The Family Law is a hilarious compilation of tales about growing up amidst domestic chaos in a migrant household of five children in outer suburban Queensland.
In his debut book, Law shares the sorts of tales that usually remain in the domain of family and perhaps, close friends, for he reveals the quirky happenings that occur behind closed doors, hints at family dynamics and lightly touches upon serious issues.
He recalls family life with affection and a rare honesty without falling prey to the temptation of unnecessary long-winded personal musings that taint many memoirs.
The tales are laden with humour and cause a smile at the sheer absurdity of the situations that Law finds himself in throughout his childhood.
Law remains true to his younger self with a childlike enthusiasm for his mother’s use of profanities, the ins and outs of childbirth and all things remotely sexual throughout his memoir. It is easy to imagine the Law Family relentless in the pursuit of their next giggle over an obscenity or a mistaken sighting of someone emerging from the shower. However, he extends his comic perception of ordinary family life beyond this playground banter to consider serious issues such as racism and social isolation.
Law succeeds in balancing humour with insight whilst maintaining a light read. He conveys maturity in his brief reflections but prefers to dwell upon his dad’s reluctance to wear certain underwear rather than engage in solemn periods of reflection. At times, humour serves as a means for Law to negotiate the world around him and deal with difficult issues.
Beneath the frequent laughter, one might imagine Law has created an intimate family history in which he can reminisce with fondness in years to come.
The television rights have been sold to Matchbox Pictures.
