Gabrielle Tozer, The Unexpected Mess of it All, HarperCollins Publishers, May 2023, 338 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781460761441
After fire destroys Jamila’s family’s farmhouse, they are forced to move into a caravan in the backyard of her childhood friend Billy Radcliffe. Losing the family home, living in cramped conditions and having to endure Billy’s presence (who is NOT her friend now!) is not what Jamila expected to be dealing with in her final year of school. Things are not great at school either, and when her parents decide to escape the stress by going on their annual long weekend camping trip with the Radcliffe’s, it seems as though not much can be worse.
Despite this seemingly gloomy beginning, The Unexpected Mess of it All is a charming, gently entertaining romantic comedy, with authentic characters and an almost nostalgic quality. As the camping weekend is mostly technology free, Jamila reconnects with old friends, reviving the simple joys of a childhood without screens. In Tozer’s skilled hands, the charming banter and humorous moments feel both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
This is a coming-of-age story where every day events help to shape a realistic vision of teen life in Australia. Readers 14 years and older will appreciate the themes of friendship, resilience and belonging, and TLs and teachers should feel confident suggesting this title to a range of readers, and drawing upon the excellent teachers’ notes available here.
Reviewed by Kay Oddone
Read India Boon’s review here.
