Southern Aurora

 Southern Aurora

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       July 1, 2023

 

Author  Mark Brandi

Distributor:      Hachette
ISBN:                 9780733649325
Publisher:         Hachette. Imprint Hachette Australia
Release Date:   July 2023  

   Website:   https://www.hachette.com.au

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In Australia as notified domestic violence is on the rise, many authors have incorporated it in their writing. However, rarely is the reader exposed to this crime from the point of view of a child. Award winning Australian author, Mark Brandi in his latest beautifully written novel ‘Southern Aurora’ has done just that!

Narrator, 10 year old sensitive Jimmy, lives with his alcoholic mother, and his intellectually challenged brother Sam in the poorest street in Mittigunda, a small country town. Life isn’t easy for Jimmy, who loves his family dearly, takes the responsibility for his family’s wellbeing upon his shoulder. After his older brother, Mick is jailed, Jimmy’s takes this heavy burden of looking out for his family even more seriously and blames himself for everything which befalls them.

Although this is a compelling, gentle read, the subject matter is far from gentle. The characters are well developed and written in such a way, that empathy is not only evoked for Jimmy but also for his family and friends.

While it is an easy read, this is an unforgettable story, which I highly recommend to readers of all ages.

Fiction