Comments (2)

• I compulsively read the book on a plane overseas. It had resonance a working class background kid from Sydney who had talent and swimming is a surprisingly class conscious sport training, trips and the golden boy pursuit I could really relate to that . What I would like to comment on was the predictable and parochial asides to Sydney and new south Wales and the disputing of Melbourne that seems to reoccur time after time in works of fiction or drama emanating from Melbourne. While side issues it is gratuitous amd must seem baffling for international readers. It tarnished my experience and I feel Melbourne writers need to basically grow up and think like Australians. Disappointing.
  Posted by Tom BroadfieldThomstu

  01 January 2014
• Yes a fine book and worthy followup to The Slap. Christos explores the themes of sport at the elite level well and connects this to our obsession with the private public school divide and its intersection with class and privilege particularly in multi ethnic Melbourne. We feel for Dan Kelly and the cost of his rage which lurks in the hearts of many young. No one else seems to be covering the contemporary Australian landscape as well as Tsiolakis especially with his bravery in looking at class and prejudice and its centrality to our society.
  Posted by Paul Devereux

  10 November 2013