If anyone's capable of portraying hell, it's John Milton. In this
case, hell is an elite, all-boys boarding school in Durban, South
Africa, in 1990, and Milton is 13-year-old John "Spud" Milton, his
nickname referring to the diminutive private parts of this
preadolescent boy, an indicator of the level of humor and behavior
(and privacy) at the school. Spud is a good guy, a companionable
narrator whose journal captures his first year - classmates Mad
Dog, Rambo, Gecko and Fatty, and teachers Sparerib, Viking and The
Guv. Spud is a good observer and, unfortunately, his portrayal of
boarding-school life rings true. A parallel story line - Nelson
Mandela's release from prison - lends depth to Spud's tale as he
begins to develop a social conscience. Some readers may tire of
300-plus pages of random acts of meanness and the parade of quirky
characters, but those humored by it will be eager for the
forthcoming sequel. A bestseller in South Africa, it's likely to be
a hit with American readers as well. (Fiction. 12+) (Kirkus
Reviews)
It's South Africa, 1990. The country still squirms under the iron
fist of apartheid. Two major events are about to happen: The
release of Nelson Mandela, and more importantly, it's Spud Milton's
first year at an elite boys only private boarding school. Cursed
with parents from well beyond the lunatic fringe, a senile granny,
and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has to forge a new
life for himself in this foreign and sometimes hostile environment.
Surrounded by names such as Gecko, Rambo, Rain Man and Mad Dog,
Spud takes his first tentative steps along the path towards
manhood. (The path, it seems, could be a rather long road.) Armed
with only his wits and his diary, Spud takes us from illegal
nightswimming to the cricket field, from ghostbusting to teacher
baiting. He also invites us into the mind of a boy struggling to
come to terms with a strange new world; a boy whose eyes are being
opened to love, friendship and complete insanity.
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Review This Product
Mon, 3 Jan 2011 | Review
by: Sharron O.
Unput downable & laugh out loud stuff! My grandchildren thought grandma had finally lost her marbles by laughing out loud at frequent intervals. Fantastic light hearted read which left me with smile on my face for many days after the end of the book. Roll on the mini series and/or sequel! I see it has slipped in the local ratings (East London) and feel more should be done in the promotion. Congratulations to the author.
Sharron of Mthatha
07.01.2006
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Mon, 3 Jan 2011 | Review
by: Ronald G.
The best book i have have read in many a year. Brilliant. The only problem is that the book ends and you have to live without Spud, Mad Dog, Gecko and Rambo. Dont hesitate, buy this book!
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Mon, 3 Jan 2011 | Review
by: Russell K.
This book is in an engaging and easy-to-read format. Its South African flavour makes for interesting reading. I live in KZN, so it was a pleasure to see references to schools, places and events with which I am familiar. I think that this would make a good gift for someone overseas, as they could take a look at the dismantling of apartheid from a child's eyes.
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Wed, 3 Oct 2007 | Review
by: Samurai Jack
I thaught this book waqs really funny and entertaining. I only have trouble with some of the events: The morality factor was a bit iffy and I can't imagine letting my son read a book where a 14 year old boy has sex with a married teacher and does not suffer the consequences.
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Fri, 16 Jul 2010 | Review
by: Michelle E.
A fun, funny, light-hearted read where you cannot help but paw away at the pages!
Van der Ruit has created a novel that makes entertaining reading for both youths and adults alike. Once you've finished with it you'll miss the lark of the Crazy Eight so much that you'll instantly feel compelled to buy the next novel (The Madness Continues) as I did.
This is refreshing local fiction at its best, and in my opinion a big "screw you" to the likes of J.M. Coetzee who is morbid and deeply depressing.
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Thu, 12 Aug 2010 | Review
by: Neels B.
An amazing read that you can't easily put down for long once you've started! Be prepared for spontaneous outbursts of laughter, and withdrawal symptoms after finishing the book...
I can definitely recommend this book, as I'm very sure nobody who reads it would be disappointed!
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