About This Book
Jetty Rats is a humorous and poignant young adult novel following 13-year-old Hunter Vettori in the fictional Australian town of Dogleg Bay. Hunter is obsessed with catching a mulloway, a fish that has eluded him his entire life. The town itself is a character, with its aging population and a prominent funeral home, offering a unique backdrop for Hunter's coming-of-age story. The book is lauded for its witty narration, charming Australian characters, and a blend of laugh-out-loud moments with thoughtful reflections on community, change, and the cycle of life and death. It's suitable for ages 11 and up, offering both entertainment and depth.
An hilarious, very quirky novel novel full of charming Australian characters and unique settings. Philip Gwynne brings Hunter - the witty, cynical narrator - and his crumbling bay-side town to life in the tale of sadness, laughter, funeral homes and fishing! Ages 11+.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Hunter's quest to catch the mulloway reflect his journey of growing up?
2
What makes Dogleg Bay a unique and memorable setting? How does the town's focus on funeral directing influence the story's mood?
3
Hunter is described as witty and cynical. How do these traits help him navigate his world, and do they change throughout the book?
4
The book blends humor with sadness. Can you identify moments where these two emotions are present together, and how does that make you feel as a reader?
5
What does the book say about community and the changes that towns and their populations experience over time?
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