Jasper Jones

Poor Charlie has to cope with bullying, abuse, suicide, incest, racial intolerance, police brutality and desertion in just a few short months. Coping strategies explored include: copping it on the chin, suicide, arson, running away, alcoholism or becoming a recluse. Beautifully written but there is no hope in this novel.

Reading this book filled me with a rare excitement; I'd found a classic on my own. I felt like I'd found a new Tim Winton. It is brutally honest and cleverly captures its time and place. It may be named after Jasper, but it was the protagonist Charlie whose words lived on long after I finished this magical tale.

Jasper Jones is the local “roughian” – “Thief, Liar, Thug, Truant." He’s the town’s scapegoat – blamed whenever something goes missing. Jasper knocks on Charlie’s window, urging him to help him deal with a horrible crime that Jasper fears he will be held responsible for. The testosterone-rich edge of the teen years !

Jasper Jones delves deep into the psyche of young Charlie, a bookish dreamer, who is lured into the magical world of Jasper Jones, Corrigan's larrikin and outcast. An emotional 'coming of age' story that blends innocence, loyaltyand love as Charlie reaches for the truth behind his mecurial friend, Jasper. Un-put-downable!

Silvey paints a town where racism runs rampant, sexual abuse is ignored and individuality is crushed. Despite these dark themes, Jasper Jones is exquisitely written, combining delicate literary gems with harsh Australian slang. You fall in love with Silvey’s vivid characters and then feel heartbroken when you realise they’re fictional.

What novel can carry the burden of comparison with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’? ‘Jasper Jones’ contains these echoes through depiction of a small town with dark secrets and lurking racism. This powerfully visual novel succeeds despite the disjunct between the age of the young narrator and the events he experiences.

The book engages with issues such as love, racism and death while containing so much meaning. Jasper Jones is a novel that didn't take me long to read but Charlie's journey with Jasper will stay with me for a long time. This is a book I would gladly read again.

If someone knocked on your window late at night, what would you do? And if it was as outsider, a rebel, would you help? Set in 1965, in a small, isolated Australian town, thirteen year old Charlie struggles with adolescence, inclusion, parochialism, love …and murder… with gems of wry humour.

This is without doubt one of the best books I've ever read.
Craig Silvey portrays the racist, dusty country town setting with remarkable acuity. Heartbreaking insights into love, marriage, divorce, death & loss are counterbalanced with a measure of affable humour. Charlie and Jeffrey trade insults with laughter, impeccably displaying the true nature of 'best friends'.
This book is a superb rollercoaster of powerful feelings, so skilfully conveyed that you practically experience them for yourself.
A masterfully written emotional and more personal journey than 'To Kill a Mocking Bird', it draws you in so intensely that you dread reaching the end.

Jasper Jones is a sincere homage to the inspiring To Kill a Mockingbird. Jasper, through tragic circumstances, must become a man whilst dealing with the pressures of adolescence, distracted parents, and school. Jasper is a wonderful character, thoughtful, adventurous, and braver than he thinks. This is a must read book.