It was a mixed response: "loved it" "couldn't get into it" "found it distressing" "a big story" "I wanted a bit more story" and so on. So it was a lively conversation at Gatehangers last night and an excellent choice of book for a book group.
For ladies of Ashendon, poles apart from the tower block estates of London, a glossary was needed. That said some of our members are a little more 'streetwise' than others mainly thanks to our teenagers.
Bostyles (Bo in Bucks apparently), Advise yourself, Goawayou and Hutius are new to the Ashendon dialect. What we did love was how well Stephen presented 'new' language and then followed up by using the words in context until we understood what they meant.
We also agreed the writing was brilliant - it was easy to believe it was an 11 year old telling the story in his own way, and at his own tangents that illustrates how innocence is quickly lost, how bad influence comes to bear but how a good person and a good heart stays true.
Who is the pigeon? what is the pigeon? we debated this for sometime and concluded it represents Harri's conscience (or a guardian angel).
We discussed many incidents described, and observations made, in this rich text. Too many to mention here and unfair to go into detail for fear of spoiling the story. It is a sad, and often shocking, tale but there are some truly lovely moments such as: winning the race, the relationship with Poppy, the Diadora trainers, ASBO the dog to name just a few.
Would we recommend this book? Well..not to our mothers! BUT we would to certain people - including our teenage children (despite the language which apparently they all use anyway!). Why? because it's a powerful study of society - a modern day Lord of the Flies - and actually (we feel) it could be a good book to study for English Literature.
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