a different outcome, but i guess that’s what real life is about.
even though i’m left with heavy feelings, it was a hopefull ending after all.

[Pru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all four of Lonesboroughs' books, I have grown accustomed to the emotional roller-coaster his writing puts me on. Yet this book still made me laugh and cry, broke my heart and made me furious. Lonesborough has a way of highlighting the ugliest parts of society in a way that doesn't blame but hopefully instigates change. If you have not read anything by Gary Lonesborough, I strongly recommend that you do.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Tackles some important topics: black deaths in custody and police brutality, trauma, racism in Australian society, queer identity and coming out as well as the importance of friendship and finding your way into adulthood. Always lovely to read another Gary Lonesborough book (though they are all starting to feel a bit similar, would love to see this author do something a bit different).

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Characters were great, the storyline’s were fantastic but I was left wanting more. I liked how each persons stories intertwined but I felt like each person’s story could have been longer.
Gary is one of my favourite Authors and I’m only giving 3 stars because I wanted more

[Gary Lonesborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author of this book, I can confirm it's pretty good!

[Maxine Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book. its not often that i read contemporary YA, but this was brilliant

[Jessica Crerar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful and devastating at the same time. Had me laughing and crying.

[Summer Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Difficult and true. An excellent read for teenage boys.