King of Dirt Review: Homophobia & Masculinity in Australian Lit
Holden Sheppard’s King of Dirt dissects the heavy themes of internalized homophobia adn the suffocating weight of masculinity, gripping readers from the start. The novel takes place in rural Australia and follows Jack, a man wrestling with his identity and past amidst societal pressures. Through vivid storytelling, Sheppard masterfully explores the challenges of self-acceptance, making this book a compelling read. News Directory 3 showcases the nuances of this exploration. Dig deeper into Jack’s journey, including his relationship with Xavier. What sacrifices must Jack make in pursuit of authenticity? Discover what’s next for the characters, the author, and the future of this crucial discussion.
Holden Sheppard’s ‘King of Dirt’ explores Masculinity and Desire
Updated June 07, 2025
Holden Sheppard, known for his young adult fiction, including “Invisible Boys,” now tackles adult themes in his new novel, “king of Dirt.” The story revisits familiar territory, exploring the complexities of sexuality and identity in a hyper-masculine environment. This new work serves as a more intricate examination of similar themes.
The protagonist,Giacomo “Jack” Brolo,works as a mini-excavator driver in remote Australia,attempting to escape his past. His isolated life is disrupted by Spencer, an openly gay man, and an invitation to a wedding forces Jack to confront his demons back in Geraldton, Western Australia. Will he continue to drift, or face his past?
Sheppard instantly establishes Jack’s self-destructive behavior, driven by internalized homophobia. The novel paints a grim picture of a man grappling with desire and hopelessness. The narrative shifts to Geraldton, revealing the events that shaped jack’s current state. A past relationship with Xavier, a friend, was destroyed when Jack’s cousin, rocco, outed him to his family and community. Jack’s return for Rocco’s wedding presents a chance to reconcile and reconnect with Xavier, now known as Brick.
Before family tensions resurface, Jack connects with Elena, an Italian woman from his mother’s choir. Elena offers support, but Jack’s parents envision a future where he can “be normal” with her. Sheppard highlights the moral dilemma between honest self-expression and emotionally draining repression, intensified by the Brolos’ Italian heritage.
The novel, written in first person and present tense, creates psychological immediacy but also limits its scope. While aiming to explore beyond sociological boundaries,the cultural markers sometimes lack depth,impacting the emotional resonance.
While avoiding queer stereotypes, the portrayal of Jack’s relationship with Brick can feel performative. Despite this, “King of Dirt” offers moments reminiscent of S.E. Hinton’s poignant portrayals of damaged men seeking connection. However, it sometimes struggles to transcend young adult fiction’s simpler emotional stakes and predictable resolutions. The book explores themes of self acceptance and navigating a desolate landscape.
What’s next
Readers can anticipate further exploration of similar themes in Sheppard’s future works, perhaps delving deeper into the cultural nuances and complexities hinted at in “King of Dirt.”