Olly is always write

          Black Swan Green sits in an interesting place between youth and social commentary. As we follow Jason’s development and coming of age we grow alongside him and his developing world view. Through his family we can see a juxtaposition of political alignments and we watch as Jason begins to develop his own personal understanding. Alongside their strengthening relationship, Julia’s more liberal ideas begin to make sense to Jason. In some ways she radicalizes him. Or more accurately she teaches him media literacy, which is a very important plot point to look at when discussing how Black Swan Green both mirrors and contrasts our current situation in terms of war and its portrayal in the media, but I digress. Since we only see Black Swan Green and the events that take place there through Jason’s eyes we, as readers, have a very youthful understanding. This is at least until the rug gets taken out from under us. When the novel depicts Jason processing...