Reviewed by Rod McLary
Grunge literature – or simply grunge lit – is a genre of Australian literature which looks at the lives of young people in disadvantaged circumstances and often deeply involved in alcohol or drug abuse. The characters live on the social and cultural margins of their city. The term was created after the success of Andrew McGahan’s 1995 novel Praise and references the ‘grunge’ genre of rock music.
Donkey Drop – set in 1999 – is a good example of grunge lit as it explores the slow decline of seventeen-year-old Joel Sutton who lives with his single mother and the shadow of Robby – the son she gave up for adoption many years before. Joel’s life after leaving school is a round of playing Mortal Kombat, spending time with his mate Hamish – and collecting his Centrelink payments. But life at home is not good; his mother is an alcoholic struggling with her own demons and their interactions follow a well-worn path. As Joel says: But we’ve been here before. It’s like we are stuck in this loop. She’s tired, I’m pathetic, and nothing ever changes [17].
Joel is allowed to leave school on the condition that he finds work; and after a couple of difficult experiences, he does eventually find work with Helmut Hannell who owns a panel beating business. There he meets an interesting cast of characters – Trevor the spray painter with a ‘shag of wild curly hair’; Gav who can’t pass a mirror without looking at himself; and Puggie the 33-year-old labourer – all very Australian. Joel knows that he is accepted as a workmate when he is given a nickname ‘Bandit’ – I like being called Bandit [33]. And there are moments when he is praised – and feels a stupid, unexpected rush of pride [47]. But on one occasion, the praise is for the wrong reason; he has assisted in stealing a car and, in the process, put himself on a slippery slope. He is sacked from his job and in a fit of shame, he is tempted – and succumbs – to take cocaine: I stare at the powder on the table … I bring it to my nose [180].
The author has created a complex protagonist in Joel. Even though he is unemployed and now spends much of his time using drugs and alcohol, there are aspects to him which are endearing. It is these endearing traits and his essential good nature that will take him through some dark times. Although he has left home, he still cares for his mother and wants to have a positive relationship with her; and he is attracted to Angela a young woman whom he meets when buying takeaway food. That is exactly what we all seek – someone who cares about us and for whom we can care and an acceptance for who we are. Angela though is not interested in him if he is abusing drugs and that offers Joel an incentive to bring order into his life.
While Donkey Drop can be categorised as ‘grunge lit’, what sets it apart from other novels in this genre is Joel’s growth as a person as he edges towards adulthood. There is a spark of optimism which augers well for his future – and as he is an engaging young man, that is what the reader will want for him.
The novel is indeed an honest and unflinching insight into the life of a young man without adult support and, while he finds a taste of it at the panel beaters, it is far from ideal. His capacity to move beyond that is tested and ultimately that is the story.
A fine novel and recommended.
Donkey Drop
[2026]
by Stephen Tarulli
Self-published
ISBN: 978 1 7648010 0 3
$27.98; 344pp