Dominic Hoey's been regarded by many as a champion of the underdogs - and his latest coming-of-age story is no exception.

1985 tells the story of Obi, a child growing up surrounded by poverty in a dysfunctional family, who goes on an adventure to save the family home. 

It's since been touted as a future New Zealand classic - with Dominic described as one of the best natural writers in the country. 

"When you're talking about poverty and crime and violence and all the things that populate my books for some reason - I think it's important to make people laugh as well." 

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