Michael Sweeney’s Method
by Sean Condon. Penguin Australia, 2007
Michael Sweeney’s Method is a novel set in a private school somewhere in Australia. It is a gentle, humorous story that also touches on some sad topics.
Michael himself tells the story which takes place during his final year of high school. He has one true friend, Dud. These two are very different on one level – Michael is sensitive and nervous and often behaves in a way which belies his intelligence (which is really quite high). Dud is a jock and seems a bit dumb but shows his intelligence in the way he behaves as a true friend.
One day Michael decides that they should befriend the new American kid before the creeps do. Tom (the American) turns out to be okay, except all three start to find themselves in trouble from the time they get together. But what is the secret about Tom’s dad? He is apparently famous, but for what?
Meanwhile Michael meets Lucy (or is that Edna?) and falls in love.
But nothing is that simple.
Somehow the boys get involved in a theatre production and even more complications arise as life rolls on.
There is very little in this book about studying or final exams so one must conclude that it is set in a sensible place which doesn’t have anything like the dreaded NSW HSC.
Michael is an unusual and believable character, with the odd, not too tragic flaw. He struggles with life in a realistic way, retains his sense of humour and loves his dog. Michael Sweeney’s Method is worth reading just for the dog subplot, but there’s much more to enjoy in this book.
Mrs Thomson
