The Boy’s Own Manual to Being a Proper Jew (Eli Glasman, Sleepers)

This debut novel by Melbourne writer Eli Glasman is a first for author and publisher. Sleepers Publishing has expanded into the world of YA with The Boy’s Own Manual to Being a Proper Jew, a contemporary coming-of-age story. Jewish 17-year-old Yossi is passionate about his faith, but feels trapped between the rules of his religion and the inescapable fact that he’s gay. The novel explores the familiar (love, sex, family, loyalty) and the slightly less so (being a strict Orthodox Jew who is 100% gay). Despite the heavy themes, the book’s tone is light and it’s easy to get sucked in to the story. Yossi’s struggle is explored through his interactions with his first love Josh, who challenges his fears and presumptions, while Yossi’s family, friends and teachers offer a range of well-developed perspectives that aren’t stereotypical. Glasman is an author to watch. He has a playful, skilled way with words but, just as importantly in the character-driven world of YA fiction, he also gives an excellent insight into people. This is an entertaining and provocative read.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne-based writer and reviewer