The unforgettable new novel from the Dagger award-winning author of Wimmera, Mark Brandi. A novel that shows small-town life is unforgiving if you’re from the other side of the tracks.
We always listen out for the train when we’re down in the cutting because sometimes they come quicker than you expect. There aren’t as many trains as there used to be. Mostly just the freight ones, like the one that nearly killed us on the bus… The best train is the Southern Aurora. It goes all the way from Melbourne to Sydney, and from Sydney to Melbourne. It stops in Mittigunda because we’re pretty much exactly halfway between.
Jimmy is a kid growing up fast on the poorest street in town. He tries to do everything right and look out for his mum and his younger brother. His older brother is in jail, so it’s up to Jimmy to hold things together. But small-town life is unforgiving if you’re from the other side of the tracks.
If only his mum didn’t drink so much.
If only he could win the school billycart race.
If only his best friend understood.
If only he could stop his mum’s boyfriend from getting angry.
If only he was there.
Jimmy soon learns that even when you get things right, everything can still go wrong.
Buy a copy of Southern Aurora here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
This poignant tale of a young Australian boy caught in a cycle of deprivation is told entirely from his point of view as he grows up in a rural town near the tracks upon which the Southern Aurora train sometimes passes by. It is rare that an author is able to capture the all-seeing, but not all-comprehending, gaze of a kind, gentle, sensitive young child in such an empathic way. The book really draws you in and envelopes you as you want to know whether Jimmy’s mother will stop or reduce her drinking and be the mother this little boy and his brother with special needs crave and need; whether Jimmy will win the billycart race at school; whether Jimmy’s best friend really will be a best friend to him; whether Jimmy’s mother’s boyfriend will stop abusing her and his brother; and whether Jimmy’s brother will be a reformed character upon his release from jail and will help improve the family’s poor lot in life. The writing was faultless and I recommend this novel, kindly sent to me by Better Reading, wholeheartedly. I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Pamela, VIC, 5 Stars
This book broke my heart and made me want to jump between the pages and wrap this boy up in my arms and hold him tight. Written in the voice of young 5th grader Jimmy and set in a small rural town in the 80s, Southern Aurora made me nostalgic. Being an 80s kid myself, there were so many memories of my own childhood between these pages. Except Jimmy’s story is a lot more raw. This kid has it tough and he takes it all on himself and tries his best in the hardest of situations. This is my first book by this author and certainly won’t be my last. If you love books by Markus Zusak and Craig Silvey you will love this book too. Amy, WA, 5 Stars
What a beautiful novel. Mark Brandi has managed to write a book that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time! We see the story through the eyes of young Jimmy, who is forced to grow up quickly when his older brother ends up in prison. He is now the man of the house, trying to look after his mum and younger brother. At times Jimmy is wise beyond his years, but at other times naive to what is truly going on. He carries the weight of the world on his young shoulders as he tries so hard to always do the right thing for everyone else. This book is written with beautiful feeling. I related to the 80s references the author included; I enjoyed remembering the music and TV shows mentioned throughout the book. Another bonus was my 14-year-old son also read it and loved it too. Kim, VIC, 5 Stars
Gosh, the heartbreaking story of children, growing up in neglectful, abusive circumstances in rural Australia is exactly why I avoid books like Southern Aurora. It is way too much like being at work. That being said this is well and truly a 5-star read. Brandi perfectly captures the childlike innocence of Jimmy who wants everyone to be happy and everything to go well without really comprehending the complex issues happening around him. Southern Aurora is a totally believable story told from the perspective of a child and sensitively handled. It’s hard to review Southern Aurora without giving too much away but the way Brandi writes his characters makes you just want to rush in and save Jimmy, make him see that he is not responsible for protecting his mother and his brother. The language is not fancy, told from Jimmy’s childish perspective we are left with so much scope to fill the gaps with emotions and process what is left unsaid. Jimmy isn’t a protagonist trying to be clever or teach the reader; he is just a kid doing his best and that is where the real charm of Southern Aurora lies. Amelia, VIC, 5 Stars
Loved this true Aussie read! Told from the perspective of a year 5 boy named Jimmy, the story flows simply and smoothly through his thoughts, fears, self-judgement and responsibilities, battling with the right and wrong of so many situations he faces. The writing creates a vivid image of the era, using relatable props. The story is about a young boy growing up with a world of responsibility on his shoulders and how his daily activities and decisions impact those around him. A really quick, enjoyable read that I loved. Sue, WA, 5 Stars
Read this in one sitting. Super easy read, and a really good story. Showing a side of Australians that is rarely written about. I loved the main character Jimmy, but really had to keep reminding myself that he was still primary school aged as he seemed beyond his years. I really think the author has left it open for a second book following Jimmy’s family. Jen, NSW, 5 Stars
This book is written in a simple and gentle style, despite dealing with subjects such as alcoholism, family violence, crime and poverty. The characters are realistic and genuine and those of us who grew up in rural areas will identify with the environment, perhaps even with nostalgia. Mark Brandi captures the perspective and anxieties of a young boy in a struggling family in a small town. It’s heartbreaking at times, as Jimmy tries to take responsibility for just about everything. The reader wants things to go his way, but they rarely do. I loved it. It’s the first book by Brandi that I have read, but definitely won’t be the last. Jane, VIC, 5 Stars
I have just finished reading Southern Aurora. The book started off with some humour us Aussies understand. The story of living in a small town and what happens to the main characters in the book is somewhat typical of what does happen in these towns. I came from a smaller town so I can relate. The storyline was great and as the story unfolded you learnt more about the stories and lives behind the characters. Very well written and a pleasure to read and give a review. Denise, QLD, 5 Stars
Having lived on the wrong side of the tracks, or the Bronx as the locals called it for a couple of years, I can understand the frustrations and the despair that Jimmy has in life, not for me but for persons who have lived in the area all of their life. It is a beautiful story and I felt part of the neighborhood that has people trying to find a way out of it as well as persons who feel that it is the life they have to accept. The Southern Aurora train is an interesting concept – an image of a brilliant light and a way forward to a new life. I could recommend this book for teenagers as well as more mature readers. Cheryl, VIC, 5 Stars
A beautiful story about a young sensitive boy and his troubled family. We learn about Jimmy and his family who live in the poor part of town, their struggles to get by, and their fragile relationships. The story is told from Jimmy’s POV and Mark Brandi captures his voice perfectly. This was a quick read for me but one that touched my heart! Judi, NSW, 5 Stars
Southern Aurora is a quintessential Australian story of a struggling family from the wrong side of a rural town in the 1980s. Jimmy is a young boy from Mittigunda, a small country town between Melbourne and Sydney. The second of three brothers, Jimmy looks up to his older brother Mick, and looks after his younger brother Sam. He also does his best to look after his mum, who works when she can, and survives when she can’t. Jimmy is hopeful of a better future and position for himself and his family, but life has other plans. Each time it seems that a positive change is on the horizon, Jimmy’s story takes on an unexpected direction. As a new reader of Mark Brandi, I came to Southern Aurora with no preconceived notions or expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the style of writing, with Brandi perfectly conveying the story from the point of view of young Jimmy. Brandi’s style of writing is extremely emotive and it is the things that are left unsaid that raise the most emotion. I look forward to reading more of Brandi’s work. Karen, WA, 5 Stars
Living in a small country town in the 80s was never going to be thrilling but if you lived on the wrong side of the tracks life was always going to be difficult. Not only did Jimmy (who was still at primary school) have a single mum, a younger brother who attended a special school and an older brother who was in jail, and he lived in a commission house, he found it hard to make friends apart from Danny who he sometimes went fishing or rabbiting with. When the school announced it was having a billycart race he, his younger brother and Don, the bus driver, set out to restore the old one that belonged to his older brother. Meanwhile, his mum had a new partner but all was not going well and he hid this (and her drinking problem) from everyone. To find out more you will need to read the book. Jill, VIC, 5 Stars
Southern Aurora is an interesting, sometimes funny but disturbing book. The use of pathos throughout makes it a memorable story. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
Southern Aurora introduces us to young Jimmy and we see life through his eyes. He tries hard to do the right thing and always puts others first. He worries about his mum’s drinking and his brother Mick being in prison, and he cares for his special needs brother Sam. I fell in love with Jimmy and could see that he was a great kid despite all the hardship in his life. I wanted nothing but the best for him and felt like I wanted to protect him. I hope his future becomes bright and would love to know how things are for the adult Jimmy. This was a book that I could not put down. I was thankful for the weekend and not having to worry about going to work so I could finish and ponder this awesome read. If you are looking for a weekend read then this is the one. You won’t be sorry. Southern Aurora is the first Mark Brandi book I have read but it won’t be the last. I have already purchased Wimmera and it is sitting in my TBR pile. Annamaree, QLD, 5 Stars
I really loved this. It should appeal to a wide range of readers. Brandi has done a wonderful job of catching the voice of a young boy. They’re a mix of acute awareness and remarkable innocence. They’re still forming their understanding of the world. Brandi paints Jimmy’s half-understanding in a way that is wholly sympathetic and empathetic. This is also a sharp portrait of a small Australian country town, one that seems to lack any particular industry. Brandi’s writing is subtle, and he outlines the social divides very clearly without ever discussing them. He is particularly good at reflecting people’s attitudes through their words and actions rather than explicitly stating them. Brandi’s writing is sharp and vivid. It’s spare, with no words wasted, but it conveys a great deal. The characters, environment and plot feel deep and layered, but it’s easy to read. This is an outstanding novel, one that’s likely to stick in your memory for some time. It doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre, but that makes it feel more real. It’s a wonderful piece of writing, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to both feel and think as they read. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars
Southern Aurora is a beautiful story told from the perspective of a 5th grader named Jimmy. Growing up in a small country town in the 80s, being poor, and having a troubled family and the world on his shoulders is not what he expected his life to be. You follow his day-to-day journey and just feel for him and what he is going through. Being set in the 80s with the mention of places they visited and food they purchased sure did bring a nice wave of nostalgia. I hadn’t read any of Mark’s books until now and this did not disappoint. I will definitely look out for his other books. Natalie, VIC, 5 Stars
There is a rapport immediately with Jimmy, the main character, whose voice is totally authentic. Jimmy’s descriptions of the scenery in his life are alive and involve all our senses and emotions. His story, although different from mine, evoked so many memories of my childhood life. Then there’s his feelings of responsibility for everyone in his life, friends, family, without any ability to act or to have an effect on desired outcomes. A thoroughly enjoyable experience meeting Jimmy, a feel-good story, thoroughly recommended. Joan, VIC, 5 Stars
Set in the 1980s in a small town, the story is told from the point of view of 12(?) year old Jimmy. He lives with his mother and special needs brother in a commission house. His older brother is in jail and his mother’s boyfriend is not a nice person. Not good at sports, Jimmy and his non-sporty friend have a chance to do something different with a school billycart competition/race. Newcomer Chadwick is the third member of their team. Don the bus driver helps with their preparation and as their friendship develops, is very much the father figure Jimmy needs. Brandi’s descriptions of claustrophobic small-town living, living in the wrong street and the everydayness are highlights for me. I also liked that Jimmy was not given the adult mind in the story – he is 11/12 years old and whilst he can sort some life puzzles out, most will remain mysteries to him until he is an adult. Katie, NSW, 4 Stars
You can’t help but find Jimmy endearing; he tries to take on the responsibility of protector for his mum and younger brother, despite his own young age, all the while with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He soon discovers not everything works out as you hope it does! I’m still left wondering what really happened with Charlie and Mick. This is the first book I’ve read by Mark Brandi and after Southern Aurora, I feel I need to read more of his work! Kelly, VIC, 4 Stars
Location, location, location! It can determine our daily reality, prospects, and the perceptions of others. Southern Aurora is a poignant vignette of a struggling family in a rural Australian town, underpinned with quiet hope. Highly recommended for readers who want to take a walk in the shoes of another, or a nostalgic stroll through the 1980s. Very grateful to have previewed this book. Kirralee, SA, 4 Stars
I loved how the story was written in the words of the child. It was quite a sad tale but also showed how resilient the characters were. It was able to cover many issues that affect society today but through the eyes of a child. Deb, SA, 4 Stars
The book is set in the 80s and told through the eyes of 5th grader Jimmy who is growing up in a rural town in the poorest street. Jimmy lives with his mother who has a drinking problem that got worse when his older brother Mick went to jail. He also has a younger brother Sam who has special needs and Jimmy always looks after him. He takes Sam to the bus that picks him up and drops him back from the special school he attends. Jimmy takes him everywhere with him, holding his hand when he goes to play with his best friend Danny. Charlie is the boyfriend of Jimmy’s mum who occasionally beats her up. You really feel for Jimmy as he worries and feels responsible for Sam and his mum instead of living a carefree life in a secure home that children deserve. I found it a very emotional read and it was nicely written by Mark Brandi. Nicola, SA, 4 Stars
I have never read any of Mark Brandi’s novels before but from the beginning of this book I was engaged with Jimmy’s story. It was an unforgettable novel. I would be interested in reading more of this author’s books. Barb, SA, 4 Stars
As I read Southern Aurora I felt the never-ending battle that Jimmy endures. Living in poverty, with a mum struggling with alcohol abuse and DV, and a brother with special needs. The importance of that kind support from a teacher, an older friend and a family member bring some hope for Jimmy’s future. Lyn, QLD, 4 Stars
A poignant, heartbreaking story told through the voice of young Jimmy. His love for his flawed mother, his disabled brother and his older troubled brother is very touching. The author depicted the very real feelings of Jimmy very well, including the conflicts and troubles he faced. Highly recommended. Ros, ACT, 4 Stars
A relateable and enjoyable story told by a young boy who’s growing up doing it tough in rural Australia. The story is portrayed with a sense of innocence and curiosity and you can only hope that his optimism pays off. Jody, QLD, 4 Stars
Southern Aurora was my first Mark Brandi novel, but it definitely won’t be my last. Brandi shows us the world through 5th grader Jimmy’s eyes, a small-town boy from the wrong side of the tracks with the world on his shoulders, as everything seems to fall apart. I didn’t want to put this book down and finished it in an afternoon. It felt like a real, raw chapter in someone’s life, and I loved that the writing was easy to digest, even while still covering some heavy issues. Hayley, VIC, 4 Stars
This poignant, touching story is narrated by Jimmy, a young boy from a dysfunctional family. His younger brother Sam, his older rebellious brother Mick and his alcohol-dependent mother, with her occasional fist happy boyfriend Charlie, all live on the wrong side of a small town. Jimmy keeps his observations and feelings mainly subdued, rarely expressing them in case it turns out for the worst for anyone. He tries to protect Sam and his mother from Charlie’s bad mood moments whilst negotiating growing up and being negatively regarded by others, schoolmates and friends. Bus driver Don befriends him and attempts to instill confidence and reassure Jimmy that things will get better. Jimmy relies on his big brother but things come to a head one day that changes everything for everybody. Wendy, SA, 4 Stars
A glimpse into the childhood of Jimmy, who lives in a lower socio-economic area. He lives with his mum and his younger brother Sam who goes to a special school. His older brother had a spot of bother and is in jail. Jimmy goes to the local school and has a friend called Danny. Mum has a relationship that is turning into a domestic violence situation; Jimmy is trying to be everything to everybody. Mum’s bodyguard, Sam’s minder from time to time, a good friend to Danny and waiting for his brother Michael to return home. Glenys, NSW, 4 Stars
Southern Aurora by Mark Brandi is a story told through the eyes of 5th grader Jimmy. Jimmy is growing up in a rural town halfway between Melbourne and Sydney in one of the poorest streets in the town. For a 5th grader, Jimmy has many burdens and worries to contend with: his mother is an alcoholic, his older brother is in jail and his younger brother has special needs. Jimmy’s story is raw and tough, and through the pages, Mark Brandi shows how growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in a small town can be unforgiving. As the story is told from the point of view of a young person, I found this to be a quick read. The language is simple and Brandi’s style of writing flows well. For me the story lacked climax. My favourite part was how much Australian nostalgia was written into this story. I’m very on the fence with this one. Ally, TAS, 3 Stars
Well-written Australiana literature. Mark Brandi brings a story that many can relate to, and evokes such emotion from the turmoils of living in poverty and disadvantage. I found myself really rooting for Jimmy, battling his coming of age in a world pitted against him. Although it wasn’t a story I would normally choose, it was thought-provoking, emotional and an easy read. Alexandra, TAS, 3 Stars
Southern Aurora is a book about a young boy from a rural town in Australia. Jimmy is a grade 5 student from a single-parent family, with two brothers, one older who is in jail, and a younger brother who is on the spectrum, and his mother is an alcoholic. Coming from a poor neighbourhood, Jimmy tells a story most of Gen X and late baby boomers could relate to in some way. It is an easy read but not much in the way to really grip my interest. It’s a typical story of poverty, domestic violence and hardships without any real climax. Not my cup of tea but wasn’t bad either. Tyson, TAS, 2 Stars
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