'Everybody jam' is outback slang for apricot jam - because everybody likes it. But not everything in Danny Dawson's life is that sweet.
Danny Dawson lives in the middle of the Australian outback. But this year things will be different: because Jonny's gone and Danny's determined to prove he can fill his brother's shoes;When Danny's mum admits she can't cope, the family hires a housegirl to help out - a wide-eyed English backpacker.
'Everybody jam' is outback slang for apricot jam - because everybody likes it. But not everything in Danny Dawson's life is that sweet.
Danny Dawson lives in the middle of the Australian outback. But this year things will be different: because Jonny's gone and Danny's determined to prove he can fill his brother's shoes;When Danny's mum admits she can't cope, the family hires a housegirl to help out - a wide-eyed English backpacker.
Danny lives on a cattle station in the middle of the Australian outback, where everyone's getting ready for the annual muster. But this year, everything is different- because Danny's beloved older brother Jonny has died in a farm accident, and nobody talks about it; because his fourteen-year-old sister is pregnant, and about to be packed off to Alice Springs in disgrace. Because his mother can't cope, and has decided to hire a housegirl . . . and what they get is a wide-eyed English backpacker called Liz. She has no idea what she's let herself in for. Neither do they . . .
Short-listed for BRANFORD BOASE 2012 (UK)
Short-listed for CILIP Carnegie Medal 2012 (UK)
Long-listed for UKLA Book Award (UK).
"Engrossing . . . an extremely promising debut" Guardian
"A stunning coming-of-age story with a gripping Australian outback setting and a strong and interesting plot. A debut novel to look out for." -- Julia Eccleshare Lovereading
"Lewis adds a cast of striking local characters and a convincing knowledge of life in the outback. This is a debut coming of age novel that exudes a raw reality reflected in the language and in prevailing attitudes to Aborigines, Pommies, women and what constitutes a real man. It will well repay attention from male teen readers and makes Ali Lewis one to watch." Books for Keeps
"A harsh but beautiful coming-of-age story with a sweeping cinematic feel...a cracking debut." The Scotsman
"Gripping and realistic . . . an outstandingly strong first novel." -- Susan Elkin Independent on Sunday
Ali Lewis was born in rural North Yorkshire in 1976, the second of three children.
Being cast as Rose Herriot in the final series of All Creatures Great and Small opened the door to a new world.
After graduating from university, she went into a career in journalism, then in 2002 she left to travel the world. It was in Australia, working on an outback cattle station, that she found the inspiration for her first novel, Everybody Jam. Since her return, Ali worked as a features writer and now has moved on to work in public relations.
'Lewis brings rough poetry and raw poignancy to this coming-of-age tale set in the epic Australian outback. I loved it.' Keith Gray
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