New Boy
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
2 journalers for this copy...
Amazon.co.uk Review
The New Boy of William Sutcliffe's hilariously touching debut novel causes a bit of a stir when he arrives at Mark's posh private school. For a start, Barry is devastatingly handsome and causes girls and boys to buckle at the knees. Mark is more than a little jealous, considering himself to be much less attractive. But he spots an ally in Barry and the two quickly become friends though Mark's feelings for Barry are often confused. For a start, he finds himself lusting after the boy in the showers but refuses to think it's because he is gay. Meanwhile, Barry is getting busy with most of the female population within a 50-mile radius, including an affair with one of his own teachers. Mark quickly realises that if he is ever going to be a hit with the opposite sex, he needs Barry's help. But he learns that Barry is hiding a few secrets of his own.
This wonderfully funny and engaging novel is a fast and captivating read, as Sutcliffe hits so many marks about the clichés of school life. The neurotic teachers, the geeky pupils and the rites of passage will all strike a chord within most readers, and the characters are effectively and warmly drawn. Mark and Barry's relationship is so wonderfully captured; their brief conversations are mainly populated with swearwords and degenerate into arguments by their end. There are examinations of both religion and, more importantly, homosexuality, and it's a comfort to see these issues treated with a respectful sense of humour. In the end though, New Boy isn't so much a novel about being gay, more about being who you want to be. --by Jonathan Weir
The New Boy of William Sutcliffe's hilariously touching debut novel causes a bit of a stir when he arrives at Mark's posh private school. For a start, Barry is devastatingly handsome and causes girls and boys to buckle at the knees. Mark is more than a little jealous, considering himself to be much less attractive. But he spots an ally in Barry and the two quickly become friends though Mark's feelings for Barry are often confused. For a start, he finds himself lusting after the boy in the showers but refuses to think it's because he is gay. Meanwhile, Barry is getting busy with most of the female population within a 50-mile radius, including an affair with one of his own teachers. Mark quickly realises that if he is ever going to be a hit with the opposite sex, he needs Barry's help. But he learns that Barry is hiding a few secrets of his own.
This wonderfully funny and engaging novel is a fast and captivating read, as Sutcliffe hits so many marks about the clichés of school life. The neurotic teachers, the geeky pupils and the rites of passage will all strike a chord within most readers, and the characters are effectively and warmly drawn. Mark and Barry's relationship is so wonderfully captured; their brief conversations are mainly populated with swearwords and degenerate into arguments by their end. There are examinations of both religion and, more importantly, homosexuality, and it's a comfort to see these issues treated with a respectful sense of humour. In the end though, New Boy isn't so much a novel about being gay, more about being who you want to be. --by Jonathan Weir
Almost two years on my TBR list, so it is time to give it a go. Starting very soon - keep tuned to see what I think of it, and if the raving review above is justified at all.
Quite as funny as "Are You Experienced?", but without the exotic bits! I noticed a thing in common to both books: how is that the main character manages to annoy me that much?? LOL!
Still, it has been fun, and now it is on its way to entertain another bookcrosser up north :)
Happy reading!
Still, it has been fun, and now it is on its way to entertain another bookcrosser up north :)
Happy reading!
Journal Entry 4 by intry from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, August 16, 2007
Thank you!
A lovely surprise RABCK was waiting for me at home, after returning from my vacation. Will read and send on :)
A lovely surprise RABCK was waiting for me at home, after returning from my vacation. Will read and send on :)
Journal Entry 5 by intry at Turun kaupunginkirjasto / Åbo stadsbibliotek in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, February 11, 2016
Released 8 yrs ago (2/11/2016 UTC) at Turun kaupunginkirjasto / Åbo stadsbibliotek in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Releasing the book in the library, on the shelf for free books by the entrance to the old part.
