In the Nullarbor region of WA, you might seek freedom and adventure. But not Giacomo “Jack” Brolo. He’s out there for a reason that is a little more unconventional. A labourer on the remote Eyre Highway, Jack drives an excavator. Under the harsh but safe cloak of heterosexuality he digs away to hide a strong truth. He flicks through ‘the Apps’ and beds down the openly gay labourer, Spencer. A classic on the down low tale. He left his hometown of Geraldton in a cloud of shame.
Soon after we meet and think we know Jack, a surprise phone call takes him back to Geraldton – for a wedding of all things. A series of twists and turns pull him into the real life he always knew he needed. There is family dysfunction, a surprise child from a teenage fling, a quick foray into fatherhood and romance all in store. Quite a rollercoaster!
King of Dirt, Holden Sheppard’s first book for adults, takes the rugged men we know and spin them on their head. What really makes them tick? In Jack’s case, deep down, he knows what he wants (men) and needs the support from a trusted few around him to admit it. There is something deeply validating to see these ‘rough as guts’ men reflected in King. Human sexuality is a spectrum. There is no ‘one way’ to live queer.
Sheppard’s writing oozes anxiety, with punchy prose presenting angsty urgency. As we meet the suite of characters, none of them are sure what they want. Everyone labours under their own unique challenges.
One thing is clear though – they all blame Jack. Jack doesn’t quite know what to do with this. He grapples with self-loathing, shame and desire, all to (very) soon realise the answer is to come out. Can a man with ‘boof head’ grit and a strong love of Holden vehicles have a heart? Jack, the King of Dirt, says yes. Reign on.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Pantera Press, $34.99
Reviewed by John Willers
