Description
From the author of the literary hit, Deadly Unna?, comes a fast-paced rite-of-passage set amid the mythical surf and island culture of Bali, and up to its neck in the madness of its politics and the terrifying consequences of breaking the rules…
Growing up with the famous Bali surf at his back door, sixteen-year-old Taj had an idyllic childhood - until ten years ago when his father was arrested for smuggling drugs. He's been on death row in Bali's infamous Kerobokan Jail ever since, leaving Taj in an uneasy limbo.
When an execution date is set, Taj is left with one course of action - bust his dad out of jail and hightail it back to Australia.
What follows is the desperate, dangerous ride of a father and son on the run. As events unravel and time runs out, Taj uncovers startling truths about his family, his girlfriend and the stranger he is rapidly falling for.
Review
An great story of perseverance, The Break is a rollercoaster from start to finish! Making a change from his usual Australian setting, Philip Gwynne set this story further north, in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Taj had a great life in Bali, until his father was arrested for drug smuggling, which comes with a death sentence. When an execution date is set, Taj decides to break his father out of prison and get him back to Australia.
The 15 and 16-year-old characters who give their voice to the story are all incredible in their own way, with the plot bringing out the best and the worst in all of them over the course of this story. I found myself supporting different characters, changing what I wanted to happen and overall being left enthralled by their journey to save Taj’s father.
The Break is a fast-paced story, with short chapters that make it very easy to read and stay engaged, perfect for reluctant readers and those who enjoy action-packed stories. Covering themes including friendship, betrayal, family and international law, The Break is suitablefor all readers aged 15+.
Reviewed by Ben
