BEING JIMMY BAXTER BY FIONA LLOYD

Being Jimmy Baxter is a story about family. Fiona Lloyd’s debut novel follows Jimmy and his mum as they escape a home beset with domestic violence. At first Jimmy is told they are going on a holiday but when his father finds them, they must move quickly and become someone else.

Jimmy is thrown into a new world and has no say in the matter. As he tries to adapt to a new name, town and school, his mum spirals into a depression that leaves her unable to get out of bed. Jimmy, while trying to avoid some bullies, and generally get on with life, meets Mac. A friendship begins that will support them both through rough times. Along with Mac’s favourite singer Elvis, of course.

Jimmy has to tackle so many things. His mother’s debilitating depression and the danger of his violent father tracking them down. He needs to work to feed the family and cope with school work, which is not his strongest skillset. He does all this with a fortitude and resilience that shines out in a gentle, persistent way. 

Fiona Lloyd’s novel, set in the early 1990s, is an exploration of the complex issues that face people in an era that in many ways has not changed. Themes of family, courage, mental illness and domestic violence all come together in a surprisingly heart-warming story.

Here, the cruelty is outweighed by kindness and concern, as Jimmy’s life reaches a climax that cannot be avoided.

For Ages: 10 - 14 years

Number of Pages: 240

Published: July 2023

Themes: Resilience, domestic violence, depression and friendship

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/being-jimmy-baxter-fiona-lloyd/book/9781760148515.html