Author(s): James MacLean

Children's & YA

Set in 1988, Mordialloc tells the story of 18-year-old Floyde McGuinness - a D grade student with a lack of direction. Although quite aware that the world is changing around him, Floyde isn't completely sure if he is ready to change with it. An over-achieving older brother and the lack of a stable, mature male role model do little to help his cause. With year 12 in the rear view mirror, Floyde decides to throw a party for his graduating class. Hard liquor, inexperience and a testosterone fueled peer group are seldom a good mix. What seems funny at the time isn't always funny in the morning and a court case suddenly looms on the horizon. The boys find themselves scrambling; all for one and one for all. Well, maybe not this time. Raw, moving and sprinkled with light humour, Mordialloc beautifully depicts the transition into manhood. The story is a candid reminder that no matter who you are, or what you are, growing up ain't easy.