King of Dirt

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A gritty and heartfelt gay coming-of-age story from the author of the bestselling Invisible Boys

Giacomo Brolo, aka Jack, is a mess. He works piecemeal construction gigs in remote WA, drinks himself to oblivion and is estranged from his family and friends.

But then Jack returns to his hometown of Geraldton for a family wedding. He hasnt been back since he fled at the age of eighteen, and his past soon catches up with him.

Turns out Jacks deeply conservative Italian family would prefer he remained in the closet. Then he finds out he may have conceived a son with his teenage girlfriend, and now Jack needs to convince her and her new husband that hes fit to be a father figure. And whatever happened to Xavier, the former schoolmate who Jack was in love with and whose rejection spurred him to leave Geraldton in the first place

Is Jack doomed to live a dead-end life or can he open himself up to the possibility of love, found family and connection

Reviews

'King of Dirtis like heavy metal it hits hard. Jack is a terrific character, vivid and honest to life. I roared through this book.' Christos Tsiolkas

'Holden Sheppard'svoiceis authentic and dynamic. His visceral characters walk a fine line between brashness and vulnerability.' Melina Marchetta

This is the latest illustration of why Holden Sheppard is a true force to be reckoned with in Australian literature: intoxicating prose, beautifully crafted characters and compelling plotlines.I loved it and couldnt put it down.The rich and riveting story took my heart on a once-in-a-lifetime rollercoaster ride that left it feeling full. This book is an instant classic. Shannon Molloy, author ofFourteen

'Holden Sheppard hits again with the blunt edge of Australian queerness in his latest novel ...King of Dirtis most successful in its quiet and tender moments; Sheppards characters are shown to be capable of true connection, and although they deal with conflict and discrimination, their storylines are neither hopeless nor simplistic.'Books+Publishing

'Dripping with sex and sweat, and powered by a level of empathy that's hard to find in literature these days, King of Dirtis Holden Sheppard at his rip-roaring best. It's tough, it's real, above all it's heartbreaking. Strap yourself in for the ride and the love story of your life.' Nigel Featherstone, author ofMy Heart Is a Little Wild Thing

Author Bio

Holden Sheppardis a West Australian author whose debut novelInvisible Boyswon multiple awards, including the 2019 WA Premiers Prize for an Emerging Writer.Invisible Boyshas now been adapted as a ten-episode television series with Stan Australia which premiered in 2025. Holdens second bookThe Brinkwon several accolades, including the 2024 EnaNol Award. His new 2025 releaseKing of Dirtis his third novel, and his first book for adults. Holdens writing has been widely published in books, journals and the media. A country boy from Geraldton, Holden now lives in Perths far north with his husband and his V8 ute.