Darkest night, brightest star by Barry Jonsberg

In the opening chapter, Morgan’s teacher asks each student to write three sentences about themselves, two true and one a lie. Not understanding where the activity is leading, Morgan writes three lines that are perhaps more revelatory than he realises. He refuses to participate in the ensuing guessing game with a shake of his head. And gradually the reader comes to understand that the mute nod, or shake of the head, or a shrug, and downturned eyes, are his usual means of communication. Talking is always kept to the minimum; he’s learned that’s the safest way.

In Jonsberg’s novel we see the world through Morgan’s eyes, and hear his internal thoughts and his limited understanding of the words that people use. He is a beaten person, with no expectation of success at school; there is only the drill and work of soccer, a fierce training that his father inflicts on him. He knows he has no choices, the safest way is to comply.

This is a story of coercive control, a child without a mother, growing up under the thumb of an emotionally abusive father, subsumed in a world of toxic masculinity. There are people who try to reach out to him, his teacher, the school counsellor, and a fellow student. But it is so difficult for Morgan to break out of his cocoon.

Jonsberg’s YA novel has themes in common with Ange Crawford’s ‘How to be normal’, the depiction of scared compliance, the bottled silence, the isolation from others. Both novels present a powerful portrayal of the fear within a situation of coercive control.

Fortunately for Morgan, there are people who persist, and who try to see past the barriers he’s built around himself. They are there even when his confusion erupts in an unexpected violence, because they know that beneath it all there is a good guy who is worth trying to save. I liked how that essential goodness shines through in the end, along with Morgan’s growing understanding of how to be his true self.

Other issues that are explored with great sensitivity include the ‘dead to us’ runaway mother who turns up ten years later seeking reunion with her sons; and the equally absorbing depiction of commonality of experience of the oppressed Morgan and his gay school friend. In both cases, it is only through quiet persistence that barriers are broken down.

There are other lovely people who shine: the encouraging English teacher, and the lonely old lady in need of gardening help. The enduring message of the novel is about caring, and checking ‘R U OK’. 

Jonsberg is adept at presenting potentially heavy subjects in an engaging and positive way. Readers are encouraged to seek out his other books, the most recent being Smoke and mirrors (2024) and A little spark (2022).

Themes: Coercive control, Emotional abuse, Toxic masculinity, Fear, Identity, R U OK.

Helen Eddy