The fascinating book that became a worldwide Netflix hit, “Boy Swallows Universe,” is about Eli Bell, a young boy in Brisbane in 1985 who has to deal with a lot of problems in his life. The story, which was written by Trent Dalton, mixes fact and fiction with ease, taking from Dalton’s childhood. The story takes place in a working-class neighborhood and centers on Eli, his brother Gus, and their complicated family relationships. It’s a moving look at love, strength, and the shadows of crime. Travis Fimmel plays Lyle Orlik, one of these characters. Orlik is a key person in Eli’s journey. Does Travis Fimmel’s Lyle Orlik based on Trent Dalton’s real stepfather?
Is Travis Fimmel’s Lyle Orlik Based on Trent Dalton’s Real Stepfather?
Yes, Travis Fimmel’s character, Lyle Orlik, in the Netflix series “Boy Swallows Universe” is indeed based on Trent Dalton’s real stepfather, Gary John Lawrence. A lot of what Lyle Orlik is like comes from Lawrence’s complicated life, his criminal actions, and how he affected Dalton’s upbringing. There are similarities between the imaginary Lyle and the real Lawrence that make the story more real and emotional. In both truth and fiction, Lyle is an important character who shapes the main character’s experiences, Eli Bell, and shows how complicated Dalton’s relationship with his stepfather is.
Gary Lawrence, Trent Dalton’s Stepdad, was a repeat offender who spent a lot of his life in Brisbane’s notorious Boggo Road jail. There were many ways that Lawrence affected Dalton’s life that went beyond the role of a typical dad. Lawrence had a troubled past and was involved in illegal activities, but he was very important in protecting Dalton’s mother, helping her beat her addiction, and teaching the author and his brothers important lessons about life.
Lawrence was the person who spent the most time in Boggo Road jail without being found guilty of murder. He was a man of contradictions—a thief with a conscience and a good heart. Lawrence tried to forget about his criminal past after getting out of jail in 2001 after ten years. In spite of having spent a lot of his time in prison, he became a symbol of change and redemption. His time in jail not only taught him how to survive, but it also made him determined to live a good life when he got out.
