Jamal and his friends, in Boy Overboard, are soccer-mad but playing around the bomb craters is risky, not only because of landmines but because the government doesn’t approve of soccer – the government of Afghanistan, that is. Jamal and his family flee their homeland and take incredible risks in their attempt to get to Australia. Much of the story is familiar: illegal schools, the killing of women at a soccer ground, exploitative people smugglers and the Australian government’s ‘Pacific Solution’. ‘“There was an election in Australia,” he says. “The Australian government thought they’d get more votes by keeping you out.” His voice goes even quieter and sadder than before. “And they did.”’
Specky Magee by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon
Angus & Robertson, $12.95 pb, 180pp
Treasure Hunters by Allan Baillie
Puffin, $16.95 pb, 206pp
Boy Overboard by David Metzenthen
Penguin, $17.95 pb, 281pp
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