CHARACTER
This is Tom’s cousin who is badly injured in the car crash.
Who is Fin?
The novel begins with the Brennan family moving to this town.
What is Coghill?
This theme is shown through Tom’s gradual ability to forgive himself and his brother.
What is forgiveness/redemption?
“In the quiet I could hear my heart beating.”
What is imagery?
The novel is set in this Australian state.
What is NSW?
This family member struggles the most with denial and shame after the accident.
Who is Gran?
The Brennan family leave Mumbilli because of this tragic event.
What is Daniel's car crash?
J.C. Burke explores this theme by showing how people cope differently with trauma.
What is resilience in the face of tragedy?
“The Brennans don’t talk about that.” shows...
Denial/shame/secrecy
The novel reflects this aspect of Australian identity through its focus on rugby.
What is mateship/acceptance/community?
Tom’s new friend in Mumbilli who helps him reconnect with sport.
Who is Chrissy?
Tom begins to heal emotionally when he returns to this activity.
What is rugby?
The Brennan family’s move to Coghill represents this larger theme.
What is new beginnings/fresh starts?
“I wished I could crawl inside myself and disappear.”
What is metaphor?
J.C. Burke was inspired to write the novel after hearing about this type of real-life event.
Youth & drink-driving statistics.
The sibling whose reckless actions change the Brennan family’s life forever.
Who is Daniel?
The community reacts negatively to the Brennan family after the crash.
Why does the Brennan family leave Mumbilli?
Daniel's imprisonment is symbolic of this theme.
What is actions versus consequences?
“In the silence, Mumbilli spoke louder than words.” symbolises...
How is the community's shame represented?
Tom’s story can be connected to this broader textual concept as students reflect on their own experiences.
What is identity/the self/growing up?
This parent struggles the most after moving to Coghill.
Who is Tess Brennan?
The peak of Tom's personal growth occurs at this symbolic sporting event.
What is the rugby grand final?
Daniel's initial shame and avoidance is symbolic of this theme
Struggle with identity
J.C. Burke uses fractured sentence structure in moments of Tom’s reflection to show what?
What is trauma/shame?
The novel reflects the pressures faced by young Australians growing up in rural communities, particularly around this social issue.
What is alcohol and peer pressure?