It is the ‘voice’ that gives this novel its power. James is a loner, intelligent, privileged, articulate, and completely lost. His sudden refusal to do the expected thing and go to college causes his otherwise pre-occupied parents to try to ‘help’ him. This involves things, like sending him to a shrink and offering his sister an Austin Mini Cooper convertible if she can persuade him to change his mind.

Meanwhile he does silly, impulsive things, managing to offend John, the manager of his mother’s gallery, and one of the few human beings he cares for, in the process. A coming of age novel which captures that period of confusion and intensity with authenticity and humour.

Highly recommended for thoughtful readers 14+ and adults.