The famed author behind Boy Swallows Universe is back with another uplifting novel inspired by dark topics.

Lola in the Mirror is less autobiographical than Universe, but it explores the themes of tragedy and suffering with larger-than-life characters.

Trent Dalton says he was inspired to write these books to reflect his own lived experience.

"For a lot of people who've been in the cracks, they can't entertain the dark. They can't safely entertain the darkness, you've got to remember that."

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