Silvey has portrayed the characters to show the bigger picture in our great society. Charlie is represented as equality for all.
During 1962-75 Australia experienced their longest war against Vietnam. This was the time when Australians were conscripted into war. Many families were separated as men were sent to Vietnam to fight for their country.In the novel, Silvey clearly shows the division between the Vietnamese and the 'White Australians'. This brings the attention of the issue of racism. The people of Corrigan are very closed minded about anybody who doesn't fit into their norm- White Australians. The Lu family are one of the many families that are marginalised because of their background. They are greatly affected by the impact of the Vietnamese war, they are classified as 'the other'. Their son, Jeffrey Lu, also best friends with Charlie, must deal with constant harassment and bullying at school as he is the racial outsider. Even though Jeffrey or his family have not physically hurt anyone in Corrigan, they are still marginalised due to their ethnicity. Jeffrey is restricted to participate in activities such as sport. Boys his age rejected him when he wanted to join the cricket team. .
"Someone kicks his ankle and says, F*** off Cong. Jeffrey stumbles but keeps going head high. I want to run over to him and tell him we should go, but I don't. Even the coach is laughing.".
This shows the attitudes of the boys towards Jeffrey when he joins them in the field. He is immediately turned down because of his Vietnamese culture.
Despite the bullying and discrimination, Jeffrey's demeanour does not change. Jeffrey is constructed to bring a ray of sunlight into the book to lighten the depressing/serious tone. The use of this is very important as Jeffrey's humour and thought-provoking comments with Charlie balance out the seriousness of the novel. These characteristics however do not fit into the norms of Corrigan, which is why Jeffrey is alienated from the town.
