Blood

Author: Tony Birch

AUD $ 29.95

Jesse has sworn to protect his sister, Rachel, no matter what. It’s a promise that cannot be broken. A promise made in blood. But, when it comes down to life or death, how can he find the courage to keep it?

Set on the back roads of Australia, Blood is a boy’s odyssey through a broken-down adult world.

‘Many of us have known for a long time what a wonderful storyteller Tony Birch is. Blood confirms it – and how. The terrain is hard, unflinching but also imbued with a deeply resonant humanism. For at its heart there is Jesse, the young narrator whose voice is urgent and compelling, sweet and direct.’ Christos Tsiolkas

AwardsReviews

‘Many of us have known for a long time what a wonderful storyteller Tony Birch is. Blood confirms it – and how. The terrain is hard, unflinching but also imbued with a deeply resonant humanism. For at its heart there is Jesse, the young narrator whose voice is urgent and compelling, sweet and direct.’

Author Christos Tsiolkas

‘This is a fractured fairytale, a dark Australian road story, but also an affecting tale about the bond between a brother and sister, and how the most unexpected people can transform lives. Birch delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense and engrossing characterisation in equal measures.’

Readings Monthly

‘Blood is a novel about what makes and what breaks a family. It is emotional. It is at turns tender and intense. It is a novel worth reading.’
Avid Reader

‘Birch's debut novel is darkly suffused with the gritty realism of youngchildren doing it tough in a world of dysfunctional adults …’ Sunday Canberra Times

‘Blood is irresistibly compelling.’ SMH

‘His debut, Blood, is nothing short of outstanding. Tony Birch could take home a few prizes, deservedly so. Blood is a humanist masterpiece that has been worth the wait.’ Australian Book Review

‘… Blood is irresistibly compelling.’ Saturday Age

‘Birch masterfully creates an oppressive atmosphere of impending tragedy and doom. The book explodes in its last third with equal parts exhilaration and dread, racing to a seemingly inevitable end that is awful, but not without hope, and leaves you bruised. A fantastic book.’ Newcastle Herald

‘Blood is an absorbing and endearing tale of children in adversity. The story is told in the first person from Jesse's point of view, and Birch pulls this off beautifully with a compelling combination of flinty Australian vernacular and boyish candour. It's impressive stuff.’ Weekend Australian

‘The story gripping and I am in awe of Birch's ability to paint brilliant scenes and emotions with so few words.’ Manly Daily

‘Sure to become an Australian classic, Blood is an impressive read.’ Bellarine Times

‘Blood keeps us on edge from the outset. Jesse is an endearing mix of love, cynicism, patience and survival instincts. Blood would suit both adult and older teenage readers.’ Good Reading

‘Birch develops a gripping tale and readers will be left thinking even after they turn the last page.’ Port Macquarie News