Good Young Men (Gary Lonesborough, A&U Children’s)

Good Young Men is the 4th novel from award-winning Yuin author Gary Lonesborough (I’m Not Really Here), told from the perspective of 3 First Nations boys in Year 12 who live on the same street and were once friends in primary school. When their old schoolmate Brandon is killed by a white police officer, the 3 are drawn back together as racism simmers in their small town. Kallum, who has just been expelled from a private school in Sydney and lost his sports scholarship, is a talented rugby league player; he is also hiding a big secret: he is gay. Jordy came out some time ago but is struggling in the aftermath of a secret relationship. Dylan witnessed the murder of Brandon and, as an aspiring filmmaker, begins making a film about it. The pacing builds in the final third of the novel as Dylan waits to give evidence at the police officer’s trial. Written in the first person, the novel moves between the boys while also introducing their family and friends, creating a large cast of characters for readers to follow. Lonesborough writes powerfully about young Aboriginal men, creating authentic dialogue and realistic situations. Touching on themes of friendship, racism and queer characters coming out, Good Young Men builds steadily towards a satisfying conclusion. Fans of Lonesborough’s previous work and readers of contemporary Australian YA fiction aged 14 and up will enjoy this powerful story exploring events that draw young men together and drive them apart.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Angela Crocombe is a senior buyer and bookseller at Readings Kids. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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