by Daniel
2. November 2011 07:37
In some ways this incomplete twenty three chapter memoir might seem an unlikely choice for this site. It is unfinished, but nothing is lost because of that because there is no plot to complete.
This story has long been a favourite of mine, and reading it again for this review was still a pleasure. The writing is very intelligent and explores the writer's seemingly insatiable youth at his all male boarding school in the north of England with the eyes of an adult with a remarkable gift for placing himself back in his young mind.
Although the sex is plentiful and very erotic, it is the unrivalled portrayal of being a "public" schoolboy in the 1970's that make this story so entertaining. The sex may have been exceptional in quantity and availability in his school, certainly a lot more than I ever enjoyed, but you will not find writing that better captures the comradeship, fun and fear that was all part of growing up and being upper middle class in Britain. The times may have changed, but I suspect boys in such schools will still recognise the ambience and company.
Read it at nifty
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