“Jasper Jones” is the second novel by Australian author Craig Silvey.
The novel is set in a small West Australian country town in the 1960’s. The central character is a bookish adolescent, Charlie Bucktin. Charlie is a precocious teenager, an only child, who spends most of his time in the world of books, reading and writing. His best friend is Jeffrey Lu, the son of Vietnamese refugees.
However, this quiet world of Charlie’s changes on one hot summer’s night when the town outcast, Jasper Jones comes to Charlie’s window and he needs help. Charlie follows Jasper into dense bush by an old dam and what he discovers will change his life forever. In the weeks that follow, as Charlie struggles with the secret that he carries, the disintegration of his family, the racism directed at Jeffrey and first love, Charlie seeks to find truth and peace.
“Jasper Jones” is a brilliant novel which blends tragic events with romance and humour. Set in a small town, against a backdrop of true events in the 1960’s, including the Vietnam War, the disappearance of the Beaumont children and Doug Walters’ test cricket debut, the author manages to create a believable setting for his tale and to draw the reader in to the lives of Charlie and his friends.
“Jasper Jones” is an unforgettable novel which draws the reader into the lives of the characters. A very worthwhile reading experience.
Mr. T
4 out of 5
Years 10 – adult
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