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Brontide
Rob; (and his brother Pen) white Aussies. Rob is completing Year 12, going to schoolies, working as an apprentice in his dad's company and loves his dog, Nig. Rob believes real men take risks.
Pen; fifteen-years-old, storyteller, graffiti artiste extraordinaire with a penchant for male anatomy. Pen is liked by everyone. Pen and Benny Boy are mates.
Benny Boy; twelve-years-old, Aboriginal, loves drawing, fishing and living with his awesome (white) foster Nan. Benny Boy doesn't trust Rob.
Jack; white, male, finishing Yr 12, new to the area, from the bush and adopted into an Aboriginal family. Jack has met Pen and reckons he's a funny bugger. He has also just signed up as an apprentice working alongside Rob-the-knob.
Brontide is a coming of age story about four boys and their lot in life. Recounted through storytelling sessions at their school over a period of five days, these boys chronicle their lives. They are at times demanding, occasionally rude, always funny and unexpectedly profound. The boys like to challenge themselves and the rules, and soon realise that not everything goes to plan...
Pen; fifteen-years-old, storyteller, graffiti artiste extraordinaire with a penchant for male anatomy. Pen is liked by everyone. Pen and Benny Boy are mates.
Benny Boy; twelve-years-old, Aboriginal, loves drawing, fishing and living with his awesome (white) foster Nan. Benny Boy doesn't trust Rob.
Jack; white, male, finishing Yr 12, new to the area, from the bush and adopted into an Aboriginal family. Jack has met Pen and reckons he's a funny bugger. He has also just signed up as an apprentice working alongside Rob-the-knob.
Brontide is a coming of age story about four boys and their lot in life. Recounted through storytelling sessions at their school over a period of five days, these boys chronicle their lives. They are at times demanding, occasionally rude, always funny and unexpectedly profound. The boys like to challenge themselves and the rules, and soon realise that not everything goes to plan...
132 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 16, 2018
In the small town of Taralune on the Sunshine Coast, four adolescent young men reluctantly commence their stories. Acclaimed author Sue McPherson was invited to Taralune Secondary College and St Nicholas Lutheran College to participate in a storytelling workshop with adolescents. Emerging were four young men, interrelated narratives sharing their ambition, unease and lives within the small coastal town.
Taralune is atmospheric and wonderfully illustrated through the perspective of each young man. The Bower brothers are characters of contrasts. A sensitive and compassionate young man, respected by adults and peers while the other is perceived as ignorant, intimidating the young men of Taralune and promoting toxic masculinity.
The thunder you hear miles away, that's the brontide.
Seventeen year old Jack Trainer is a interesting young man in particular, his narrative captivating and characteristic of the wonderful diversity of Taralune. Unable to care for her biological son, Jack was adopted by a wonderful Indigenous extended family. I enjoyed the discussion of societal influences, Black Lives Matter and racial stereotypes.
The narrative structure is captivating, guided with gentle questioning and allowing each young man to determine the boundaries within their discussion without coercion. A confrontational, authentic and mesmeric narrative.
Taralune is atmospheric and wonderfully illustrated through the perspective of each young man. The Bower brothers are characters of contrasts. A sensitive and compassionate young man, respected by adults and peers while the other is perceived as ignorant, intimidating the young men of Taralune and promoting toxic masculinity.
The thunder you hear miles away, that's the brontide.
Seventeen year old Jack Trainer is a interesting young man in particular, his narrative captivating and characteristic of the wonderful diversity of Taralune. Unable to care for her biological son, Jack was adopted by a wonderful Indigenous extended family. I enjoyed the discussion of societal influences, Black Lives Matter and racial stereotypes.
The narrative structure is captivating, guided with gentle questioning and allowing each young man to determine the boundaries within their discussion without coercion. A confrontational, authentic and mesmeric narrative.
February 6, 2023
This book was really interesting and engaging. I found myself really enjoying it and I liked how we got to hear so many stories and sides and how each character sees the world. However I was a bit confused with the ending, like did Pez actually die or was it just Jack?? But either way it was a really good book and you should definitely read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
I'm still reeling that this book is fictional. I became so invested in the lives of these boys that when something happened towards the end, I was frantically Googling and was very confused when nothing about the school came up! This was such a beautiful read. I loved getting to know the boys, and the interview style was so interesting. The boys felt so familiar, I could have been back in my high school. I loved how unapologetic they were, and how different they came across even in such a minimal format. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fast but moving read!
October 31, 2021
*2.5
Ok to be completely honest the only reason I picked this up is because I knew I could finish it in like half an hour.
The story was fine, it has a really interesting commentary. This book was written in 2018, so I really wonder how the pro- All Lives Matter discussion from Sue (the author's voice) would carry out now in light of the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020. I also unfortunately didn't really connect with any of the characters, I felt that this book was almost too short to do them justice, especially as it was written in an interview format so we got their voices without seeing the emotion behind it.
Ok to be completely honest the only reason I picked this up is because I knew I could finish it in like half an hour.
The story was fine, it has a really interesting commentary. This book was written in 2018, so I really wonder how the pro- All Lives Matter discussion from Sue (the author's voice) would carry out now in light of the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020. I also unfortunately didn't really connect with any of the characters, I felt that this book was almost too short to do them justice, especially as it was written in an interview format so we got their voices without seeing the emotion behind it.
September 5, 2018
Brontide is a coming of age story of four young boys told through a series of storytelling sessions at their school. Wow, what a unique and fascinating concept. This was young adult unlike anything else I have read. I loved this format and found it easy and engaging. The storytelling sessions of dialogue between the boys and the author made it easy for the reader to get to know the boys rather quickly despite how short the text is.
This tale is full of great themes like perspective and different perceptions and would be a great school text for learning about empathy, particularly with the engaging format. The perfect single sitting read I absolutely devoured it. I grew to love each of the boys despite their flaws and rudeness evident at times, although I found myself laughing out loud more than a few times. McPherson writes a relatable and memorable junior high school read and one that I would highly recommend.
June 20, 2018
I was captivated from the first page and I didn’t move or put this book down until I’d finished it.
Told through a series of interviews, it was fascinating getting different view points on the same event. Proving nothing is as it seems, one should never judge, you never know the full story and that teenagers boys aren’t all that bad.
I cried. I sat back and absorbed all the emotions I had experienced while reading. I immediately passed the book onto my mother and told her to read it.
I think this book is a really good tool for opening up the discussion with teenagers about peer pressure, racism, self-identity and friendships.
And is definitely a book I will sharing with my boys when they are older.
Background: four teenage boys dealing with the pressures of wanting to be liked and wanting to fit in - with deadly consequences.
Told through a series of interviews, it was fascinating getting different view points on the same event. Proving nothing is as it seems, one should never judge, you never know the full story and that teenagers boys aren’t all that bad.
I cried. I sat back and absorbed all the emotions I had experienced while reading. I immediately passed the book onto my mother and told her to read it.
I think this book is a really good tool for opening up the discussion with teenagers about peer pressure, racism, self-identity and friendships.
And is definitely a book I will sharing with my boys when they are older.
Background: four teenage boys dealing with the pressures of wanting to be liked and wanting to fit in - with deadly consequences.
May 22, 2020
Short, sharp, dark.
October 15, 2020
This is only 130 pages. It is fiction but is written as though it is real. It is set up as a series of interviews that the author had with four boys from a town in Queensland. All of the boys' stories join up to tell a story about something that happened to one of them.
Well, I was surprised by the ending although it made me sad. The four boys that the author interviewed-Rob, Jack, Pen and Benny Boy-go to the same school. Rob and Jack are both in year 12 and Pen and Benny Boy are in year 9. Rob and Pen are brothers, whilst Jack works part-time for their father. The author interviews each boy about their childhood, who they live with and their thoughts about their lives. As a part of this, the idea of "tarpin'" is mentioned. This is where one of the boys will choose a ute with a tarpaulin cover over its tray and then they will secretly hop into it and lie down to see how far they can get towards Brisbane without the driver stopping or noticing them. Once either of these things happen, they lose and have to ring their parents or carer to get them. It is dangerous, because if they are in a car accident, they could be hurt or killed. There are many other topics that are discussed in the interviews, but I had the feeling that the ending would be quite confronting and it is. I won't tell you what it is, but I won't forget it for a long time.
This book is quite short so it is quick to read and there is some swearing in it.
Well, I was surprised by the ending although it made me sad. The four boys that the author interviewed-Rob, Jack, Pen and Benny Boy-go to the same school. Rob and Jack are both in year 12 and Pen and Benny Boy are in year 9. Rob and Pen are brothers, whilst Jack works part-time for their father. The author interviews each boy about their childhood, who they live with and their thoughts about their lives. As a part of this, the idea of "tarpin'" is mentioned. This is where one of the boys will choose a ute with a tarpaulin cover over its tray and then they will secretly hop into it and lie down to see how far they can get towards Brisbane without the driver stopping or noticing them. Once either of these things happen, they lose and have to ring their parents or carer to get them. It is dangerous, because if they are in a car accident, they could be hurt or killed. There are many other topics that are discussed in the interviews, but I had the feeling that the ending would be quite confronting and it is. I won't tell you what it is, but I won't forget it for a long time.
This book is quite short so it is quick to read and there is some swearing in it.
March 21, 2018
Sue McPherson had the good fortune of attending Taralune High School near Noosa and interviewing kids and while this is such an obvious and easy way to produce a book, I loved it. Reminiscent of Papunya and Alison Lester's primary picture books produced through a collaboration with a school community this is the wonderful result.
It is often hilarious, at times raw and mostly touching but always insightful and totally readable. This book gives us a rare first hand look into teenage lives set in a small mixed cultural community. It will be picked up by reluctant readers who gravitate to books with this small word count format. They will find it awesome!!
It is often hilarious, at times raw and mostly touching but always insightful and totally readable. This book gives us a rare first hand look into teenage lives set in a small mixed cultural community. It will be picked up by reluctant readers who gravitate to books with this small word count format. They will find it awesome!!
July 31, 2023
McPherson has captured the voice of disaffected mid-teens almost painfully accurately here, and provides a rare snapshot of youth culture in regional Queensland,complete with major plot points around graffiti genitalia, vehicular dares and fluid families. The plot is just a little predictable, and I kept thinking it would work brilliantly as a play, where the dialogue would shine, as could the ways McPherson introduces discussions around race, risk taking, bullying and domestic abuse, within a fundamentally funny and hopeful wrapper.
October 10, 2019
This is a quick read. It's a great book for young adults, for those who are not great readers as the interview format engages you and allows you read through quite quickly.
While it is a quick and simple story, it packs a punch, there is many layers that are unwrapped as you go.
I loved the characters in Brontide, the way they discussed things and subjects in their world like bullying, racism, family...
While it is a quick and simple story, it packs a punch, there is many layers that are unwrapped as you go.
I loved the characters in Brontide, the way they discussed things and subjects in their world like bullying, racism, family...
March 5, 2021
I rarely give such a low rating but this book felt unfinished. The device used (the writer interviewing teenage boys) could have been interesting but I felt it led to limited characterisation and a lack of narrative structure. She was clearly trying to make a point about diverse family structures although I’m not sure exactly what it was and I was particularly puzzled about why the character Sue, the writer, chose to wear an All Lives Matter into a high school.
June 5, 2018
a very different format for a book but it was easy to read. Working in a high school I could relate to the language (it was very authentic). I haven't really read anything in this interview format before but it actually flowed pretty well. I would be interested to read what else she has written. We received this book as part of a Standing Order - was a good choice will be buying it for the school
June 29, 2018
Well this leaves you with a punch to the guts. Very accessible book (perfect for 15-18yo boys who don’t read), told in interviews to the author. This is the story of 4 boys, Rob, Pen (named because of the graffiti he leaves around town— can you guess?!), Jack and Benny Boy and their lit in life. Excellent.
August 3, 2018
A quick and surprisingly powerful novella and great example of innovative Australian YA literature.
The set up is a series of interviews at a high school based on the Sunshine Coast. Our author/interviewing is indigenous as are some of the interviewees. It’s a powerful way to bring race/tolerance/coming of age/family issues to the fore.
4 Stars.
The set up is a series of interviews at a high school based on the Sunshine Coast. Our author/interviewing is indigenous as are some of the interviewees. It’s a powerful way to bring race/tolerance/coming of age/family issues to the fore.
4 Stars.
December 3, 2019
This book was written in a transcript form of counselling session of four boys living in a small town. It gives insight into their life and their view on their community and attitudes to those who live their town. They each face their own personal and friendship challenges, some of which have consequences they didn't think could be possible.
January 31, 2021
A short, very easy to read book that provides a really smart and immersive way to get straight into the minds of these boys, while developing a greater understanding of their relationships as you get more pieces of the story. There's always another side to what we say, hey? The ending felt strange to me, but I guess fits with other "what is the truth" parts of the story.
July 7, 2018
Told through a series of interviews, this heart breaking transcript deals with racism, adolescent risk taking and domestic violence ... all in a small Australian community. It's a quick read, but the ending will stay with readers for much longer than it took to turn the pages.
June 30, 2021
An accessible and swift read, Brontide nonetheless packs an incredibly powerful punch. Brilliant storytelling, with twists and interconnection of all manner of flawed and engaging characters. A must-read - especially in its short and sweet format.
January 2, 2022
A curious concept that I was totally open to, but the end confused me and then left me with too many questions. Definitely a text I would love to explore in my classroom as I think it would spark a lot of complex discussion about the content and writing more broadly.
May 30, 2018
Interesting format. Tight, restrained length. Confronting content. Authentic voices.
August 16, 2018
So much happens in this story! Told using transcripts of interviews with young boys in school, this is unsettling stuff! Recommended.
September 1, 2018
Simple yet powerful. An Australian contemporary response to Hinton’s The Outsiders. A must read!
December 28, 2018
A really interesting concept and structure, but I didn't lose myself in the story in the way I had hoped. This would be really interesting to use in a classroom.
Read
November 13, 2021Possible for Eng Studies
Set of interviews
One boy writes fictional taprping event. Another boy dies of tarping- coincidentally.
Indigenous
Masculinity
Family
Set of interviews
One boy writes fictional taprping event. Another boy dies of tarping- coincidentally.
Indigenous
Masculinity
Family
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
An interesting idea, I just wanted it to go for longer. Interesting characters and I enjoyed how their stories intertwined but just felt super brief and had an abrupt ending.
August 22, 2023
A powerful narrative, one which young people could learn so much from. Very cleverly constructed with the actual interviews scripted.
August 19, 2024
It was good but there wasn't really a plot or anything
November 18, 2024
One of those perfect one-sitting reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews