Description
What makes a good man? Morgan Pickford isn't sure yet, but he's doing his best to find out, even though it's complicated. A life-affirming YA novel about fractured families, tough talk, masculinity, finding friendship and overturning expectations from an internationally acclaimed, bestselling Australian author.
Two things that are true and one that is a lie:
I think my mother is dead and alive.
I think if I work hard I will be very good at something.
I've tried to please my dad but I don't think I ever will.
Thirteen-year-old Morgan lives with his dad and his older brother, Mitch. He hasn't heard from his mum since she left when he was two. He works hard on his football skills, striving to meet his father's high expectations and 'be a man'.
But what that means isn't always clear-cut. When Morgan makes a friend at school, gets injured in a game, and his long-lost mum turns up, everything changes. Then, when he meets an old woman in need of help, Morgan must decide what kind of man he wants to be.
Shining a timely and much-needed light on different kinds of masculinity, Darkest Night, Brightest Star is a unique and compelling novel from a masterful storyteller.
Review
Barry Jonsberg continues to write stories that aim at the heart of contemporary Australian issues, this time toxic masculinity. Darkest Night, Brightest Star is a wonderful read.
Thirteen-year-old Morgan lives with his Dad and gym junkie older brother. He has no real friends, and not much drive. His Dad wants him to be a sports star when he is older. He isn’t thrilled when Morgan chooses soccer, but sets about ensuring his success nonetheless. His Dad believes there is no need for teams yet, as they will only make you soft, so instead Morgan trains alone following his Dad’s rigid training regime. When, by chance, a soccer ball comes his way at lunchtime Gray, another loner at school, notices that Morgan has real ability. Gray doesn’t play sport but is a soccer tragic, and a friendship begins. But when Morgan’s Dad learns that Gray is gay, he insists that the friendship ends immediately.
Morgan’s Mum left when he was only two, never to be heard from again. But suddenly she has reapppeared and tries to establish contact with Morgan. When it turns out that his Dad intercepted all of her letters and presents, Morgan is torn about what he should do. He knows that it will upset his Dad, and that never turns out well...
His Dad has mottos like ‘be a man’, ‘never show fear’ and ‘never back down’ that permeate through the novel, and this leaves Morgan struggling to understand what the life of a teenage boy could or should be like. Luckily, he has people like Gray and his English teacher to show him that he can make something of his life. Morgan has shown great kindness to an old neighbour who has dementia, and also loves making plants thrive and works part-time at a nursery, so there are paths that he could take in the future - he can finding a meaning and purpose in life.
This is a terrific novel tackling toxic masculinity, family life, dementia, acceptance, friendship, and the importance of asking ‘are you okay?’. A timely look at growing up, what makes a good man, how to live, and how the adults around you might not always be the best role models.Perfect for readers aged twelve to sixteen years.
