Julia Lawrinson, Trapped!, Fremantle Press, June 2025, 208 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760994990
On 19 March 1907, 160 miners descended into a mine in Bonnie Vale, WA, and all but one returned that day when a sudden storm flooded the mine.
Told in verse, Trapped! is inspired by the true, relatively unknown, story of Italian gold miner Modesto (‘Charlie’) Varischetti, trapped underground for nine days and subject to a remarkably complex and risky rescue. The story is written from the point of view of Charlie’s son, Giuseppe (‘Joe’), with timelines alternating from Joe’s journey to Australia to the day his father becomes trapped.
The verse narrative serves this story well, offering easy-to-digest text which will appeal to young and reluctant readers. This well-crafted story offers poignant insights into the father-son relationship, the racism Joe faced at school as a newly arrived immigrant, and the courage and resilience forged from this hardship. On a deeper level, Trapped! speaks of the stark social divisions and harsh treatment Italian immigrants received from the ‘Britishers’ (Australians of British origin). The story was informed by historical research, although some elements were changed to suit the narrative, including the fact that the eldest child of widowed father of five Charlie, was a daughter who stayed in Italy.
A thrilling tale, ideal for history and adventure lovers, age 8+. Teaching notes and activities are available at the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Maura Pierlot
