A New Kind of Everything by Richard Yaxley

Dinny’s dad had a passion for cars. His latest pride and joy was the Skyline; ‘A beast with black glossed wheels, dual exhaust, lower body aero-kit and moon-rocket torque.’ On his way home one day, his dad diverted to a road where P-platers often tore up the strip. But it was late afternoon and the Skyline was alone. The sun angled into his eyes and glossed the road. Travelling at 165 kmph he hit a guardrail, the Skyline flipping into a tree and bursting into flames.

Now 14-year-old Dinny, his older brother, Carl, and their mum are finding a way to cope without him. While his mother tries to keep the family together, she also finds hope in a rekindled love of musical theatre and singing. Dinny tries to hang on to the connection he and his brother have as Carl spends time in the shed hotting up the ‘Datty’ which his father had promised to do up for him. Carl is angry and can’t wait to escape to the road. New-found freedom brings new-found friends.

As Dinny struggles to deal with his dad’s death, he finds his own escape in helping out behind the stage on his mum’s new show but also meets a new friend who encourages daring adventures.

A New Kind of Everything is not a fast-paced tale, but a very thoughtful and gritty story which is beautifully written. It is raw and at times distressing, pulling no punches as to the impact death has on families, especially on the young. It shows us that no matter how people change on the outside, on the inside they are still the vulnerable and loving person we always knew. 

Reviewed by Alice Wilson
Age Guide 13+