Resources
Only the heart

uthors: Brian Caswell & David Phu An Chiem
Publisher details: University of Queensland Press, 1995
Cover design and artwork by Peter Evans
Cover reproduced with kind permission of University of Queensland Press.

Review from Scan 17(1) February 1998

CASWELL, Brian & PHU AN CHIEM, David
Only the heart
University of Queensland Press, 1997 (UQP Young adult fiction)
ISBN 070222927X
An interesting and pertinent collaboration, this has much that is typical Caswell in style and quality, coupled with a compelling new influence. What is it like to arrive in multicultural Australia as a Vietnamese refugee? What journey, adventures, pain, and loss lead that far? What surprises, twists and fears does the new life hold? The story of courage, perseverance, loyalty, family, survival, gangs, and much more, is intriguingly and powerfully told through different voices, interwoven into a complex whole. It is a challenging read, gathering the significant threads and connections. Characterisation is purposeful and thorough. This book offers understanding through an unforgettable, powerful experience. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5

Review from Scan 19(2) May 2000

CASWELL, Brian & PHU AN CHIEM, David
Only the heart [sound recording]
/ read by Rebecca Macauley. Louis Braille, 1998
ISBN 0732022819
A very useful recording for sighted and vision impaired audiences alike, this unabridged edition eliminates confusion and frustrating interruption with the end of each cassette being the start of the next side. The introduction provides useful background information and guidance. Rebecca Macauley's reading is evenly paced and of very consistent quality; not an easy accomplishment given the multiple narrative style we have come to expect from Brian Caswell. Despite the gripping, thrilling and evocative description as we trace the epic transmigration of Toan and Linh to Australia, there is also a beatific stillness at the heart of this tale. Issues dealt with include cultural identity, peace and war, family and growing up. This is a good literacy support for students studying the English Stage 6: ESL course. W. Bowie
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: English
SYLLABUS: English 7-10; English Stage 6: ESL

Background readings

The following are articles from Scan; copies of Scan articles can be requested from your teacher-librarian.

Atkins, H. 'Community participation through book raps at Nowra Public School', Scan 20(1) February, 2001, pp 13-15.

Bowie, B. & Mackinnon, G. 'Book raps: be tempted', Scan 19(1) February 2000, pp 4-5.

Taylor, K. 'The Maddie book rap at Barham High School', Scan 19(1) February 2000, pp 6-7.

Longworth, A. 'Book rapping at Hay War Memorial High School', Scan 19(1) February 2000, pp 10-11

Underhill, K. & Lovell, G. 'How teacher-librarians can support Stage 6 English teachers and students' Scan 19(4) November, 2000, pp 20-22.

Author profiles - web sites

Accelerated Learning Worldwide
Profiles on David Phu An Chiem and Brian Caswell

Alienzones
Brian Caswell's official site for the Alienzones series plus biographical information and abstracts of other titles including Only the heart. (Click on Quarters, then Library)

Penguin Books Australia - authors

Click on Brian Caswell
Scholastic Australia - Author/illustrator profiles
Click on Brian Caswell

Write Around Australia
Click on Stuff, then Authors, then Brian Caswell

Books by Brian Caswell
Asturias, University of Queensland Press, 1996
A cage of butterflies, University of Queensland Press, 1992
Deucalion, University of Queensland Press, 1995
Dreamslip, University of Queensland Press, 1994
A dream of stars, University of Queensland Press, 1991
Gargantua, University of Queensland Press, 1998
Gladiators in the holo-colosseum, University of Queensland Press 1998
Lisdalia, University of Queensland Press, 1994
Maddie, University of Queensland Press, 1995
Merryl of the stones, University of Queensland Press, 1989
Messengers of the great Orff, University of Queensland Press, 1998
Mike, University of Queensland Press, 1993
Only the heart, (with David Phu An Chiem), University of Queensland Press, 1993
Relax Max!, University of Queensland Press, 1997
Tee Dee and the collectors: or how it all began, University of Queensland Press, 1998
The view from Ararat, University of Queensland Press, 1999
What were the Gremholzs' dimensions again?, University of Queensland Press, 1998
Whispers from the shibboleth, University of Queensland Press, 1998