A review by nicolaanaru
State Ward by Alan Duff

2.0

 

State Ward might be Alan Duff’s happiest book. Could that be because it is a novella instead of a novel? Or because there is only one instance of outrageous anti-Asian racism the author thought necessary to include? Or because violence is kept to a minimum?  Perhaps all that, and more.

In State Ward, protagonist Charlie Wilson is sent to the Riverton Boys’ Home, where he struggles to learn the norms and expectations of the home, make friends, and better himself. The home is full of cartoonish adult villains, and more than a couple of bullies. But, Charlie becomes mates with George, and becomes a bit of a star in his own right - so this read is a bit more balanced than other works from Duff, and while the ending of the book does not bode well for the characters, it still seems to be a happy one in the moment.

Fantails flitted in and out of the fine spray, and sunlight danced merrily in the cascade, and wing-rubbing insects sopranoed in the green all around.