We Didn’t Think It Through

Judges' comments

We Didn’t Think It Through is a young adult fiction novel. Gary Lonesborough has crafted a razor-sharp narrative, offering wit and warmth in the otherwise nasty setting of juvenile incarceration. Lonesborough’s characters are imperfect, loveable and deeply relatable to First Nations readers. This is a masterfully told tale that draws together larger story-threads of injustice and systemic oppression whilst never losing the immediacy and power of the central narrative.

Lonesborough writes with a finesse and charm that sticks with you. The story is told through a pitch-perfect young adult voice which is accessible to all readers, young and old alike. This is an extraordinary accomplishment. As Lonesborough’s sophomore offering in the YA genre, the judges recognise this as the work of a writer coming into the fullness of his storytelling powers.