geoffrey beveridge

"TOBY from the country, and CRUZ from the city, are from vastly different
backgrounds.Toby is a typical fun loving down to earth country lad, and Cruz the son of
Portuguese immigrants; knows only city life, the latest computer games, and strict
parental control. It is Toby's first day at boarding school, and Cruz has been given the
task of looking after him. There is an immediate unspoken conflict between the two, as
Toby questions his minder's heritage, and at the same time dreads being there. Cruz
struggles to accept or understand this brazen new boy; however respects the fact it's part
of his job to at least try.
School life, and the odd holiday together bring the boys closer. The richness
of living in the country, and the complexity of city life are analysed by each, bringing
many humorous situations to light, though often with serious undertones. The boys
along with their peers, highlight how Generation Y actually thinks. Their opinions,
fears and obsessions are full of surprises. Body art, asylum seekers, the opposite sex,
Governments, drugs, school discipline, crime and religion are some of the topics raised.
Is allelomimetic behaviour destructively out of control?
Toby fears the 'good old Aussie spirit and culture' are disappearing, and with
his peers argue how, and why this is so. Cruz finds it difficult to step away from his
family's traditions. The reader can appreciate how difficult it is for the original
Australians to accept legislated assimilation, and at the same time for immigrants to
cast off their old ways.
When the family's yacht almost sinks in a violent storm, Cruz is fuelled with
the same adrenaline and determination he had battling the bushfire with Toby. He
helped save the Murphy's property; can he help save the yacht and his parents?
As he gently placed the telephone down, Cruz knew that he couldn't make the hospital
in time; however he was elated to be able to tell Toby about the baby. It would generate
another smile and a twinkle from his old country mate at least."