Marc Jarvis, Jarvy to his friends, has lost someone special. He thinks of her every day and her death will cause an ache in his heart forever. But life goes on and the story opens with Marc’s Work Experience week at Gateway Auto. Marc’s friendship with his two co-workers, Mikey and Belinda, gives him opportunities to reflect on life and relationships which he does in a gently humorous way throughout the book. Mikey is gay and the reader follows Marc’s initial feelings of confrontation which develop into a genuine admiration for Mikey’s strength of character.
Marc falls in love immediately upon meeting the beautiful Electra, but they are soon to be separated in order for Electra to accept a place in Canberra at the AIS. Their parting moments are credibly portrayed as sweetly sad, romantic without being corny.
Cameo characters like Rocco Galtieri the gym-owner “ like a planet with his own onion-scented atmosphere”, and the ever-exasperated Coach Tindale, provide a balance to the more serious characters like Mikey.
Travis is Marc’s best mate, sounding board and fellow admirer of the local girls. He is tougher and more cynical than the slightly under-confident Marc, who sees his friend as something of a role model.
The author has created a very likeable character in Marc Jarvis and the reader will enjoy his growing appreciation for the different kinds of loves and friendships that surround him.
Shortlisted in CBCA Older Readers category 2010
Jarvis 24 has been awarded Best Book in its category
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