Book: The Truth About Peacock Blue
Author: Rosanne Hawke
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, Australia, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9781743319949
RRP: AUD $15.99

Reviewed By: Penny Reeve

Blurb:  ‘My name is Aster Suleiman Masih. I was named after a girl who belonged to a minority faith and like her my life changed because of it. This is how it happened.’ 

What I thought: I have to admit that Rosanne Hawke is one of my favourite YA authors. This is mainly because she doesn’t skirt the tough subjects (she’s previously written on subjects such as children in war zones, grief, human trafficking and forced marriages). Not only does she write about these issues, but she tackles them with integrity and authenticity appropriate for a YA readership. The Truth About Peacock Blue, Hawke’s most recent release, is not different. It’s the story of a Pakistani Christian teenager accused of blasphemy. Told in Rosanne’s characteristic uncompromising yet sensitive manner, this story is exactly as the back cover states: ‘Captivating, shocking yet uplifting – inspired by a heart-wrenching true story’.

Author: Rosanne Hawke

The Truth About Peacock Blue is narrated predominantly by the main character Aster (named, as the reference above hints at, after Esther from the Bible), but there are also portions of text that read as blog posts/comments as her family and friends in Australia and elsewhere begin to advocate for her safety. The cultural setting of the story is very well described and the complexities of Aster’s situation are explored with both compassion and integrity. As the story progresses Aster grows not just in courage, but also in her sense of identity and faith. Although the ending may not be as ‘happy’ as some readers would like, it is certainly truthful to similar situations taking place around the globe and contains much hope and anticipation of change.

This novel is beautifully written, thought-provoking and remarkably encouraging despite it’s heart-ache. It’s suitable for readers 13 years and up, but don’t be put off by the YA classification. This is a good read for grownups too and certainly very topical. Published by one of Australia’s leading YA publishing houses it’s also a great book to recommend to your local high school librarian!

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Where to buy: The Truth About Peacock Blue is available on Amazon as a Kindle edition. Hard copies can be ordered from all good bookstores or online direct from the publisher.