Concrete Playground

Dubbed an “Australian To Kill a Mockingbird” by The Monthly and a “deeply thoughtful, remarkably funny and playful … gloriously Australian book,” at Readings Monthly, it seems Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones has not only filled the boots leftover from his lauded debut Rhubarb (2004), he’s upgraded to a brand new shiny pair.

Hailing from the black swan state, in Jasper Jones it’s the outsider - the one unlike the others - who gets a look in, whether that be a ‘half-caste’ (Jasper Jones) or a thinker (the daydreaming protagonist, Charlie Bucktin). A coming-of-age novel in more ways than one, this is definitely a young Australian writer to watch, either in person at one of Ashfield Library’s Authors’ Talks, or right here. Otherwise, buy the book at all good bookstores, and judge that Harper Lee comparison for yourself.