Forever & Ever

By Allanah Hunt

Reviewed by Lauren Spencer

Allanah Hunt is a Barkindji and Malyangapa woman and the first recipient of the inaugural Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship. The Brisbane-based writer also works as an editor, lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland. Throughout her many articles and short stories, Hunt explores social justice, mental health and the importance of First Nations storytelling. In her role as a cultural sensitivity reader, Hunt aims to eliminate misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples by encouraging and writing truthful and empowering narratives. Much like in her powerful debut YA novel, Forever & Ever.

Forever & Ever is a hard-hitting coming-of-age love story that replaces harmful stereotypes with realistic portrayals of teenagers transitioning into adulthood and the difficulties that accompany the journey of self-discovery.

Talia, a white girl from a broken home, deals with an estranged father while caring for her mentally unstable mother. Talia develops thick skin as a coping mechanism for her less-than-ideal life. Johnny, a Barkindji boy, comes from a loving home with parents who only want the best for him. But the pressure to live up to his parents’ expectations only isolates Johnny further. Despite their different backgrounds, Talia and Johnny are united by the pressures of their adolescence. But that all changes when Talia discovers she is pregnant.

The story shifts between each protagonist’s perspective using a confessional-style narrative. Beginning at six weeks pregnant, we follow Talia in the present as she navigates her break-up with Johnny, the onset of morning sickness, and caring for her mother while trying to hide her growing belly. Johnny tells his story retrospectively, reflecting on the beginnings of his relationship with Talia, the pressure from his parents, and connecting with his cultural identity, until the two timelines converge. The dual perspective weaves through each character’s struggles, offering valuable insight into the prominent issues facing young adults.

The language is simple and unpretentious, relating to its audience using references to Supernatural and Batman, yet it is sophisticated enough to remain compelling and turbulent.

The way Hunt tactically approaches systemic issues is refreshing, using subtlety to expose difficult and necessary themes. It’s through the characters’ journeys that we become privy to racial prejudices towards First Nations people, the strain of mental illness on families, the pressures of school on teenagers, the judgement of teenage pregnancy, the effects of post-partum depression and suicidal ideation.

Forever & Ever is an emotionally high-stakes story that will connect with young adults on many levels. It takes a raw and honest look at young love without the romanticism; it confronts the uncertain and sometimes isolating experience of adolescence while reinforcing the importance of staying true to your values.

Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Text Publishing 2026

Alannah Hunt