I heard about this book years ago when it was first published. After reading one particularly scathing review I immediately declared that this wouldn't be 'my-kind-of-book'. Recently finding that Jasper Jones has an average rating of 4 stars on Goodreads made me rethink my initial spontaneous judgement. After reading a number of brilliant Australian fiction last year, I thought I would give this story a try.

This story delves into many different issues. A few of the themes Jasper Jones embraces include friendship, racism and abusive family relationships. It was an interesting insight into a 1960's Australian country town. There are so many elements to this story that Silvey should be commended for maintaining each and providing closure for each thread such as Charlie's relationship with Eliza, the explanation for Laura's demise, Jeffrey's cricketing ambitions, Charlie's mother's reasons for being so unhappy and vengeful etc. It is only Charlie's crush, Eliza, that has left me unsatisfied - in particular the development of her character. Of all the main players in this story she is one I felt was underdeveloped - especially considering that she eventually plays a significant role. Eliza comes into her own towards the end of the book and I feel that Silvey races through her evolution too quickly. I would have been quite happy for the story to continue for another 100 pages so that I could get to know Eliza, her family and her thought processes better.

There are great characters in Jasper Jones despite the harsh social prejudices and cruelties. We can respect Jasper for his ability to distance himself from everyone, yet still care quite deeply for poor Laura. We admire Jeffrey Lu's determination to be part of the town cricket team, without letting the nasty, racist remarks that hinder his attempts. We even come to like Charlie's father for his persistent calmness and reason when Charlie and his mother rage around him.

There are many tragic elements to Jasper Jones yet I didn't find the book to be too morbid. The back-and-forth banter between Charlie and his friend Jeffrey added some much-needed humour to a story that had many dark moments. I also enjoyed the budding teenage relationship between Charlie and Eliza. There is something very innocent and sincere about their 'chance' encounters and discreet hand-holding.

Although this is classified as Young Adult fiction, I would recommend it for older readers. There are adult themes in the story, and despite being handled sensitively, they can be quite confronting. Some of the jokes between Charlie and Jeffrey can also be quite crass. The book has been referred to as an Australian coming-of-age story and it is interesting that Charlie's dad has him reading a range of books whose story lines can be seem to imitate the themes within Jasper Jones. The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for example.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Jasper Jones and would heartily recommend it.

The characters are interesting but a little too precocious to be believable. It is however a compelling plot line and a confronting examination of some of the best and worst of human nature.