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Donkey Drop
Shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award.
“A reckless narrator in a man’s world that becomes increasingly menacing.” — The Australian
It’s 1999. Joel is drifting through the cracks of suburban Melbourne toward a future he’s in no rush to face. When he takes a job at a smash repair shop, he’s pulled into the world of panel beating, noise, and rust. For the first time, he finds something he didn’t expect—pride in his work.
But the workshop runs on unspoken rules, and Joel begins crossing lines he doesn’t fully understand. As pressure builds and the relationships he starts to value begin to fracture, he’s forced to confront the consequences of loyalty, belonging, and the person he is becoming.
“An honest and unflinching insight into the life of a young man without adult support… A fine novel and recommended.” — Rod McLary
Recommended for readers 16+ due to mature themes.
“A reckless narrator in a man’s world that becomes increasingly menacing.” — The Australian
It’s 1999. Joel is drifting through the cracks of suburban Melbourne toward a future he’s in no rush to face. When he takes a job at a smash repair shop, he’s pulled into the world of panel beating, noise, and rust. For the first time, he finds something he didn’t expect—pride in his work.
But the workshop runs on unspoken rules, and Joel begins crossing lines he doesn’t fully understand. As pressure builds and the relationships he starts to value begin to fracture, he’s forced to confront the consequences of loyalty, belonging, and the person he is becoming.
“An honest and unflinching insight into the life of a young man without adult support… A fine novel and recommended.” — Rod McLary
Recommended for readers 16+ due to mature themes.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Stephen Tarulli
1 book6 followersStephen Tarulli is a Melbourne-based author whose debut novel, Donkey Drop, was shortlisted for the Australian/Vogel Literary Award.
His fiction explores working-class Australia, ordinary lives shaped by difficult choices, and the relationships that define us. Drawing on a keen eye for character and authentic Australian settings, he writes stories that balance grit with heart.
When he’s not hiking remote trails in the wilderness, he’s working on his next novel.
His fiction explores working-class Australia, ordinary lives shaped by difficult choices, and the relationships that define us. Drawing on a keen eye for character and authentic Australian settings, he writes stories that balance grit with heart.
When he’s not hiking remote trails in the wilderness, he’s working on his next novel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 31, 2026
This was like reading an S.E Hinton novel...only better.
Engaging, raw and honest, 'Donkey Drop' immerses you in a world that often takes you to ugly places, but also leads you with humour, warmth and relatability.
Much like ‘That Was Then, This is Now’ and ‘The Outsiders’ the story takes place in low-socio economic neighbourhoods, with its characters pushing boundaries into delinquent territory. Yet set in the 1990s, the novel provides great cultural references, including lots of car ‘porn’ for the car enthusiasts out there!
While this sits in young adult fiction, it can certainly appeal to a wider, older readership. A poignant tale that is a real page turner, building to a satisfying climax.
Engaging, raw and honest, 'Donkey Drop' immerses you in a world that often takes you to ugly places, but also leads you with humour, warmth and relatability.
Much like ‘That Was Then, This is Now’ and ‘The Outsiders’ the story takes place in low-socio economic neighbourhoods, with its characters pushing boundaries into delinquent territory. Yet set in the 1990s, the novel provides great cultural references, including lots of car ‘porn’ for the car enthusiasts out there!
While this sits in young adult fiction, it can certainly appeal to a wider, older readership. A poignant tale that is a real page turner, building to a satisfying climax.
July 2, 2026
This was marvellous! It’s not my usual genre, but I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone because I was rewarded with a stellar novel! It reminded me of a more mature version of The Outsiders, with a distinctly Australian voice and perspective set in 1999. ALSO, appreciation for the blurb which is SPOT ON - a darkly funny, coming of age novel which is exactly what is needed and missing in the bookish space. I can see this novel being studied in schools!!
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel! The writing is remarkably clever, with a confidence & experience that I never usually see in a first novel. I wouldn’t be surprised if this receives multiple awards for its honest portrayal of youth crime, male loneliness, and the way life can spiral - all very relevant issues and topics - but also how life can be picked back up.
To simply put it, what a Masterclass in how to write a novel. At its heart, Donkey Drop is both a powerful warning and a reminder about the choices we make.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel! The writing is remarkably clever, with a confidence & experience that I never usually see in a first novel. I wouldn’t be surprised if this receives multiple awards for its honest portrayal of youth crime, male loneliness, and the way life can spiral - all very relevant issues and topics - but also how life can be picked back up.
To simply put it, what a Masterclass in how to write a novel. At its heart, Donkey Drop is both a powerful warning and a reminder about the choices we make.
March 31, 2026
If your reading taste leans towards more dark themes, definitely give this one a go. If you want a palette cleanser from your usual reading preferences, the suspense in this story will keep you hooked. The writing style of this story is incredible.
As someone who reads primarily contemporary romance and fantasy, this was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed the way the story kept me wanting to read what was next.
The story follows a teenage boy navigating his dysfunctional family life, personal addictions and the consequences of the choices that he makes. While it can fall under YA fiction it also has elements of suspense and crime which is written in a way that will have you feeling a whole range of different emotions.
I would definitely recommend this and will be rereading it! ☺️
As someone who reads primarily contemporary romance and fantasy, this was an interesting read for me. I enjoyed the way the story kept me wanting to read what was next.
The story follows a teenage boy navigating his dysfunctional family life, personal addictions and the consequences of the choices that he makes. While it can fall under YA fiction it also has elements of suspense and crime which is written in a way that will have you feeling a whole range of different emotions.
I would definitely recommend this and will be rereading it! ☺️
May 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style and found the descriptive passages really made me feel and see what was being described. It was sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes heavy, but also hopeful too. I really became invested in what was going to happen to the main character. A great read. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews