Thrill Seekers

Cutting Edge

by Shaw Edwina

Set in Brisbane, Australia, and told as a series of skilfully linked short first-person narratives, this is an account of the descent into thrills-at-any-cost of the Oxley Creek Boys: from excited young teens on a sinking home-made raft to self-seeking drug-crazed adolescents on an inexorable trail of self-destruction and deep personal loss.

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this book was wonderful. Each chapter is practically a short story in itself and as such is beautifully crafted, in fact, one of the chapters was familiar to me as I had read it as a short story in a magazine/journal. There's a lot of the story left untold, but I think that was perfect as it left the reader to fill in the emotional gaps. There was a fantastic sense of place (Brisbane) and an undercurrent of dread and sadness. Highly recommended...

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Brian's Dad dies it sends both him and his brother off on wildly different paths. Brian has always been a thrill seeker but now he takes the drugs and drinking even further with his friends. On the other hand, his brother Douggie starts hearing voices and paranoia sets in. The group think nothing of experimenting with whatever they get their hands on, and trying out any adventure they can think of. They seem to go through their lives in a haze of drink and drugs.
Through the different points of view, you can see just how differently the characters see themselves and others. I liked reading the different characters, though I am not quite sure why some of them were included, particularly Beck.
I was surprised at how emotional I felt reading some parts of the book. It's not all wild rides as it may seem at first, there are genuine relationships and friendships. As the story progresses, the characters grow and mature, friendships change and family bonds get as complicated as they can.

[Toni Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Is not one I would normally choose to read. However I went to a writing workshop and Edwina, the author was our teacher. I really enjoyed the workshop and learnt a lot, so couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy her book -⎌which she cheerfully autographed for me too! The novel has a constant theme of grey, there is a consistent feeling of hopelessness described by most of the characters. Despite this the book is a really good read, much of the themes are so typical of families everywhere. The drug and alcohol taking is in as much abundance today as described in this 90’s setting, the characters are rich and I think most readers would relate to many of them. The chapters are short and sharp and a very easy to read writing style. A book I am proud to have read -thank you Edwina.

[Danielle Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill Seekers by Edwina Shaw is going straight to my most loved shelf! Can’t believe I haven’t come across this intensely moving Young Adult novel till now. It’s such a well crafted piece of authentic Australian storytelling. Would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy the raw yet tenderly drawn realism by Oz literary icons like Craig Silvey, Favel Parret, Karen Foxlee & Mark Brandi.

This coming of age story, set in the grungy recession-filled nineties, brings each and every character vividly to life, especially its band of risk-taking teenage misfits, against the constant threat of the mighty Brisbane River and the many creeks that snake through the once working class suburbs of the now gentrified city of Brisbane. Readers will laugh, cry and often hold their breath as they witness the exploits of the Oxley Creek Boys.

There’s drugs, sex, music and plenty of booze topped off with adventure and heartbreak. What else could you need?


PS. Novel was recommended to me but after failing to find it in local bookstores, I ordered on Amazon.

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brian and his little brother hear their Dad say he is dying, they can't believe it. They won't believe it.
But soon they are on their own with their mum who doesn't cope at all - watching her sink into days of cigarettes, vodka and TV.

Her boys run wild - part of the Oxley Creek Boys, loving the creek behind their house, building rafts, riding and crashing off their bikes. Soon they are smoking, drinking and partying hard.

Thrill Seekers is really many short stories, in the viewpoints of the kids in a group - boys and girls. They grew up together, experimenting with life, love, drugs and booze. Full on, in your face, no punches pulled, real Aussie teenagers loving life, smoking, drinking, doing drugs and having sex. Consequences were early for some, deadly for others and eventually they find their way.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill Seekers is a raw and engaging book about youth, feeling invincible, friendship and grief. A thought provoking story that makes you feel as though you’ve been on an emotional ride with the characters and spent time at Oxley Creek. I loved Edwina’s writing and the world she showed us in this book.

[Rachael Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unflinchingly raw portrayal of a group of teenagers in Australia struggling with substance abuse, grief, mental health issues, and questions about their identity. Each story was compelling enough that I read the book in one sitting.

[abbie]

don’t really know what to rate this tbh but it’s an interesting book and u get to see the different perspectives of some characters and the change in some of them too and how they grow as a person. it’s short but good

[Natasha Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating story that submerges you into a Queensland suburb to tell a story of brotherhood, grief, and those last summers before life takes hold. Beautifully written and well paced. Would definitely recommend.

[Leigh Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written, real, fresh - an awesome read :) Loved the Brisbane setting.