But you know what? You can be just as annoying. You make it really clear how much we annoy you. You’re not the only one who lost Mum, Red. We just don’t take it out on everyone else. Sure, but in case you hadn’t noticed we all feel bad. Sandy senses this, and for once doesn’t hold back what needs to be said: Red turns vulgar and aggressive and badly needs someone to take him in hand and curb his excesses. Each fantasizes when endeavouring to understand, but is reluctant to let others know about their concerns. A scene involving a large venomous snake that ends with Tom nursing his tackle is downright hilarious, but doesn’t faze Sandy who almost immediately wanders into the bathroom where Tom is soaking, to discuss whether his education next year should be in a private school.Įach family member is afflicted in some way by the death of the woman of the house. Somehow we’re both lying on the floor, all tangled up, and I’m spooning her…”Sorry, Becky. It’s like everything is happening in slow motion. I realise we’re both going down and without thinking I stick out my arm to hold her as we fall. Becky spins round and trips over my foot. My legs feel gangly, like I can’t control them and I stick my foot out for balance. His pairing with Becky on the netball court is just one example: Sandy could be very popular among the girls if he were not so painfully nervous. It’s like I’m not meant to be here but I am. I live on a farm but I get hayfever and I’m scared of goats. I live in the Mallee but I don’t like the desert.

Sometimes I feel like I’m neither one thing nor another. Sandy, a lad who shows signs of academic promise, comes closest to realising that his existence is not really the life of a normal fifteen year old. We realise early that the family is not coping and are very sensitive in their denial of that state. A man with a wide heart and a generous spirit, he tries to do his best for the boys, but he doesn’t have a clue.

Both boys have been part of a nuclear family until the day the boys’ mother was killed in a vehicular accident. Eighteen year old Red is Sandy’s brother. Sandy is a fifteen year old boy who has grown to adolescence in one of the driest parts of Australia, the mallee country.

Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold