Alfie’s mum, Emilia, has been lying to him forever.
It’s only been the two of them in Ireland, but when Emilia’s appendix explodes, she drops a bombshell: they have a family back in Australia, and she and Alfie are going to meet them.
When Penny Bains opens the door of her Tasmanian farmhouse to a boy with an Irish accent claiming to be the son of her missing daughter, Emilia, her life is turned upside down.
Alfie needs to know who his father is, but the residents of the tiny town of Beggars Rock and his newly found grandmother and great-aunts are all staying silent. As Alfie starts to uncover secrets that his family would prefer to keep buried, the one thing he does discover is that no one is willing to tell him the truth.
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The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains was fantastic. We all want to know where we come from and how we fit in the world. Wow Alfie arrived powerfully (one of the best starts to a book ever imho) and from there we are introduced to the family and community. It covers the range of human emotions, neurodiversity, domestic violence, sexism but at the heart is a little boy wanting to belong. Sarah Clutton has written a masterpiece, reading it is time well spent. Dianne, NSW, 5 stars
The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains is a heart-warming story of family, relationships and being true to one’s self. Alfie embarks on a journey of discovery when his mother moves back to Tasmania and takes him away from the only home he has known in Ireland. Sarah Clutton’s life affirming story is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will have you under the charm of the young Alfie and his search for his father and the truth. Genene, SA, 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! It had all the elements that make a story truly captivating for me. The complex and deeply layered dynamics of a dysfunctional family added so much depth and intrigue, making the characters feel incredibly real. The mystery element kept me on the edge of my seat, weaving seamlessly between past and present with its compelling dual timeline. The small-town coastal setting was beautifully atmospheric, adding to the charm and tension in equal measure. On top of that, the touches of humour provided a perfect balance to the emotional moments that really grabbed me. From start to finish, I was completely hooked—I simply couldn’t put it down! Shrek, NSW, 5 stars
Wow what an amazing read! Right from the beginning you are pulled into this amazing story with a lot of family issues! All linking back to one small boy Alfie Bains! At first I was not so sure I liked that each chapter was a different character but after a couple of chapters I realised the importance of this! It made the story whole! I felt like I was right there with the characters and following their journey. The secret learnt along the way, especially toward the end just wow! Thank you for writing such a fantastic book full of characters that are so loveable! Little Alfie Bains is a wonder of a kid! The knowledge that he sprouts makes you smile! The best part of this for me is that I grew up in the north west of Tasmania and it brought me home!! So thank you!! Amy, ACT, 5 stars
A really nice read. I like how the story line is structured – as a reader you get to see into the minds of all the characters, and observe others through their eyes. Alfie stands out as an instantly likeable character. A young boy with unusual personality, high level of emotional intelligence, and an ability to observe people, to learn from them and about them, and to recognise the intriguing ways they behave and relate with the world around them, analysing the world of the adults in his life and their relationships. A great read about relating and relationships, with some nice twists along the storyline. Margareta, SA, 5 stars
The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains was a captivating, heart warming story that I enjoyed reading. Getting to know the characters throughout the book, is a treat, particularly the thought process of the main character, young Alfie. Other characters are far less pleasant (intentionally) but are easily recognised for their flaws. You get a sense of the community spirit of the small town of Beggars Rock & feel an affinity with the Tasmanian scenery. I really enjoyed this book not just for the characters & the scenery but for the numerous little one liners that we forget kids don’t understand yet. I look forward to more from Sarah Clutton. Alicia, VIC, 5 stars
A new publisher, a new book and Sarah Clutton returns with an unforgettable and beautifully written tale that will capture, melt and warm your cockles. The Remarkable Truths Of Alfie Bains is one of my favourite books of the year. I just loved everything about this story. Alfie and his mother Emilia arrive in Tasmania all the way from Ireland. After an operation, Emilia decides to reveal the secret that’s been hidden all of Alfie’s life. They have a family across the seas. His grandmother, Penny is delighted her estranged daughter is back. Alfie also needs to know who his father is but no one will say anything. What secrets are buried….. A sublime, spectacular and glorious read. This book is full of delightful characters, many will lodge themselves into your heart especially Alfie, who is an absolute legend, he made me laugh out loud many a time and I adored him. A superstar author and book, both will be a rising star. There’s so much to love about this story and I did, the plot, the cast, the setting, the writing and the storytelling. I’m shouting from the rooftops, read this book, it’s magical! Craig, VIC, 5 stars
Would you like to be friends with a 9 year old who quotes internet-derived statistics in conversation, and who can probably list more ‘interesting facts’ in minute than most winners of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? You might not think so, but meet Alfie and he just might change your mind. This endearing befreckled boy is at the centre of a book that revolves around family, friendship, human imperfection and forgiveness, set in the semi-fictional village of Beggar’s Rock, Tasmania. The stark nature of the land and all-knowingness of a close-knit community serve as a perfect backdrop to mystery and intrigue as Alfie investigates his roots. The slew of potential heroines will leave you free to pick your favourite, from the well-meaning but unremarkable Penny to the deliciously frank Hilary to the apparently cold and stand-offish Cynthia. Despite the many light-hearted moments and giggles, this story touches on deeper and darker themes- difficult marriages, betrayals, death and isolation- and how one boy’s search for his parentage may cause fragile walls to topple… Danielle, NSW, 5 stars
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were believable and well developed and the Tasmanian setting came to life. The family dynamics and the relationships and politics of a small town were described realistically and sensitively. The quirky personality of the young (probably neuro-divergent) protagonist, Alfie, shone through in a way that was funny, endearing and touching. I look forward to reading more by Sarah Clutton. Jane, VIC, 5 stars
Woww what an amazing, warm hearted and perceptive story about the meaning of family, lies, truths and the ties that bind us. Set in Tasmania the story begins with 9 year old Alfie an exceptionally bright boy, who just wants to know who his father is. But why won’t anyone tell him the truth. Sarah Clutton weaves family, friends, into the mix, we get to know and love them all despite there foibles. Emilia Alfie’s mum has a lot of secrets, that she doesn’t want Alfie to know. By the end we are rooting for all the characters( except maybe Pat), but he gets his karma. The ending tied up all the loose ends, and I was cheering for Alfie’s happily ever after. Let’s hope there a number 2 to this story. Well done Sarah, a great read, I will be recommending this book to all my friends and book club. Heather, VIC, 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this book as you learn through Alfie’s determination about the family he didn’t know existed and eventually who his father is. Many family dynamics and issues such as DV, terminal illness, loss and other topical issues unfold in short chapters easily connecting the past with the present. A book that draws you in from the beginning and keeps you interested throughout. Highly recommended. Lyn, QLD, 5 stars
This book is nothing short of magnificent. When Alfie needs to know who his father is, he uncovers secrets that have long been buried years ago. Despite the small town folk being determined not to let the truth emerge, Alfie persistence forces an extended family to face the demons of their troubled past. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend to anyone especially fans of The Dry. A spectacular read that will make you simultaneously laugh and cry. Loved the character of Alfie…he would make any parent proud to claim him as their own! Justine, NSW, 5 stars
This book has been a delightful surprise for me. I don’t normally enjoy books with kids as narrators, but the author has managed to make the character Alfie so relatable and witty that I found myself looking forward to those chapters most. I was curious to follow his quest for the truth behind family secrets, and I found the book well-paced and full of emotions. I will certainly be looking out for the author’s next book Marjolaine, WA, 5 stars
Loved it Thought provoking A good giggle Great read Kate, QLD, 5 stars
This is a truly remarkable book! I’m usually not a fan of stories that move between time frames, but there was something about the way in which Sarah did this that worked incredibly well. She pieced together the story elements across a decade or so in such a way that it was easy to continue to follow the thread of the story. Each retrospective filled in the gaps in the reader’s understanding of why the characters had evolved the way they did. Sarah’s character development reflects her deep understanding of human nature and how key events shape personality and behaviour. No doubt her research helped with the development of Alfie’s quirky little character. Throughout the day I found myself thinking about the book, wondering what was going to happen next, and I often felt eager to do what I needed to so I could get home in order to continue reading! The final chapters did not disappoint. Readers bore witness to the characters evolving, gaining insights into themselves, and ultimately integrating their past experiences in a way that enabled them to move forward, at times in unexpected ways. I already know that this is very likely to be the best book I will read all year! Joanne, QLD, 5 stars
The mystery of 9 years old Alfie Bains’ paternity fuels this family drama exploring the perspectives of several characters, including Alfie’s. The angst, indignation, heartache and love felt by each is beautifully conveyed in this endearing story. The Tasmanian landscape and small town vibe are characters in themselves mirroring the connections, volatile relationships and nurturing protection of the family unit. From the first page to the last, this story fully engrossed me. I loved every twist and turn that Sarah Clutton crafted as the mystery of Alfie’s missing father unfolded. A wonderful weekend read. Michelle, NSW, 5 stars
A 9 year old that needs answers and is a true sleuth when it comes to uncovering truths. A number of characters make up the ensemble of this tale, and it takes a few chapters to learn them all, and their placement within the storyline. Author Sarah Clutton provides the detail needed to connect and become an observer of the content of the text on every page. It’s dynamic, funny, joyful and bittersweet. Alfie is amazing and the truths, as the title says, are remarkable. Sharon, QLD, 5 stars
It’s true that if a novel is to truly capture your heart, then it must have rich and fully formed characters who feel as if they are palpably real before you. That’s because we are people-oriented people and while a narrative can be all-encompassing and the premise imaginatively rich, if the characters don’t strike a chord, then the rest of the novel might as well be non-existent. Thankfully, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains by Sarah Clutton is one of those novels that bursts off the page with highly relatable humanity, sparkling dialogue and thoughtful empathy, all of those superlative qualities the preserve of characters who are so relatably real that it’s hard not to embrace them near instantly. Delightful in so many ways, and full of the richness and warmth of family and bonds restored and hopes rekindled, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains beautifully balances the pain of the past, and the mysteries it contains, with the potential healing and answer-giving of the present and how that may all play out into a brighter and happier future, brought alive by characters who make this a novel you can give your heart to and be eternally happy you did. Andrew, NSW, 5 stars
You know when you finish a book and you feel unsatisfied? Not because the book was no good, but because you became so invested in the characters and their lives that you are a little bit sad that the story is over? This is one of those books. The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains will envelop you in the world of Alfie, his delightful eclectic thoughts, and the complexities of his tangled family. Told from varying perspectives, Sarah Clutton expertly tells the story of Alfie and his newly found life in Beggars Rock. I found myself deeply involved in their stories; wishing I could go to this imaginary place and meet everyone for myself. Some characters I want to shake some sense into, and others I want to hug and be friends forever. This was a good read. A really really good read. One I will be recommending to everyone to bring a little bit of joy into their busy lives. One that I will be thinking about for weeks to come. Jessica, NSW, 5 stars
A little confusing to start with, as a number of characters are introduced all at once via witty dialogue, but then the novel just picks up and shines. Alfie’s voice is just so much fun – his disarming intelligence and logical thinking constantly surprises the adults who encounter him. He is a neurodivergent nine-year-old boy trying to find out the truth about his paternity, but keeps coming up against a web of deception created by adults each with their own motive for keeping secrets. Once I got into this book, I became completely enthralled. The chapters are short, swapping perspectives between the major characters, and gradually the past is revealed. Clutton exposes issues of control, deception, domestic violence, depression and regret, in a way that is not disheartening but is full of understanding of the ways that adults fail each other. Mostly this is a book about women and the paths they take, though of course, Alfie would say it’s about a child and his rights! I enjoyed this so much, I’m going to have to hunt out Clutton’s other books. Helen, SA, 5 stars
Emilia Bains was pregnant and distressed when she left the little Tasmanian town of Beggars Rock (a thinly disguised – beautiful – Stanley). Now she’s returned, her son Alfie (9 years) in tow. From Alfie’s point of view, he’s on a mission to find his father. He’s a dear little boy with a genius IQ, so he goes about this fairly well, actually. But although he has many Questions no-one is talking, including his mother, her family, and his (probable) father’s family. However, Alfie’s simple (but logical) investigations accidentally unlock some devastating secrets people have refused to acknowledge for years. Dealing with them – finally – changes the lives of the people around this innocent and lovable boy forever. As the bombshells explode in Alfie’s quest to uncover the past, you’ll be cheering for him every step of the way. Utterly joyful and poignant. Malvina, NSW, 5 stars
A story of Alfie and his mother Emilia leaving Ireland for Beggars Rock in Tassie. Here young Alfie will search for his dad through cousins , great aunts going back and fourth in time he discovers the truth must be pried out. An enjoyable read with humor to keep you going. Robert, QLD, 5 stars
I LOVED this book! From the beautiful, rugged Tasmanian setting to the richness of each of the characters, I was hooked in no time. The various perspectives with which the story was told (but particularly Alfies), and the switching between the present and the past made for an interesting flow that wasn’t hard to follow at all. The story of almost ten year old Alfie and his desire to know his story was beautiful, heart-warming, uplifting and sad all at the same time. This is a story of the human urge to protect, to love and to be loved. Nicole, NSW, 5 stars
A fun first person story about a remarkable child and the interactions within a small country town. It is great to learn the history along with the interesting interactions that occur within the community. While you learn some sad truths , the positive moments keep the story interesting, wanting for more. I did enjoy the story and felt I could relate to being there in a small Tasmanian country town. Dale, VIC, 5 stars
Such a pleasurable read. I love Alfie Bains…truly a remarkable tale by talented Australian author Sarah Clutton. A delight from cover to cover. Joanna, VIC, 5 stars
What a refreshing read! A wonderful cast of characters, all with their own flaws and secrets, each holding a piece of the story to put together the ‘truth’ that Alfie is seeking. The characters felt real for their flaws and Alfie was a lovely, quirky, refreshing character. The story was poignant as it delved into a lot of social issues but it was told in such a way, with humorous moments as well, that it encouraged the reader to keep turning one more page to read the next reveal in Alfie’s search for truth. I look forward to seeing more from this author. Annette, SA, 5 stars
Alfie is such a loveable character nine years old when he finds out he has a family in Tasmania his grandmother gets quite a shock we he arrives on her doorstep all Alfie wants to know is who is his father but unfortunately no one will tell him ( no spoilers ) but what is the big secret a really nice book Deborah, NSW, 5 stars
Alfie Bains is a loveable character, a small, dishevelled boy with ocean-blue eyes and a face dotted with freckles. He’s at the centre of a tangle of family mysteries, in Beggars Rock in north-west Tasmania where faces flow from the past, blowing into the tiny town like clouds gathering before a storm. Alfie – real name Alfred Edward Deegan Bains – has arrived in Beggars Rock from Ireland with his mum, Emilia. When she was rushed to hospital after her appendix exploded like a jelly bomb, Emilia knew she had to take Alfie back to Australia to connect with his family. But as Alfie begins a search for his dad and meets cousins and great-aunts, he quickly discovers that the truth is much harder to find than he expected. Author Sarah Clutton has crafted an atmospheric gem of a tale, with a delicate balance between Alfie and the other, heavier characters. It’s blossoming with humor and tenderness and Alfie gives the story a life of its own. Don, SA, 5 stars
Nine year old Alfie Bains has just moved to Beggars Rock in Tasmania with his mother Emilia to be closer to the family she ran away from nearly eleven years ago. All Alfie wants is to know who his father is but all the adults around him are keeping secrets. The story is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of four different characters, and also in two timelines – now and eleven years ago. Through this method of storytelling we eventually discover why Emilia had to leave and how the characters are connected. For some reason, I am always drawn to books set in Tasmania, and I do love a quirky kid which Alfie definitely is. I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints, with Alfie’s chapters being my favourite. This is contemporary fiction, with humour and family drama in a book that I would best describe as delightful. Five Stars for me. Jo, QLD, 5 stars
The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains by Robert J. Garside is a novel that blends humour and heartache in Alfie’s journey of discovery. Told through the perspectives of various characters, the story offers hints and half-truths as each person holds to their own agenda. Alfie’s quest uncovers long-hidden truths about his past but often steers him in the wrong direction. I found his narrative full of wit and charm as only a 9, almost 11, year old, very clever, boy can be, yet he is, in turn, sad, confused and furious as he seeks answers about his identity. The voices of those around him—family members, friends, and unexpected figures—each offer their own version of the truth. This narrative adds depth, revealing different angles of the same reality and keeping me hooked as the mystery unravelled. There is a balance of comedy and tragedy, making me smile one moment and feel a deep emotional pull the next. Alfie’s journey is both literal and metaphorical, leading him to revelations that challenge his understanding of himself and his past. His yearning for the truth is deeply moving. As secrets come to light, so too does the message about acceptance, resilience, and the importance of knowing where we come from. Sue, NSW, 4 stars
A page turning contemporary fiction / domestic drama set in gorgeous Tasmania. Nine year old Alfie Bains is incredibly bright and on a mission to find out who his father is. Along the way, decades old secrets slowly come to light, in both past and present, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and old wounds that threaten to resurface. This book provided great depth into the neurodiverse mind and how Alfie shows a balance of typical childlike tendencies but also demonstrating a maturity beyond his nine years. He’s sweet, sensitive and sometimes slightly infuriating! Cynthia was a favourite of mine and I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Alfie develop and her character flourish. I couldn’t quite connect with a few other characters as I felt they didn’t develop as well as Cynthia’s. Their POV’s left me wanting a little more. Overall, I enjoyed how everything was wrapped up, maybe a little too conveniently for me, but a great conclusion nonetheless to an overall great read. Christine, VIC, 4 stars
I love any novels set in Tasmania, so for me I was super excited to give this a read and I was not disappointed. It is a really easy read with well written characters. The story was interesting and it was easy to follow when the characters were switching between then and now. The main character Alfie – what an impressive little boy, he is such an interesting character with his vast knowledge and outlook on things – he really was the star of this book! I wished the ending had a little more depth to it – it went from one place and then jumped ahead quite a bit – but it was still a lovely ending. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book – I highly recommend if your looking for a change of pace from your normal genre or just an easy weekend read Jodi C, QLD, 4 stars
Two characters in Sarah Clutton’s ‘The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains’ resonated deeply with me – young Alfie and his possible uncle Noah. The author has managed to get the voices of these two just right. Alfie is a young, highly intelligent boy searching for answers and the truth from the adults around him. The adults he should be able to trust and rely on. Noah is a sensitive young man slightly bewildered by the world and grieving the loss of two of the most important people in his life. There are secrets and lies aplenty in this touching story set in a small Australian town. Darker themes lurk beneath the surface and are gradually revealed to the reader through the author’s use of assigning different characters to each chapter. Ultimately, it is love that unites the damaged families through one very remarkable boy, Alfred Edward Deegan Bains. Dianne, QLD, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was refreshingly different reading through the eyes of the quirky and inquisitive Alfie on his quest to discover his family within the mystery of Beggars Rock I enjoyed the short chapters and them being from the characters point of view. .the development of the relationship he builds with Cynthia was special. Amanda, VIC, 4 stars
A funny but warm hearted tale of a delightful young boy called Alfie Bains who is desperately searching for answers. A whole lot of family members to be introduced to, also means a lot of family secrets. Set in two timelines (past and present) and with each character having a story to tell, we uncover more than just who Alfie’s father is. Rachael, NSW, 4 stars
Beautiful book with a big heart. Loved the three sisters and Alfie, loved Cynthia and her trouble with people (and the effects Pat had on her life). I did find the Noah POV chapters a bit slow and not particularly engaging. I really enjoyed it. I’m not sure why the blurb mentions a cousin though, I can’t understand who is supposed to be Alfie’s cousin. Kestrel, NSW, 4 stars
I must admit this is a little outside of my usual genre as I usually enjoy fast paced, plot driven novels and I wasn’t expecting this one to be like that. However I was pleasantly surprised that the pace was constant and I became invested in the characters, especially Alfie and Cynthia. The synopsis read like many other books – a key character looking for lost family. Yet Sarah Clutton managed to do this in a unique way, I think due to the quirky, mature, infuriating at times yet also juvenile character of Alfie. In the end I found that I couldn’t put this one down – a clever plot with complex characters made for an exciting and quick read. Laura, QLD, 4 stars
Took me awhile to get interested in the story plot, bit confusing at first, meeting all the characters in seperate chapters. But the more I read the more interesting it became and once you know all the connections of the characters then the story comes to life. I did not particulary find it funny, more quirky than anything. Did not move me much because I think it sounded all quite normal at times. The twists and turns kept me interested and I loved the character of the nine year old boy Alfie and I think he could have his own book, maybe even a tweens series. Some of the adults were boring or so so, and some of the scenes described were not that interested, a little too normal. It is an easy read and enjoyable enough. When reaching the last chapters of the book it really starts to keep you on the edge to know what real truths are going to come out and how it will all end. A worthwhile read if you are looking for something not too serious, scary or emotional. Linda, VIC, 3 stars
The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains by Sarah Clutton was a delightful read. I absolutely loved Alfie’s character—his unique, often hilarious, and wonderfully black-and-white perspective on life made him incredibly endearing. Clutton does a fantastic job of exploring small-town dynamics and the complexities of intergenerational sibling relationships, adding depth to the story. From the very beginning, I was hooked on the mystery of Alfie’s father, constantly shifting my suspicions and second-guessing myself right up until the final reveal. The relationship between Alfie and Cynthia was a highlight for me. The way all of the character’s layers were gradually peeled back to expose their truths was both touching and compelling. While the dual timelines added richness to the narrative, the transitions between them occasionally felt a bit chaotic. That said, both timelines were engaging in their own right. A few story threads seemed to hint at deeper developments that never fully materialized, but these moments were rare and didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. All in all, this was an engaging and thought-provoking novel that kept me invested from start to finish. A solid 3.5 stars from me! Rose, QLD, 3 stars
An enjoyable read that shows your past and things left buried can have a positive impact later in life. Alfie just had to know the truth and find the family connection he didnt think existed Sharnee, QLD, 3 stars
Alfie Bains is on a mission. Raised on the opposite side of the world by his single mum, Emilia, the precocious 9 year old is desperate to discover the identity of his father and forge a relationship with him before puberty strikes (note: because the literature suggests father-son bonding leads to the best outcomes for boys). When Emilia proves reluctant to talk, Alfie sets out to investigate and inadvertently stirs up old memories, regrets and grief for his newfound relatives. Though the novel was set in northwest Tasmania, it really could have been set in a small rural village anywhere. References to the Palawa people, indigenous to the region, and the convict history of the area, were the only grounding elements. The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains was a pleasant Sunday afternoon read, but I wasn’t gripped. All’s well that ends well, but wouldn’t it be so much better if we just learned to tell the truth from the start? And to consider whom our silences may hurt? Alexina, ACT, 3 stars
This novel started slowly for me. I got to Page 50 and felt I didn’t have any idea what was going on. Starting at the beginning for the 2nd time and finally squaring away in my mind who was who, the story moves along at an uneven pace. Sarah is able to draw through her writing a very clear picture of her characters and setting. She describes how Emilia returns to Tasmania with her 10 year old son,Alfie. There is mystery surrounding why she left. Alfie has a burning desire to find out who is father is and this is the main thread throughout the chapters. Sarah has included everything needed for a good thriller. The families are hiding secrets which are revealed as the story progresses Sarah changes the time setting from present to the past with each chapter which I’m not a fan of. She also made Alfie sound much older than his age made him. She paints him as a very clever, gifted boy but it he just didn’t ring ‘true’ to me. Sarah has written a very interesting novel. I can only imagine the amount of time she put into its writing. Sharon, ACT, 3 stars
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