We Could Be Something (Will Kostakis, A&U Children’s)

Will Kostakis’s first novel Loathing Lola was published when he was 19 years old. This uncommon experience inspires his latest book, a semi-autobiographical YA novel for readers aged 14–17. We Could Be Something tracks two 17-year-old characters through narrated chapters, as they each face their own adversities: Sotiris, a published author with waning book sales and media attention, is fired by his mum from their family business and seeks solace in a charming bookseller, Jeremy; meanwhile, Harvey, whose rocky relationship with his dad is on the verge of implosion, is dragged across country to live with Greek relatives above a cafe. Both boys are eager to escape their lives and figure out their identity but romances and interfering family get in the way until their paths, and experiences, connect towards the story’s culmination. Kostakis weaves a sparkling tale of hardship, heartbreak, identity and the universal struggle of finding your footing in the world. The text is spare, pared back, allowing the subtext to breathe. This, combined with Kostakis’s talent in giving his characters clear and identifiable voices and motivations, means readers are swept up in this vivid and exquisitely written story, feeling its raw and emotional impact. Feelings of satisfaction, wonder and a little heartache upon finishing this book are testament to Kostakis’s masterful talent, growing better and better with each book he writes. This absolute must-read is a clear frontrunner for all literary awards this season.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is a freelance writer and reviewer with over 10 years’ experience working in bookshops. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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