Matthew’s dad is in jail. Now his mum has come home to tell him that they have to move down to a tiny town on the coast, into his late grandfather’s beach shack, doing it up to sell. Uncle Brendon will pay them to do all the jobs that need doing. It’s the only way for the two of them to financially survive while his dad is behind bars.
After arriving, Matthew meets Old Bill, an Indigenous man who lives near the beach. Old Bill takes him under his wing, teaching him the skill of fishing and respect for the land and sea. Old Bill nicknames Matthew ‘Saltwater Boy’. As Matthew begins to see the possibilities of the place, the beach, the people, and how he fits in, the city begins to fade as his life begins to feel good. When his dad is released from jail it all seems to be at risk.
This story covers a lot of themes: bullying, some domestic violence which is well-handled, loneliness, self-discovery, loss, family relationships, friendship, love, and connection to the land. This does at times make it a reasonably long tale as the threads are pulled together at the end. But I was still compelled to keep reading as Christmas skilfully tied the final bow.
Saltwater Boy is a strong debut by Bradley Christmas. I’ll be keen to read what comes next.
Reviewed by Rowena Morcom
Age Guide 10+
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